Engagement Congratulations
The tradition of wedding engagements extends back to ancient Greece where engagements were largely business transactions, with the celebration thereof sometimes excluding the bride entirely.
Today, these are occasions for more personal, equitable celebration and happiness for the newly engaged couple. The engagement itself is an announcement of their intention to marry.
Congratulating a couple on their engagement and upcoming nuptials is the traditional response to an engagement announcement. Gifts are given by friends and family members at engagement parties that are usually hosted either by the parents of the bride-to-be or by close friends of the couple. The gifts are usually not as elaborate or expensive as those given as wedding presents; however, they are expected to be items that can help the new couple in beginning their life together or that hold a special significance to them.
Engagement cards are also a popular means of expressing congratulations, especially to a couple the giver may not know very well, but are within their social circle or among other acquaintances or coworkers. These are widely available through many card and stationary shops or can be homemade by the particularly industrious or creative. Books on card-making are easily found at the library or local bookstore and materials can be purchased from craft supplies stores.
A well-designed homemade card is more personal; however, the end results may vary considerably. If you like the personalized aspect, but aren't inclined to make the card yourself, you can have a greeting card personalized with their names and a special message. In either case, a personal message wishing the couple well is essential.
In a world with increasing numbers of online-only friendships made through social networking sites, e-cards may also be an appropriate avenue for expressing congratulations and good wishes; although, in most other circumstances, more traditional expressions are desirable.
A wide variety of engagement gifts exist; however, among the most traditional are wedding planners, decorative notebooks used to plan the actual wedding festivities and kept as an important keepsake thereafter. In a similar vein, personalized scrapbooks and photo albums are also good ideas, although albums are becoming outdated due to shifting technologies.
Tickets for events of shared interest, such as concerts, are another idea for an engagement gift, particularly if the couple has similar musical tastes or other interests. Magazine subscriptions are an additional way to support one of their shared interests. General interest or wedding-themed magazines are alternatives, in case the couple's interests are not known or vary too widely.
The most important thing about congratulating a newly engaged couple is not the cards or gifts, but the heartfelt good wishes of friends and family as they begin their journey toward a new life together.
More Engagement Gift Ideas for the Couple
A small engagement present offered to the couple soon after hearing about the news can be a great way to congratulate them. An engagement gift does not have to be over-the-top or super expensive, it is usually just a small present that shows you are happy for them. There are many engagement gifts under $25 that any couple would be excited to receive.
If you have the extra time, then you might even consider a personalized engagement gift that's under $25. Many online retailers make it much more affordable to purchase personalized or customized gifts, so you might browse through personalized engagement gifts that are unique to the couple and still within your budget.
If you know the couple really well, then it might be fun to get them an extra special gift to celebrate their engagement. Many engagement gifts for couples are items that they both can enjoy! A tasteful piece of art or personalized champagne flutes can be a great way to share in the excitement of the engagement.
An engagement gift basket can make a great gift if you do not know the couple very well. Gift baskets are common gifts that people may give to their clients, co-workers, or acquaintances after hearing the good news.
Although, nowadays, there are some cool themed gift baskets that would be perfect for a recipient that you do know well. For instance, a gardening gift basket can be a fantastic gift idea for a close friend who loves to garden, but is also very hard to shop for. With so many fun themed baskets, there is sure to be a good one for whomever you are gifting it to.