Announce an Engagement With an Invitation • Example Letters, Plus Guides and Samples
Guides
Sometimes an announcement of an engagement also serves as an invitation to the wedding or wedding reception. Such is the case with the examples below. Examples also indicate appropriate wordings for when the parents are divorced, one of them is deceased, or if the engaged couple is making the announcement themselves. See also "Announce an engagement in a newspaper," and "Announce an engagement in a personal letter."
How to write this announcement letter:
- In most cases, begin with the names of those making the announcement--usually the bride's parents. The lines will generally be centered on the page.
- Add a note of invitation.
Example Letter #1
Mr. and Mrs. John Doe announce the
engagement of their daughter Mary to Eric Johnson,
son of Mrs. and Mrs. Robert Johnson of Springfield, Kansas.
You are cordially invited to share
in the happiness of this occasion
at a reception and open house
to be held in their honor
Saturday, December 14th,
from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
at the Doe residence
1600 Main Street
Springfield, Kansas 12345
Example Letter #2
Miss Mary Doe wishes to announce her engagement to Mr. Paul Johnson. Miss Doe is originally from Centerville, Kansas, but presently resides in Springfield. Mr. Johnson is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Johnson of Centerville, Kansas. The couple is delighted to invite you to attend the wedding and subsequent celebration on October 21. The wedding ceremony will commence at 6:00 p.m. at the Riverfront Chapel. Dinner and dancing will follow at 7:30 p.m. at the Riverfront Country Club, 999 Posh Street, Centerville, Kansas.
Example Letter #3
Mrs. Jane Doe and Mr. John Smith are proud to announce the upcoming marriage of their daughter, Ashley Doe, to Melvin Johnson, son of Eric Johnson and Dr. Suzanne Johnson of Springfield. You are invited to share in this celebration. The wedding will take place at 1:00 on the afternoon of Saturday, July 20, at Riverside Beach Park. An informal reception and barbecue dinner will follow. R.S.V.P. by telephone.
Example Letter #4
John and Jane Doe are pleased to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Ashley, to Eric Stevens, son of Robert and Suzanne Stevens, on February 3, at the Springfield Reception Hall.
The bride's parents invite you to attend the wedding ceremony, as well as a reception to be held on Saturday, February 10, at the home of Robert and Suzanne Stevens at 648 Maple Lane in Springfield from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
A registry will be held at Doe Home Accessories.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1 In most cases, begin with the names of those making the announcement--usually the bride's parents. The lines will generally be centered on the page.
Sample Sentences for Step 1
- Mr. and Mrs. John Doe announce the engagement of their daughter Mary to Eric Johnson, son of Mrs. and Mrs. Melvin Johnson of Springfield, Kansas. (This is the conventional pattern.)
- Mr. and Mrs. John Doe announce the engagement and forthcoming marriage of their daughter, Mary, to Eric Johnson, son of Melvin and Anne Johnson of Springfield, Kansas. Mary Doe is also the daughter of the late Beth Smith. (This wording may be used when one of the parents is deceased and the other has remarried.)
- Mr. John Doe announces the engagement and forthcoming marriage of his daughter, Mary, to Eric Johnson, son of Melvin and Anne Johnson. Mary Doe is also the daughter of the late Beth Smith. (This wording may be used when one of the parents is deceased.)
- Mr. John Doe of Springfield, Kansas, and Mrs. Jane Smith of Centerville, Kansas, announce the engagement of their daughter Mary to Eric Johnson, son of Melvin and Anne Johnson of Springfield. (This wording may be used when parents are divorced and have different surnames.)
- Mr. John Doe announces the engagement of his daughter Mary to Eric Johnson, son of Melvin and Anne Johnson of Springfield. Mary Doe is also the daughter of Beth Smith of Centerville, Kansas. (This wording may be used when parents are divorced and only one parent is making the announcement.)
- Mary Doe and Eric Johnson are delighted to announce their engagement and forthcoming marriage on June 15. (This wording is appropriate when the engaged couple makes the announcement.)
- Eric Johnson and Mary Doe plan to marry on June 15, 2019, at the Center Church in Springfield. The couple's parents are Professor and Mrs. Melvin Johnson, Springfield, and Mr. and Mrs. John Doe of Centerville, Kansas.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
- am engaged to
- announces the engagement of
- are planning a spring wedding
- are finally taking the plunge
- are finally taking the leap
- are engaged to be married
- are pleased to announce
- are delighted to announce
- believe it or not, we are
- gives me great pleasure to announce
- have finally agreed to tie the knot
- is also the daughter of the late
- knight in shining armor arrived on the scene
- look forward to introducing you to
- plan to be married on
- plan to marry on
- the couple's parents are
- the engagement of their
- the daughter of
- the engagement and forthcoming marriage of
- want you to be among the first to know
- want to share our good news with
- who is the son of
- wish to announce their engagement
- would like all our friends to know
2 Add a note of invitation.
Sample Sentences for Step 2
- You are cordially invited to share
in the happiness of this occasion
at a reception and open house
to be held in their honor
Saturday, December 14th
from 7:00 p.m.
at the Doe residence
1600 Main Street
Springfield, Kansas - We request the pleasure of your company
at a reception in their honor Friday, June 15th,
from 7:00 p.m. at the Doe Residence
1600 Main Street, Springfield, Kansas. - They request the pleasure of your company
as they exchange their vows at seven p.m.
on the evening of June 15th.
Receiving line from seven until eight p.m.
Program and dance from eight p.m. - The pleasure of your company is requested
at their wedding Friday, June 15th
7:30 p.m. at the Springfield Hotel
Sample Phrases for Step 2
- an informal gathering of family and friends
- are cordially invited to
- as they exchange their vows
- at the Doe residence
- at a reception and dance
- invite you to
- please join us for
- please mark your calendar
- please respond with acceptance or regrets
- reception will be held at
- request the pleasure of your company
- RSVP by
- the happiness of this occasion
- the beginning of their new life together
- to an engagement party on
- to celebrate the occasion
- to share in their happiness
- to attend our wedding
- to the wedding of their daughter
- to a dinner in their honor
- to share in our happiness
- to share in their joy
- to a celebration of their marriage
- we would be delighted to see you at
