Engagement photos are taken to commemorate a couple’s period of engagement. The engagement period is a special time. Engagements can be brief or lengthy. Currently in the United States, the average engagement lasts roughly 16 months. And globally, we’re pretty quick to get hitched after getting engaged. In the U.K., the average amount of time between the acceptance of the engagement ring and the “I do” is two years and three months. For many couples, the engagement period is all the more precious because the decision to marry has come after much contemplation. In the United States, the average is two years and four months between meeting and getting engaged. That seems like a long time, but again compared to the rest of the world, we’re still moving pretty fast. For example, in the United Kingdom, the average amount of time people dated prior to getting engaged was two years and eleven months. Compare that to stories you hear of people who meet and get engaged within months! I’ve even heard of couples who got engaged on their first date.
It’s believed that entire ritual of engagement was originated by a pope in the early 1200s, who dictated that your intention to marry had to be “announced publicly in the churches by the priests.” He further commanded that a waiting period be imposed. He referred to this as a “suitable and fixed time.” His reasoning? He wanted to give people time to sort out any obstacles or opposition to the union before they legalized their union. He stated, ‘if legitimate impediments exist, they may be made known.” The practice of giving an engagement ring to seal the deal came later. It’s widely believed that in the late 1400s the first engagement ring was presented by the emperor of Rome to his beloved. Many engagement photos feature the engagement ring prominently. Indeed, many couples opt to have photos taken of just their hands, with the bride-to-be’s engagement ring center stage in the picture.
Engagement parties are often the first place people are informed of a new engagement. Some people enjoy throwing a party, only to surprise their guests with the news. Other people announce the engagement itself by sending an invitation to an engagement party. But for some couples, the first notice they extend to the public is with their engagement photos. Often couples will have their engagement announced in the newspaper and with the text will appear a photo of the couple.
While a couple are engaged and not yet married, there is much to do. For many couples, there is the process of preparing to set up house together. In the United States, couples spend more than $400 million dollars annually on items for their home during their engagement period. If the couple plans to host a wedding, there is much preparation and much expense. Photography is part of the wedding budget. On average, photography accounts for less than 7% of the entire wedding expense. Engagement photos typically take place prior to all of that bustle and expense. The couple is still relaxed and glowing from the excitement of their decision and the security of the knowledge that they plan to spend their lives together.