An engagement is a promise to marriage, and also the period of time between proposal and marriagewhich may be lengthy or trivial. During this period, a couple is said to be affianced, betrothed, engaged to be married, or simply engaged. Future brides and bridegrooms are often referred to as fiancées or fiancés respectively (from the French word ). Its duration varies vastly. See Courtship#Duration Long engagements were once common in formal arranged marriages and it wasn't uncommon fo… (More on Engagement)