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Creative Engagement Announcement Ideas We’re Loving

April 23, 2023 | justine

Image by Elisa Lopez Photography. Need some engagement announcement ideas? Let’s get creative!

You’ve recently gotten engaged, and congratulations are in order! An engagement is a special moment in your and your partner’s life that you’ll want to share with your friends, family, and the world. But why settle for a generic announcement when you can get creative, make it truly memorable, and make your loved ones swoon? So grab your partner’s hand, and let’s dive into the world of creative engagement announcement ideas that we’re absolutely loving right now.

Creative Engagement Announcement Ideas We’re Loving

Capture The Moment With An Engagement Photo Shoot

Nothing quite captures the joy and excitement of your engagement like a beautifully captured engagement photo shoot. Whether you hire a photographer or enlist the help of a friend, a photo shoot allows you to freeze that special moment in time and create cherished memories. Plus, these photos can also serve a dual purpose as unique save-the-dates. 

You can also have them printed as postcards, magnets, or even a photo book to share with your loved ones or share them on social media to announce your engagement to the world. If you prefer to keep it private, you can keep the photos as a personal memento of your special day. Get creative with the location, props, and poses to truly make it a reflection of your love story and personality.

Recommended Reading: Preserve Precious Memories With Your Dream Wedding Album

Incorporate Your Furry Friends In Your Engagement Announcement

Who says your pets can’t be a part of your engagement announcement? Including your beloved furry friends is not only adorable, but it adds a personal touch that showcases your love for your pets and each other. You can have a professional photo shoot with your pets, where they can wear cute signs and bandanas or even carry a “Will You Marry Us?” sign. 

If you prefer a more casual approach, you can capture candid shots of you and your partner snuggling up with your pets or playing in the park together. It’s a creative and heartwarming way to share your love and excitement with your furry companions, who are undoubtedly an important part of your lives.

Share A Personalized Engagement Announcement Video

Video announcements have become a distinct way to share your engagement news with your loved ones. You have the opportunity to craft a one-of-a-kind engagement video that showcases your individual love story, featuring photos, videos, and even interviews with your family and friends. Incorporate your favorite music, heartfelt messages, and cherished moments from your relationship to make it truly unforgettable.

You can share the video on social media, send it as a save-the-date, or keep it private and share it only with your closest friends and family. You can also work with a videographer to get more creative with the format, such as a stop-motion animation, a short film, or a vlog-style video. It’s a fun and meaningful way to share your joy and excitement while also giving your loved ones a glimpse into your love story in a unique and memorable way.

Recommended Reading: How To Use Social Media For Your Wedding

 

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Engagement Mug Selfie

Raise a glass to your engagement with a creative and fun mug selfie! Incorporating your engagement ring or cutesy messages on mugs can add an extra touch of creativity to your announcement. You can customize mugs with statements like “Sip, Sip, Hooray! We’re Engaged!” or “Future Mr. & Mrs.” for a playful and unique photo. 

Capture the moment by posing with your mugs in hand, showcasing your excitement and love for each other. It’s a cute and budget-friendly way to announce your engagement with a touch of humor and creativity. Making your friends and family smile as they sip along in your joyous celebration. 

Host A Surprise Engagement Party

Imagine surprising your loved ones with the news of your engagement at what they think is a regular dinner party! It’s a unique and unexpected way to celebrate your love with your closest family and friends. Even if distance is a challenge, a virtual gathering can still bring loved ones from afar together. To make it extra special, consider incorporating a themed party concept. And infusing the theme into decorations, food, and attire for a cohesive and unforgettable experience.

You can also provide themed party favors that match the theme. Such as custom-made cookies, personalized wine glasses, or custom-printed tote bags with the theme design. These engagement party favors add to the overall ambiance of the event and serve as cherished mementos for your guests. 

Image by Paulina Bichara.

Recommended Reading: Engagement Party Favors Your Guests Will Love

Geting On The Tiktok Engagement Trend

Couples are taking to TikTok to showcase their love stories in unique and entertaining ways, capturing the attention of their friends, family, and even strangers. From choreographed dances, lip-syncs, or creative skits, there are endless possibilities to get creative with your engagement announcement ideas on the platform. You can also incorporate meaningful moments from your relationship. Or inside jokes and shared interests into your TikTok video to add a personal touch. It’s a fun and trendy way to share your love story with a modern twist, and who knows, it might just go viral! 

@mariahandbill Looks like we have a wedding to plan 😍💍 #engaged #reactions #proposal ♬ Chelsea Petersen – chels

Share The Actual Proposal

If you were lucky enough to have a professional videographer secretly capture your proposal, you already have precious footage that your loved ones would be eagerly anticipating. Ask your videographer to create a highlight reel or get creative and edit the footage with an editing app. What’s even more special? Having the videographer turn the proposal into a movie-esque masterpiece. And hosting everyone for a movie night where they can watch the proposal for the first time! Gather your friends and family and let them witness the magic of the proposal unfold on the big screen.

  Recommended Reading: 5 Steps To Pull Off The Ultimate Surprise Proposal

Share A Handwritten Note Or Card

In this digital age, a handwritten note or card is a heartfelt way to announce your engagement. Take the time to write a personalized letter or card to your closest friends and family. And express your joy and excitement about your engagement. Share your love story, reminisce about special memories, and express gratitude for their support. 

Include a photo or a printed copy of a favorite engagement photo, and mail the notes or cards to your loved ones. They will be touched by the personal touch and effort you put into sharing your engagement news. And it’s a keepsake they can treasure for years to come.

Now that you’ve shared the exciting news with your loved ones, the next step is planning your wedding. If you’re feeling overwhelmed about where to start, don’t worry! We’ve got you covered with our wedding planning and budget guides filled with expert tips and resources. So you can confidently embark on your journey to “I do.”

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Classic Black and White Canyonwood Ridge Wedding

April 22, 2023 | justine

Are you searching for wedding inspiration that’s the definition of timeless elegance? Then get ready to be swept away by Danielle and Andrea’s stunning Canyonwood Ridge wedding. From the breathtaking venue to the classic black-and-white color palette, this minimalistic, yet show-stopping celebration will leave you in awe.

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country, surrounded by rolling hills and towering oak trees, Canyonwood Ridge provided the perfect natural backdrop for the pair’s special day. The couple sealed their vows with a kiss at their chapel ceremony under a lush arch of white blooms and lush greenery by Exquisite Petals.  Meanwhile, their ballroom reception featured an all-black tablescape, white floral arrangements, and a whole lot of candles.

Their big day was the perfect blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication. Every aspect of their special day is thoughtfully curated to create a truly memorable celebration of love. If you’re dreaming of a timeless wedding that’ll stand the test of time, take inspiration from these incredible photos captured by Junebug photographer Aurelia Baca.

The Couple:

Andrea and Danielle

The Wedding:

Canyonwood Ridge, Texas, United States

How Their Canyonwood Ridge Wedding Came To Be

We knew we wanted a clean, natural look to our wedding that felt green with opportunity. So we opted for a black and white wedding, where our guests brought all the colors to our day. The planning process consistently had their experience in mind, and we worked very closely with our planner. She helped us focus on our priorities, allowing us to create and stick to our wedding budget.

Exchanging Vows Was The Most Unforgettable Moment

The most memorable part of the day by far was sharing our vows. It was such a blessed moment of clarity that our forever was already filled with such love and adoration. The love was almost palpable—just an unforgettable moment.

Working With A Trusted Team To Bring Their Vision To Life

We are most proud of our vendor team for bringing such an incredible day to life. We had a world-class planner, a photographer with an eye for beauty for the most candid moments, and a supportive team that truly became our family. We will cherish each vendor as a member of our family forever. That realization is truly so special. 

How They Chose Who Would Be In Their Wedding Party

Every single one of the illustrious women that ushered us into our forever was and are cherished friends we consider family from every walk of our lives! Childhood friends, collegiate and professional teammates—each person represented a stage of life we wanted to highlight and celebrate in curating the women we both have become.

The Wedding Team:

Photography – Aurelia Baca
Event Planning – Lahoma Dade
Ceremony Venue – Canyonwood Ridge
Floral Design – Exquisite Petals
Catering – Cajun Skillet
Cake – Sweet Cakes by Sandra
Makeup Artist – Vannessa Todd

 

Congratulations to Danielle and Andrea on their classic black and white Canyonwood Ridge wedding. And a special shout out to Junebug member Aurelia Baca for beautifully capturing their special day’s cherished memories. To see more timeless celebrations like this, check out her profile in our directory of the world’s best wedding photographers.

Just like this couple, who created a wedding that was truly their own. working with the right team can help you bring your vision to life. And if you’re looking to create a celebration that stands out from the rest, let your love and personalities shine through every detail. This will guarantee your special day will be a true reflection of your beautiful journey together.

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Wedding Plus-One Etiquette: What You Need to Know

April 21, 2023 | justine

Image by Olguin Photography. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about wedding plus one etiquette.

The wedding guest list—it’s one of the trickiest parts of wedding planning. After carefully selecting your wedding guests, the next challenge is determining whether they’re allowed to bring a plus-one, which can be a delicate situation. While there are no hard and fast rules on who makes the cut (after all, it’s your special day), there are creative strategies to simplify the process of planning plus ones and ensure it aligns with your vision and budget.

Image by Les Bandits. See more of this real wedding here.

What Is A Wedding Plus One?

The term “plus one” refers to a guest being given permission to bring somebody with them to a formal event, usually a wedding. When allocating your wedding plus ones, it’s important to note that not every guest has to have one. Traditionally, a plus one is often a date or romantic interest. However, it can also include a family member escorting an older guest who may need assistance or a close friend accompanying a single person. It’s a topic that sparks frequent discussions about wedding invitation etiquette. Should couples allow guests to bring plus-ones, and if so, which ones?

Who Should Get A Plus One?

If your wedding budget allows it, the simplest approach to handling plus-ones is to extend the invitation for all your guests to bring a date. However, if you have limitations on venue capacity or budget constraints that prevent accommodating additional guests, traditional wedding etiquette suggests that the following guests should be granted a plus-one:

Immediate Family

It’s important to consider extending a wedding plus one invitation to your nearest and dearest. Whether it’s your goofy younger brother who needs a dance partner or your doting aunt who deserves a charming companion, giving your immediate family the option to bring a plus-one can add an extra touch of warmth and joy to your celebration. After all, what’s better than seeing your loved ones share in your special day with someone who means the world to them? 

Wedding Party

These are the people who have stood by your side, helping you plan, prep, and stay sane throughout the entire process. They’ve been your confidants, your cheerleaders, and your partners-in-crime. That’s why it’s only fair to extend a plus one invitation to these VIPs. Offering one is a thoughtful gesture that shows your appreciation for their unwavering support.

Couples Who Are Married, Engaged, Live Together, Or In A Serious Long-Term Relationship

While it can be tempting to break traditional wedding rules, it’s always considerate to invite both parties in a married couple, even if you’re closer to one person than the other or haven’t met someone’s spouse. After all, would you want to attend a wedding without your own spouse? 

Similarly, for couples who are engaged, live together, or have been dating for over a year, it’s customary to offer them a plus one. In today’s world, many couples live together before marriage or choose not to marry at all. And acknowledging their commitment helps them feel included. While you can use your judgment for couples who’ve been dating for over a year, it’s best to err on the side of caution and provide a plus one unless it’s clear that it’s not a serious relationship.

An Important Guest Who Doesn’t Know The Other Attendees

Imagine if one of your dearest childhood friends, who lives far away, is attending your wedding. While they may know you, your parents, and your partner, chances are none of you will have much time to spend with them during the event. To ensure they feel comfortable and can have a good time, consider offering important guests like them a plus-one. This thoughtful gesture will allow them to bring a companion and enjoy the celebration, even if you and your other guests may not have much time to personally connect with them.

Wedding Plus One Etiquette As A Guest

As a wedding guest, it’s important to understand and follow wedding plus one etiquette. While it’s exciting to receive a plus one invitation, it’s essential to be mindful of certain wedding etiquette guidelines. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

  • Understand that not all guests are entitled to a plus one. The couple’s budget and venue capacity may determine whether or not a plus-one is extended to you
  • If you do receive a plus one invitation, RSVP promptly and provide the name of your guest as requested by the couple. This allows them to make appropriate arrangements
  • Be gracious, considerate, and respectful of the couple’s wedding day plans. Avoid making any last-minute changes or demands that may disrupt their arrangements
  • If you are unsure of whether or not your plus one can attend by the time the RSVP by date arrives, it’s best to plan on going alone. This way, the couple’s not having to pay for an extra plate that may not be needed
  • Enjoy the celebration while also making it a memorable experience for yourself and your guest. Follow the schedule of events, participate in the festivities, and be a respectful and engaged guest

Remember, being a good guest means respecting the couple’s wishes and making their wedding day as special as possible. By adhering to wedding plus one etiquette, you can ensure that you are a thoughtful and considerate attendee. Contributing to a memorable and enjoyable celebration for the couple and their loved ones.

Important Wedding Plus-One Tips

Determine Your Budget

When creating your guest list, it’s crucial to establish your budget as a starting point. The size of your guest list will depend on it, as inviting more people will require additional expenses for catering, decor, and other wedding costs. Ultimately, your guest list should align with your and your partner’s vision. Whether you dream of a grand celebration with hundreds of guests or an intimate and refined affair, the decision is entirely yours to make.

Recommended Reading: Free Budget Wedding Tool

Consider Your Venue Size

The size of your venue will also determine how many guests you can invite. If you have a small venue, you may not be able to accommodate everyone’s plus one. In this case, it is important to be upfront and honest with your guests about the limitations of your venue. Just remember, while people may be hurt, it’s your special day. You don’t need to feel bad about who you do/do not invite.

Create Tiers

Once you have determined your budget, create tiers for your guest list. Start with the must-invite list, which includes close family members and friends. Then, create a second tier for acquaintances and colleagues. Finally, create a third tier for plus ones.

Include The Plus-One In The Invitation

How you inform your guests about whether or not they can bring a plus one starts with the envelope. Traditional wedding invitations often come with an inner and outer mailing envelope. The outer envelope is addressed to the recipient (the guest or couple you know personally). And the inner envelope lists all the names of those invited, including children or plus-ones. 

However, modern invitations may not always follow this traditional approach, especially with online invitations or single envelopes. In such cases, it’s important to clearly address all invitees upfront. If a couple is in a relationship, list both guests by their full names. If you’re allowing a guest to bring a casual date, simply write your friend’s name followed by “and guest.”

Recommended Reading: The Top Websites to Buy Your Wedding Invitations Online

Consider Seating Arrangements

When planning the seating arrangements for your wedding, consider creating a seating plan that ensures a comfortable dynamic for solo guests. For singles, it can be awkward to be seated between an old married couple or a couple who is overly affectionate. Avoid creating a “singles-only” table, as it may come across as segregating your single friends. Instead, place them between outgoing and friendly couples who they are likely to get along with. This will give them the opportunity to meet people naturally.

Be Prepared For Guests Requesting If They Could Bring A Plus-One

Be prepared for guests to inquire about bringing a plus one to your wedding–even if they were not initially given a wedding plus-one. It’s important to first gather more information about the requested addition. For example, if you were unaware of your friend’s recent relationship status change, consider including their partner if possible.

However, as mentioned earlier, it’s your big day. Don’t feel obligated to make it work.  It’s okay to kindly decline. You can respond with a thoughtful message such as, “We would love for you to bring a guest, but this is a very intimate affair.” It’s best to have this conversation over the phone or in person rather than through email. As it allows for more personal communication. 

So, now that we’ve covered the wedding plus one etiquette, let’s move on to another important aspect: the seating plan. Check out our guide filled with pro tips, followed by our creative seat chart ideas that will add a fun and personal touch to your wedding celebration.

Image by Nikk Nguyen.

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