Occasion HandbookWeddings 15 examples

What to Say When Someone Gets Engaged

Congratulate the couple, ask about the story, and do not ask about the date. That is the whole etiquette.

In the moment

  1. 1 Congratulations! Tell me everything.
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  2. 2 That is wonderful news. I am so pleased for you both.
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  3. 3 Oh, at last. Congratulations, both of you.
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  4. 4 Congratulations. How did it happen? I want the whole thing.
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The question to ask

Everyone asks about the date and the venue. Almost nobody asks the good question.

  1. 5 How did they ask?
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  2. 6 What did you say? Word for word.
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  3. 7 Did you know it was coming?
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  4. 8 How did you tell your mum?
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In a card or a message

  1. 9 Congratulations on your engagement. Wonderful news.
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  2. 10 So happy for you both. Enjoy this bit — it goes quickly.
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  3. 11 Congratulations! Do not let anyone rush you into a date.
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  4. 12 Delighted for you both. Let us take you out to celebrate.
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If you have reservations

  1. 13 Say congratulations and nothing else. An engagement is not the moment.
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  2. 14 If you genuinely need to say something, it is a private conversation weeks later, once, and then never again.
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  3. 15 Never at the party, and never in writing.
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Questions people actually ask

What should you not say when someone gets engaged?

Do not ask when the wedding is. Most couples have no date, get asked forty times in a week, and end up apologising for not knowing.