For family members and close friends, Giclée Canvas Gallery Wrap Prints make an excellent gift. You choose the image, size, edge color/style, and depth - for a completely unique and personal display - and KeenART Media does the rest. We can even ship the finished product directly to the lucky couple.

Your own engagement is also a great excuse to get photographs taken, and display one (or more) of your favorites in vivid color or edgy black and white on your own walls. Why not gift yourself in celebration of this special occasion?

PICKING THE PERFECT GIFT

The image, the size, the display - these are all important things to consider when choosing wall decor as a gift. It should be something the recipients will love, not just something you'd like yourself! Here are some tips for selecting the best piece for that special couple's romantic celebration:

• Snoop around their house. Not into drawers and closets, but try to get a feel for the decorating scheme. If they like simple wallpapers and light shades, go for a picture in this same vein. Are they more into bold colors and styles? Choose a photo that reflects this wilder version of their personalities.

• Bring up home decor-related conversations, and then listen. Do they mention an area they wish was better decorated? How about a color scheme in the planning stages? If a blank wall is a subject of despair, sneak a measurement so you can order an artwork of the perfect size.

• Concerned about picking the right thing? Consider ordering a small image. No less thoughtful or eye-catching, a little 10x10" or 15x20" print fits perfectly in the front hall, office, or stairwell, and won't take over. Or, if you really have no idea, you can always just ask! It might not be a complete surprise, but it won't be any less appreciated.

• If the couple aren't residing together until after the wedding, why not give them something they can both enjoy before and after the big day? A two-piece canvas is a great idea. Divide a photograph of them as a couple and give each person the other's image. Then, when decorating their new, shared home, they can hang the pictures side by side.

• Still stuck? Why not opt for something that suits the special day? Text art with a favorite romantic poem or song can make a beautiful wall hanging. Just give the lyrics to our talented graphic designer, and we'll create a one-of-a-kind artwork for your friends or family.

• Once you've settled on the image, consider the presentation. Do they already have a number of canvases hanging in the home? If so, you might choose to stick with that display, or pick out one of our beautiful canvas floater frame to accentuate the picture.

• If you don't have access to the perfect image, or for any other reason you're unable to select a canvas print or frame, why not let them pick their own, on you! We offer Gift Certificates in custom denominations. We can send the recipient the code via email, or print a physical certificate and mail it straight to them!

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THE HISTORY OF THE WEDDING ENGAGEMENT

The practice of asking for woman's father for her hand in marriage originated when the women of the family were seen as property - to be passed from the father to the husband at the wedding ceremony. In most Western cultures today, asking for her hand is a formality that shows respect for the paternal figure, or the parental unit as a whole. Many couples have completely done away with this symbol.

Engagement or betrothal time periods vary in different cultures and eras. Some betrothals were part of the wedding ceremony, so only a few hours passed between the two events. A few months, up to a year, was quite common for couples in the mid to late 20th century. Today, engagement periods range widely from a matter of months to multiple years. The ability to book the desired venues, photographers, or musicians can also play a part in determining the engagement length.

Engagement rings are not a traditional concept, though the act of selecting and presenting the ring play a large role in many "traditional" betrothals today.

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