The Engagement = An action to Enter into Marriage
The engagement is the mutual giving of a promise of marriage. The engagement provides an action to enter into marriage, nor for damages for non-fulfillment of the promise. The engagement itself is an informal event, where no official actions are needed.
Engagement Period
The period of a couple working toward a wedding called off the engagement period. In the Netherlands and Belgium is in that period the compulsory marriage place. Until the 1970s the Netherlands has regularly engaged. In the 21st century, the engagement for less.
Symbolism
The engagement is intended to publicly indicate that they intend to marry. A wedding need not necessarily all known. Sometimes the engagement involves the exchange of engagement rings.
The engagement ring is usually worn on the ring finger, the traditional right to Catholics and to the left to non-Catholics.
Depending on the budget moves the ring during the marriage to the other hand (to the right of Catholics to the left and non-Catholics from left to right), or an engagement ring bought.
Iconography
The iconography is a red carnation symbolizes the engagement.
Source: http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Verloving
See Also: Sending Flowers, Online Florist, Florist