Getting engaged is an exciting milestone in every couple’s lives, and it’s customary to extend congratulations to them. The engagement period is a time of joy, anticipation, and commitment as two people prepare to embark on a life-long journey together. However, with changing times and customs, one may wonder whether congratulating newly engaged couples is still appropriate or if there are better alternatives. This blog post will explore the topic of congratulating newly engaged couples and whether it is still considered customary and polite in modern times.
History of Congratulating Newly Engaged Couples:
The tradition of congratulating newly engaged couples dates back centuries and has roots in various cultures and religions. In ancient Rome, crossing one’s fingers was a way of wishing someone good luck in their upcoming nuptials. In medieval times, exchanging engagement rings was a sign of commitment and was often followed by a feast to celebrate the union. Today, congratulating newly engaged couples has become a universal tradition that extends across all cultures and religions.
The Merits of Congratulating Newly Engaged Couples:
Extending congratulations to newly engaged couples has several benefits. Firstly, it’s a way of expressing happiness and support to the couple. Getting engaged is a significant milestone and is often accompanied by intense emotions. Congratulating the couple can help to cement a bond of trust, strengthening the relationship between the couple and those who congratulate them. Secondly, congratulating the couple is a form of social etiquette. It signals to the newly engaged couple that their engagement is acknowledged and celebrated by friends, family, and colleagues.
Alternatives to Congratulating Newly Engaged Couples:
While congratulating newly engaged couples is still a widely accepted custom, some people may prefer alternative ways of expressing their happiness and support for the couple. Here are some alternatives to congratulating newly engaged couples:
1. Send A Card:
Sending a card is a great way to express your congratulations to the newly engaged couple. There are plenty of engagement cards available online or in-store, and you can choose one that best represents your relationship with the couple. You can also personalize the card by including a heartfelt message, quote, or poem.
2. Offer Your Best Wishes:
Offering your best wishes is a simple yet meaningful way of acknowledging the couple’s engagement. You can do this in person, over the phone, or through social media. Best wishes, unlike congratulations, do not presuppose a major achievement, and they can be extended to anyone engaging in any goal or milestone, not just engagement.
3. Buy A Gift:
Weddings and engagements often involve gift-giving. You can buy a personalized gift for the newly engaged couple to help celebrate their engagement. There are several gift options available, including jewelry, household items, or electronics. Be sure to research the couple’s preferences beforehand.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, extending congratulations to newly engaged couples is still considered customary and polite in modern times. It’s an excellent way to express happiness and support to the couple and signals that their engagement is acknowledged and celebrated by friends, family, and colleagues. However, alternative ways of expressing congratulations, such as sending a card, offering your best wishes, or buying a gift, are also acceptable. Ultimately, the method you choose to congratulate newly engaged couples will depend on your relationship with the couple and your personal preferences.
FAQ
What do you say to a bride instead of congratulations?
In the past, there was a belief that saying “congratulations” to a bride was considered rude or insensitive because it seemed like the bride had accomplished something rather than simply finding happiness with her partner. However, these days, many people have shifted their perspective and believe that saying “congratulations” is perfectly acceptable when it comes to celebrating a new marriage.
If you’re still unsure about using “congratulations,” there are plenty of other phrases you can use to offer your good wishes to the bride. For example, you might say, “Here’s to a long and happy marriage!” to express your hopes for her future with her partner. Additionally, phrases such as “Wishing you all of the love and happiness!” or “We’re so happy for you!” can be a nice way to acknowledge the couple’s joy without using the traditional “congratulations.”
The most important thing is to offer your support and love to the bride and her partner as they start their new life together. Whether you choose to use “congratulations” or another phrase, make sure that your message conveys your happiness for their union and the beginning of their life as a married couple.
How do you congratulate a wedding couple?
Congratulations on the special occasion of your wedding! This is such an exciting time for the both of you. Sharing your love and pledging your commitment to one another in the presence of family and friends is such a beautiful and memorable moment.
When it comes to congratulating a wedding couple, it is important to express your genuine happiness and excitement for the couple. If you are attending the wedding in person, take the time to congratulate them in person and offer your well-wishes for their future together. If you are unable to attend in person, sending a thoughtful card or gift can be a great way to show your support and love.
When writing a congratulatory message, it is important to keep your tone and message appropriate for the couple and the setting. For a formal wedding, a more traditional and formal message may be more appropriate. You can provide your best wishes for a lifetime of love and happiness, or share a special memory or sentiment regarding the couple.
For a more casual wedding, a more informal message may be more fitting. You can still extend your heartfelt congratulations, but it may be more appropriate to include a humorous or quirky message to make the couple smile.
The most important thing when congratulating a wedding couple is to express your joy and support for their union. Whether through a card, gift, or in-person greeting, your well-wishes will mean the world to the happy couple as they begin their new journey together.
What is a good wedding message?
A wedding is a very special and important day in someone’s life, and sending a message to the happy couple is a really nice way of showing them that you care and that you’re thinking about them on their big day. A good wedding message should be heartfelt, sincere, and appropriate for the occasion, and there are several different directions you can take when crafting your message, depending on who the couple is to you and what your relationship with them is like.
For close friends or family members, a longer and more personal message is appropriate. This could include sharing a favorite memory with the couple, expressing your excitement for their future together and wishing them all the love and happiness in the world. You can also add some humor to the message to keep things light and festive.
For acquaintances or coworkers, keeping the message simple and sweet is usually the way to go. You can offer your congratulations and express your joy for the couple without getting too sentimental or personal. You can also include a favorite quote, poem, or blessing that you feel is especially fitting for a wedding.
When it comes to the actual wording of the message, you can choose from a variety of different approaches. Formal messages tend to be more traditional and respectful, using phrases such as “With heartfelt congratulations on your wedding day.” A more informal message can be playful and creative, and might include puns or jokes. Just make sure that your message is appropriate for the couple’s tastes and personality.
No matter what type of wedding message you choose, it’s important to remember that this is a special moment for the couple, and your message should reflect the love and joy that you feel for them. By taking the time to craft a thoughtful and sincere message, you’re helping to make their wedding day even more memorable and special.
