This is it! You've just gotten engaged. Now it's time to share the news.

Your families should be the first to know. Traditionally, it was up to the groom's mother to invite the bride's parents over for dinner or drinks. Nowadays, however, you can organize an informal brunch where everyone can relax and get to know each other.

After that, you may consider publishing an engagement announcement in the newspaper. This can be done up to a year prior to the official wedding date and should include the names of the bride and groom, both sets of parents, and the date and location of the big event.

Your engagement party

Your respective families will probably want to organize an engagement party for you, or even two separate celebrations if they live far apart. If so, invite your parents and other family, members of the wedding party and any other friends who are near and dear to your heart.

Engagement gifts

Your guests are under no obligation to bring gifts (especially if they're paying for their meals), but they probably will, anyway. Resist the urge to tear open your presents on the spot, though - you don't want to offend anyone who came empty-handed.

If you're having a large celebration, some of your guests may ask you for a wish list. Save the pricier items for your bridal registry and suggest smaller, more affordable gift ideas such as picture frames and other "objects d'art."