THE MOST USUAL METHOD

“Perhaps the best way to announce an engagement is for the young lady and her mother to send small engraved cards to their circle of friends and relatives, making the announcement in a simple statement, and mentioning an afternoon when they will be “at home” to visitors. The young man may also send notes or cards to his friends, having first made sure that his fiancé has already announced it to her friends. The “at home” offers a splendid opportunity for each one to meet the friends of the other, and for the families of the two young people to become better acquainted. Care must be taken that there is no constraint, no drifting into “circles.” The young lady must welcome her future husband’s friends with sincere cordiality, and see that they are properly introduced to her own friends. He must mingle with her friends and make himself companionable and agreeable. To be constantly together, selfishly enjoying each other’s company while the neglected guests are left to their own devices is a breach of etiquette and must be conscientiously avoided if the “at home” is to be hailed a success.

“If this last method of announcing the engagement is decided upon, the home should boast no decorations except flowers simply arranged. The young lady and her mother, in conservative afternoon frocks, receive together. The young man is usually presented to the guests by his future father-in-law. Entertainment, such as music and dancing, may be provided for the occasion if it is convenient. Simple refreshments may be served—dainty sandwiches, cake, tea and sweets are appropriate when served in an attractive manner.

“It is also customary to place an announcement in the society columns of the newspapers simultaneously with the giving of the dinner party. It should always be written by the parents about their daughter, or by the guardian if she has no parents—never by the engaged girl herself.”

Book of Etiquette Volume I, Lilian Eichler (1923). It continues

“The vogue to-day seems to favor announcing engagements in the newspaper rather than through the issuing of announcement cards.” And I’ll note that there are always engagement announcements in our local weekly newspaper. Most of the time they include mention of where the bride-to-be is registered.