Getting engaged

The prelude to a wedding is the whole act of getting engaged and having an engagement. What is getting engaged? Why is it so important to couples that would like to get married?Getting engaged is the process that occurs when couples agree to get married. In today's society it is mostly the man that asks the woman to marry him, but in increasing numbers women are becoming the ones to ask the question. After they have agreed, they are said to be "engaged" to each other. It is at this moment that a woman engaged to man is called that his fiancée, and he becomes her fiancé.Getting engaged is almost the same as betrothal, often time these terms have been used interchangeably. There is a difference however, as betrothal is a formal arrangement or agreement involving the marrying couple and their families and in some cases the community in which they live in. It is traditional that when couples become engaged, the woman wears an engagement ring. The rings are worn to celebrate their engagement. The engagement ring is not the same as wedding rings, which is presented to each other during the wedding ceremonies. Tradition has it that engagement rings should be worn on the third finger of left hand.When couples get engaged the period between the engagement and the wedding is unusually an exciting time for them as they begin to get a feel of what the marriage is going to be like and their respective role in the marriage. The couple's relationship will move to a different level because they looking forward to a life together.They will also be making careful preparations for their wedding day, and will begin to discuss in a serious way any plans they have for their future together, and layout a direction for the family they will create.When couples go through the process of getting engaged, they are this virtue immediately thought of in the community they live in as husband and wife. There is a much higher and deeper level of intimacy, since the couple will be taking on a greater acceptance of their up coming roles as husband and wife.Getting engaged brings about for the couple the spending of more time with each other. They will begin to do a lot of things together, operating like a married couple. By doing these activities together they help to strengthen their relationship and their bond, bringing them closer together and possibly their families. After getting engaged it is common for couples go to live together once their engagement is formally announced.Some couples that are not living in the same country or are some distance away from each other do actually get engaged when their intent is to get married at some time in the distant future. Depending on the couple and their beliefs and customs the engagement period may be very shot or very long. There are certain religious groups that require that couples be engaged for up to a year before they can get married. Hence getting engaged for them is the beginning of a very long preparation period for the couple.Getting engaged is sometimes followed, in some cultures, by a formal announcement and a massive celebration or party. This is to commemorate the engagement of the couple and their commitment to each other. The engage couple is presented to the world almost like a coming out party. It is important for couples to remember that getting engaged is the beginning of their journey together and they are not to take it lightly.