How to Announce Your Engagement (Modern Etiquette for Today’s Couples)

By Amanda Douglas & Co.

Announcing your engagement can feel a little old-school — and honestly, a little formal — but there’s still something incredibly romantic about sharing your news with your community in a thoughtful, intentional way.

Whether you’re posting on Instagram, sending out a group text, or considering a more traditional newspaper announcement, here’s a refreshed guide on how to do it with clarity, kindness, and good etiquette.

Before You Announce Anything: Your 3 Quick Rules

Protect your privacy.
Don’t share your exact wedding date or home address publicly (especially before gifts arrive). Sadly, wedding theft is real.

Tell your inner circle first.
Your closest people should hear it from you — not from Instagram.

There’s no “right” way.
You don’t have to announce it formally at all. But if you want to… here’s how.

Engagement Announcement Templates (Modern + Traditional Options)

Below are updated versions of the classic announcement styles — just cleaner, clearer, and more human. Use these as templates you can adapt.

1. Traditional Announcement (Parents Together)

This is the classic format where the bride’s parents share the news.

Example:
Mr. and Mrs. John Smith of Toronto announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Smith, to Joseph Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Brown of Ottawa. A date has not yet been set.

Why this works:
Short, respectful, and to the point — perfect for newspapers or formal families.

2. Divorced Parents (One Parent Announces, Both Are Included)

If you primarily live with one parent, they can make the announcement, but still include both.

Example:
Mrs. Johanna Smith announces the engagement of her daughter, Mary Smith, to Joseph Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Brown of Ottawa. Miss Smith is also the daughter of Mr. John Smith of Vancouver.

Modern tip:
If both parents are happily involved, they can share a joint announcement even if divorced.

3. Divorced Parents Announcing Together (Friendly Version)

Example:
Mr. John Smith of Vancouver and Mrs. Johanna Smith of Toronto announce the engagement of their daughter, Mary Smith, to Joseph Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Brown of Ottawa.

Why this works:
It centres the couple and keeps it classy.

4. If a Parent Has Remarried

Use the current married name and clarify the relationship gently.

Example:
Mr. and Mrs. Euclid Cormier announce the engagement of Mrs. Cormier’s daughter, Mary Smith, to Joseph Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Brown of Ottawa. Miss Smith is also the daughter of Mr. John Smith of Vancouver.

Modern note:
This is totally normal now — blended families are common and everyone understands.

5. If One Parent Has Passed Away

Acknowledge both parents with sensitivity.

Example:
The engagement of Miss Mary Smith, daughter of Mrs. John Smith and the late Mr. John Smith, to Joseph Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Brown of Ottawa, is announced by the bride’s mother.

Tone tip:
Simple. Kind. Respectful.

6. If Both Parents Have Passed Away

A close relative may share the news.

Example:
Mr. Steven Johnson of Hamilton announces the engagement of his niece, Miss Mary Smith, to Joseph Brown, son of Mr. and Mrs. James Brown of Ottawa. Miss Smith is the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.

Modern version:
You can also announce it yourself — there’s no pressure to involve extended family.

7. Announcing Your Own Engagement

Yes, you absolutely can.
Yes, it’s appropriate.
Yes, it’s often easier.

Example:
Mary Smith and Joseph Brown are delighted to announce their engagement. Mary is the daughter of Johanna Smith of Toronto and John Smith of Vancouver. Joseph is the son of James and Claire Brown of Ottawa. A celebration is planned for next summer.

Modern update:
No need for job titles or elaborate bios unless you want that energy.

Second Marriage Announcements

If this isn’t your first marriage, it’s still perfectly appropriate to share the news.

Just one rule:
👉 Don’t mention previous marriages in the announcement.

Keep it simple and joyful.

Newspaper Announcements (Still a Thing!)

If you want to publish your announcement:

Check your local paper’s guidelines.
Contact the lifestyle editor or department.
Send a clean, simple version of your announcement.

Pro tip:
Newspapers like consistency. Use a template.

A Modern Note from Me (Amanda Douglas & Co.)

However, you share your engagement — a newspaper notice, a cute Instagram post, a text to your favourite people — do it in a way that feels like you.

There’s no one correct form.
Just a good way to honour your story, your people, and this beautiful moment.

And if you want help planning the celebration part?
You know where to find me 💚