One final tradition is an engagement gift given to the groom by the bride. He’s given her a dazzling ring to show off; it’s only proper that she respond in kind. The most traditional gift is a watch engraved with his initials or the date of the wedding or engagement.
People Responsible for Different Activities
Father of the Bride
- Greetings & Special Thanks to Family & Friends
- Announce Engagement
-
Thank you all for coming to celebrate my daughter’s engagement.
I am sure every father feels uneasy when he sees his little girl grow up and make decisions on her own, but I have a great feeling about this young man, and that makes this a whole lot easier.
I let her hand go when she learned to walk, taught her to ride a bike and drive a car. So you’d think I’d be ready for this next step. Meeting her fiancé helped make it easier—I liked him right away.
I respect that he came and asked me for her hand. But I insisted that he take the whole girl instead.
It is going to be hard to let her go—but I can’t imagine a better man to share her life with. Please raise your glasses and join her mother and me in celebrating this fantastic engagement!
Family Members of Bride & Groom
- Acknowledgement and Recognition of other “special people” in support of this union
Father & Mother of the Bride and Others
- Special Toast, Speech, or Presentation
Next, Presentation of the Couple
Groom
- Presentation of Engagement Ring or say a few words about it
Groom & Bride
- Acknowledgement of Support
Exchange of any heirlooms or playing out of special customs
More Stuff We Have to Do
Name Tags (Indicate relationship with the couple on each tag)
Display Items
Baby photos and old photos of the engaged couple
Baby Memory Books
Photos of the parents when younger
Courtship keepsakes in a shadow box or set out
Engagement Photographs
Family Tree(s)
Mini Roast of the engaged couple
Presentation of guest favors
“How we Met” story
Date met
who you were introduced by
Pending wedding date and time
Names of parents and grandparents
The basics: your names, date of party, hosted by, location and special words
