How do you let it be known your engagement is off?

Question

I don't really want to go into details with everyone in the world and just want to keep it short and sweet.

Any ideas?

Answer 1

Have you sent out engagement announcements? Just let your family, and others immediately involved, know that you don't really want to talk about it, but it is over. Sweet and simple.  

Answer 2

How far along were you in the planning process? Had save-the-dates been sent out? Invitations?

If nothing has been sent yet, and news of your engagement was primarily word-of-mouth, let the news be broken in the same manner. Keep it short and make it clear that you have no interest in discussing details, but be upfront about it to close friends and family who would have been in the loop about your wedding plans.

If save-the-dates or invitations have been sent, a simple mailed announcement or a phone call indicating that the wedding will no longer be taking place on that date is a good idea. You need to let everyone who received a s-t-d or invite know, especially if they may have made travel arrangements in advance. If pressed for details, say that you don't want to talk about it.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Just tell the people who really need to know and then let it flow downstream from there. people will understand.

Answer 4

LOL @ greeneyes_bjb's answer... very nice teehee :)

I agree with what everyone else has said. You don't need to talk about it, just tell a few people (mom, sisters, bridesmaids, etc) and let them spread the word for you. That way the word is out and you don't need to deal with people face to face, at least until you are ready.

So sorry things didn't work out... I've been there myself... I've had broken engagements AND been divorced... trust me, it's easier now than after the fact. Still sucks, though *sigh*

Answer 5

I would say be honest and upfront.  This is your choice, and if it wasn't your choice, then I am sorry.  When this happened to me, I called off the engagement so it made it easy to tell everyone that he was a cheater.  But if you don't want to talk about it, you have that right.  Tell people, "The engagement is off, but I don't want to talk about it."  If they want details, they'll ask another friend or family member about it.  Remember, though, that is how untrue stories can get told.  Consider that before choosing to not inform anyone yourself.  Good luck!

Answer 6

Miss Manners says that you take your wedding invitations and hand-write at the bottom "will not take place" and send them out. If you haven't sent invitations out yet, then I think you should still use that sort of formal announcement format as being more impersonal.

Answer 7

Upfront and honestly. Just tell them that it wasn't going to work out and its over. Do it now before it gets any later. If they love you they will respect your decision.

Good luck

Answer 8

Actress Diane Farr was jilted by her fiance after she'd already sent out engagement announcements. She followed up by sending new announcements to all of the people who had received the engagement announcements. The new announcements simply said "Picked the wrong guy, gave him the wrong finger. Thanks for your love and support."

Answer 9

If you sent out announcements you can send a card retracting the previous announcement.

Or you can just tell your close family members and word will spread but at least that way you don't have to talk about it.

Sorry