Clinton News-Record, 1987-02-18, Page 24Page 2 Showcase ' 87
s:
Getting engaged is a family affair
Congratulations, you Just became
engaged and know you're wondering who
do you tell the good news to first.
Traditionally, the bride's parents hear
first. If they know your fiance well, you
might share the news together. Your
fiance does not have to ask for your hand
these days. But it could be reassuring on
both sides if your dad and he spent time
alone together.
If your family doesn't know your
fiance, you may wish to tell them by
yourself. Talking to your parents alone
will give them the chance to react honest-
ly, whether they're unsure of your rela-
tionship with him or they simply want to
kiss you and cry over you in private.
If you live far away and can't manage
a trip back home to tell your parents the
happy news- in person, call or write with
your plans, arranging a visit to introduce
your man to them.
His parents get the good news next
you and your fiance - or he alone - can
tell his parents in much the same way
you told yours. If either of you has
divorced parents, and one parent raised
you or him, tell that parent first. Tell the
other parent immediately after that, so
the news is heard from you.
Then it's your closest friends and
relatives - phone or write them, as
special people deserve to hear from you
or a family member, rather than through
the grapevine.
Printed engagement cards sent through
the mail are not traditional, but a
newspaper announcement is. The wor-
ding'' Mr. and Mrs. Walter Brown of
West Street announce the engagement of
their daughter Katherine Anne to Mr
Theodore Hanson of London. An August
weddiiig-is planned.
An engagement party the night , or the
night before, the announcement appears
would be fun if you'd rather try to sur-
prise everyone. No need to put an) hints
on the invitations. Your ring , if you have
it already), your mule and a toast led by
your father should tell the whole, happy
story to the guests.
Getting the families together
As soon as you've told your families,
tradition says your fiertce's parents invite
your parents over. But not everyone
knows this custom, so your fiance might
clue his mother and father in - or you
might.suggest your parents make the
overtures.
When your parents meet you may - or
may not - be involved. The parents may
want to be alone to congratulate each
other on raising such fine offspring and
to discuss their roles in the wedding , do
the groom's parents pick up the liquor
tab' Will the mothers wear long dresses
or short.' a Their meeting should be in a
setting comfortable for both There can
be a gathering with brothers and sisters
later Are your parents - or his -
divorced' They can be entertained
separately if the tKo sets of parents live
far apart - or the wedding is someplace
other than in one of their home towns'
The mothers can arrange for the families
to arrive at the wedding city early, so
everyone's well acquainted by the big
day
If your parents aren't likely to see eye
to eye you may be from different
religious or economic backgrounds plan
their first meeting to be short and
perhaps held in a public place Above
all, you relax. And if any compromise
classic black tie rather than colored
tuxes' , will help smooth the situation. do
it You'll always be glad you got family
relations off to the best start
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OUT OFA TR. �SURED PAST...
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For The Gift They'll Remember...
1''
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Choose from our wide selection of Brass,
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Complete your gift selec tion with
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Bridal i ft
Registry.
Attention All Brides -To -Be!
Our Bridal Registry is for you - and
for your family and friends who want to
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Ail Around The House
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524-4181
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