What to Do During Engagement? Step by Step Engagement Ceremony Guide

Engagement is one of the important steps taken on the road to marriage and has a great meaning for couples. It means both the families getting to know each other and two people taking the first serious step towards marriage. Although the engagement ceremony is not as big as a wedding, it is an organization that requires care and attention. So, what is done in order during the engagement? Here is our guide explaining step by step what to do during the engagement ceremony.

Meeting the Families and Determining the Engagement Date

The most important step in the engagement process is the formal introduction of the couple's families. According to tradition, the man's family goes to the girl's house and holds a formal marriage proposal ceremony. The families get to know each other at this stage and if the proposal is accepted, a suitable date for the engagement is determined. This date is chosen at a time that is convenient for both the families and the couple.

Planning the Engagement Organization

After the engagement date is determined, it is necessary to decide how the organization will be. Will the engagement be held at home, will a hall be rented, or will a simple ceremony be held? These decisions affect the general atmosphere of the engagement ceremony and the other steps to be taken in order.

Choosing an Engagement Venue

If the engagement ceremony will be held at home, the arrangements and preparations for the house should begin earlier. For an engagement ceremony to be held in a hall or outdoors, reservations and decoration details should be planned early. The choice of venue will also determine the number of guests.

Engagement Theme and Decoration

Whether the engagement ceremony will have a theme or not depends on the couple's preference. A romantic, bohemian or classic theme can be chosen. This theme can affect every detail from engagement decoration to invitations. Details such as flowers, table setting, engagement table decorations should be finalized at this stage.

Choosing Engagement Rings

The most important symbol of the engagement is undoubtedly the engagement rings. Before the engagement ceremony, the couple should choose their engagement rings. According to tradition, these rings are worn by one of the elders during the engagement and this moment symbolizes the official start of the engagement. Special details such as names or the engagement date can also be engraved on the rings.

Choosing Engagement Dresses

The clothes to be worn at the engagement ceremony vary depending on whether the ceremony is formal or more casual. The bride's side usually chooses a special engagement dress for the engagement, while the groom's side prefers to wear a suit. The clothes should be appropriate for the engagement theme and the venue, providing a stylish and harmonious look in the photos. It is also important for the bride to plan her engagement hair and makeup according to her outfit.

Preparations Before the Engagement Ceremony

As the engagement ceremony approaches, various preparations need to be made. Here are the steps to consider during this process:

• Sending Invitations: After determining the number of guests who will attend the engagement ceremony, invitations are prepared and sent. Traditional or digital invitations can be preferred.
• Ordering Engagement Cake: Engagement cake is one of the sweetest moments of the engagement ceremony. The design of the cake should be in line with the theme of the ceremony and its size should be determined according to the number of guests.
• Photographer and Videographer: It is also important to hire a professional photographer and videographer to capture the memories of the engagement ceremony. This way, the couple's best moments during the ceremony are documented.
  

Engagement Ceremony: Asking for the Girl's Hand in Marriage and Ring Ceremony

When the engagement day arrives, the ceremony usually proceeds in this order:

Girl's Asking Ceremony

According to tradition, the man's family comes to the girl's house to ask for her hand in marriage. The marriage proposal conversation is held and the girl's father or elders ask for her hand in marriage by saying "By the order of Allah, by the word of the Prophet". At this stage, the couple's families and relatives are usually together.

Wearing the Rings

After the marriage proposal ceremony, it is time to put on the rings. The rings are usually put on by one of the couple's oldest family members, and this person prays for the couple's happiness. The engagement rings are tied with a red ribbon, and after the ring is put on, this ribbon is cut with scissors. After the ribbon is cut, the engagement ceremony officially begins with applause.

Coffee Service

After the marriage proposal ceremony, salted coffee is traditionally served to the groom. While the bride prepares salted coffee for the groom, sweet coffee is served to the other guests. The groom who drinks the salted coffee shows his patience with this symbolic tradition.

Engagement Party

After the rings are exchanged and the official part of the engagement ceremony is complete, the engagement party begins. If the engagement is being held by a small family, conversation and celebrations are held at the dinner table. In a larger event, dancing and entertainment continue with music. The engagement cake is cut and cake and desserts are served to the guests.

Engagement Gifts

During the engagement ceremony, the families of the bride and groom give each other gifts called engagement bundles . The bundles symbolize the love and commitment of both parties to each other. The bride's bundle usually contains personal care products, elegant clothes and jewelry. The bundle given to the groom contains gifts such as a suit and perfume.

The Engagement Process Should Remain a Pleasant Memory

The engagement ceremony is considered an important step on the road to marriage, where both the couple and their families get to know each other better. Every step in this process requires careful planning. Knowing how the engagement process progresses in order will ensure that this special day is stress-free and enjoyable. For both the bride and groom, the engagement will be remembered as one of the most meaningful days of their lives.