This event can be considered part of the wedding ceremony or tradition and it takes place from some months up to two years before the scheduled date.
Formerly the betrothal was just an economic agreement between the families in which neither bride nor would be involved. Nowadays the economic aspect of it was disappeared while the romantic side remains.
Typically, the engagement happens when it is presumed to be accepted before hand, so it remains an act of sympathy and bond of both families. If there is dissatisfaction and conformity of any party, this act will always be violent and it is advisable not to do it, as seen on multiple occasions on TV.
Today's proposal of marriage is usually a cocktail party, a meeting with drinks, lunch or dinner, involving the closest relatives of both bride and groom. Although it is normal that everyone knows each other, it serves to strengthen the ties, and why not, friendship between "in-laws."
The groom should be received before the time of the engagement itself, bouquets for the bride and her should be arranged as well as floral arrangements as decoration that will give character and taste to an initial sight to make the bride look good in the eyes of his new political family.
How to organise it
The proposal of marriage has ceased to be done formally with the usual asking the bride's father for his daughter's hand to an exchange of gifts between the couple. Most certainly he will give her an engagement ring and she will give a smaller gift in return. But these are traditions that can be replaced by different ones. Parents can exchange with each other gifts of commitment.
In the case of a "surprise engagement" the groom would take the bride for dinner, alone or with other family members and propose surprising her with a ring. It is important to emphasise that the relationship should be ripe enough so that there is no risk of her saying no.
Other original proposals consist on a trip for both families to strengthen ties, but this option is recommended when there is already sufficient prior knowledge. Otherwise there may be bad impressions that lead to live together 24 hours a day with people who have not chosen to spend that time together.
Another idea is to organize a party in which, besides apart from the closest relatives, other members of the extended family are invited, as well as special common friends. In this way the event is more special because it engages the part of future guests.
Conclusion
The real purpose, apart from letting both families meet and know each other better, is to start preparing the wedding couple and advise on general aspects such as number of guests or place and banquet menu. It is a good time to discuss up to what degree of extended family will the guest list include.
It is advisable that the funding aspect of the wedding is discussed among groom and both sets of parents. It is advisable that they have the enough information about price per head for the wedding reception, as well as whether the wedding will take place far away.
Finally, the wedding proposal is a fantastic event to invite a wedding photographer to. Specially if it involves family from both sides meeting for the first time or getting to know each other better.
Maria De Faci is a Wedding Photographer London based in South East England and covering London, Surrey, Berkshire, etc. In addition to her photography full time job, Maria writes articles about wedding advice and business.