An
engagement,
betrothal, or
fiancer is a promise to wed, and also the period of time between a
marriage proposal and a
marriage. During this period, a couple is said to be
betrothed, "intended",
affianced,
engaged to be married, or simply
engaged. Future
brides and
grooms may be called
the betrothed, a
wife-to-be or
husband-to-be,
fiancée or
fiancé, respectively (from the French word ). The duration of the courtship varies vastly, and is largely dependent on cultural norms or upon the agreement of the parties involved.