To think that Engagements are no big deal anymore?

[IndiGlowie]

It seems to me that people don't bother with engagements anymore . I remember years ago Engagements were celebrated. It was put in the local paper , there was a party etc . I haven't heard of anyone young getting engaged for a long time . Is it dying out ?

I think of it as a throwback to the days where bagging a chap was seen as some kind of crowning female achievement.

It would also have been chance for people to say congratulations and show off ring. Now with sm everyone has already done that.

Well most couples, not just women, are far older when they get married now. Fact is you can’t get married under the age of 18 now.
People used to buy gifts which the couple would find useful such as tea towels. Now couples want cash. In fairness I wouldn’t give cash as an engagement present to someone who already lives together or has children. Especially since so many marriages/relationships end.
Back in the day you could invite lots of guests to an evening do as someone would do a buffet, and give you a price for x amount of guests.
The pub/venue were happy to hire out the room as they would make a good profit behind the bar. The same applies to any event.
I suppose a lot of these pubs and clubs have closed down now.
As an aside does anyone remember the silver keys you got for 18th birthdays and 21st birthdays which came in boxes?

They still do them on Amazon! My family used to sing that key to the door never been 21 before song.

I think parties were generally just more popular. I’m from northern town background. Houses were small often with just a yard so people couldn’t entertain at home. Lots of working men’s and social clubs with free room hire.
So the party wouldn’t cost much. Pie & peas was popular or a buffet made by family members.
Parties for silver and ruby or golden wedding anniversaries too.

Yes definitely parties for Golden wedding anniversaries etc.
Again I doubt many couples getting married today will be celebrating a golden wedding or longer. It’s just the change in society, yet I recall several of my older relatives had golden wedding parties in venues.

A lot of people get engaged, but then don’t marry for ages, or they don’t get married at all. As PP’s have said, it’s less of a life step now, you’re typically already living together, etc.