Some people feel that engagement is nothing but an old tradition. For some others, it is an important stage before their marriage. However, engagement has been established as the official announcement of your relationship to friends and family and a good opportunity to introduce the families to each other.

Few years ago, engagement considered to be an essential part of couple's life as it was the occasion that the groom approaches the bride's father to ask for his daughter's hand. Since then, things have changed, but engagement is still the token of the pledge the couple has made to each other. Moreover, the period between engagement and marriage, is a good opportunity for the couple to organize their wedding.

Traditionally, the engagement celebration is hosted by the bride's parents with the presence of both families and friends. On the other hand, some couples choose to throw a huge celebration party to announce their engagement. Remember, that your engagement celebration can be anything you want!

In Greece it is typical for the couple to celebrate their engagement by having a dinner with family and friends, usually in bride's house. So if you decide to follow the Greek tradition, there are some things that you have to keep in mind. First of all, decide on the dinner and drinks you will serve to your guests. Make sure there is a wide variety in order to satisfy everyone. On the other hand you can hire a caterer who will assist you in organizing the perfect dinner.

Decorate your house with flowers and ribbons in order to create a festive atmosphere for your engagement. As far as music is concerned, be prepared! Have CDs with different kinds of music and choose one preferable to the majority.

For the Greek engagement ritual now, there must be a small table and a decorated tray placed on it. The groom will place the rings in that tray when he and his family arrive. When all the guests are present, the best man will place the rings on the left third finger. According to tradition, during the engagement period, the rings are worn on the left hand and after the marriage on the right hand. If you wish, a priest can be invited to bless the engagement rings and the engaged couple.

Afterwards, groom's family give presents to the bride, expressing their love and respect. Nowadays, it is common for the bride's family to give presents in return such as cuff links and gold chains.

Your engagement will be a magnificent stage of your life and another opportunity to celebrate your love. Relax and enjoy your new status as a happily engaged couple and begin your magic journey towards your wedding...

The Engagement Ring.

The gift of the ring is actually a very old tradition and through centuries became a token of promised love. It was used to seal important sacred agreement and due to its round shape, became a symbol of unending and eternal love.Diamonds and birthstones were used as engagement stones which because of their composition, symbolize the strength of the couple's love.
During the engagement period, the ring is placed on the third finger of the left hand, as it is believed that this finger is connected directly to the heart by the "vena amoris", which means the "vein of love".

Asking for the bride's hand in marriage.

It comes from the Roman tradition called "joining of hands" and is a symbolic purchase. The bride's father would receive a coin from the groom and then the bride would be passed from her father's "hand", responsibility, to her husband's.