This kind of announcement is formal. It is a public statement that a couple has intentions of getting married. It usually states the name of the engaged persons, their parents, and where they live.

You have to check first with the newspaper editor the guidelines and requirements before submitting your details. It should also use appropriate words if one of the parents is deceased, the parents are divorced or the couple is the one making the announcement and not their parents. Writing this type of announcement is really a challenge because anyone could read your announcement.

You might consider disclosing some details and facts. You have to double check the data that you plan to include in the announcement. For instance, is it logical and safe to state the address and number of your child or yours? It is highly recommended that contact details should be kept away from any public announcements.

Keep in mind that a newspaper is a public communication tool and you are posting a very personal event. Just be discreet with other information.

Here are some general tips on how to write an announcement:

1) You have to be concise and direct. Make sure that your reader will be able to get and understand clearly the information you want to convey.

2) It should be friendly and short especially if you are sharing good news to the readers. Your announcement should post positive feelings.

3) When writing an announcement, you should give complete details.

4) Once you are done writing your work, proofread. Consult online dictionary, thesaurus or grammar check if you have to.

For your guide, see sample letter to know how to announce a very important event such as an engagement in a newspaper.

SAMPLE

November 25, 2010

George and Brittany Washington
1234 Narrow Road
Rainbow, PA 10987

Nicolas VonStoudt
2345 Antioch Drive
Queens, NY 02345

We are glad to announce the engagement of Jane Smith and John Doe. The couple has been dating for five years already and just last Saturday, over dinner, John asked the hand of our daughter in marriage.

To all our families and friends who know our daughter or John, kindly email us at engagement@engagement.com. Please include in your email who you are and your mailing address for us to send a formal invitation for their engagement party.

All our family and friends are invited for a simple gathering. Hope all of you can attend.

Thank you.

George and Brittany Washington