Engagement Parties

Congratulations! You're engaged! It's exciting to share your news with everyone but it's also fun to celebrate with them. One way to show off your new sparkly ring is to have an engagement party. It's also a great time for your families and friends to be introduced to each other and meet before some of the wedding events. Not everyone has an engagement party, but if you are thinking about having one, here are some tips to follow. 

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Who hosts an engagement party? 

Traditionally, the bride's parents would host the engagement party. However, in today's changing times, this is not always the case. The bride and groom may host the engagement party for themselves or a close friend or family member may volunteer to host it. Just be sure to check with the bride's family, you don't want to step on any toes by offering to host the party. 

Who do I invite?

Keep in mind this is not the wedding, so you will want to keep the guest list to close family and friends. The guest list should consist of those people that are closest to you and will definitely be invited to the wedding. Don't invite anyone who you do not plan on inviting to the wedding. Don't invite out of town guests, unless they are close family/friends. They will be traveling for the wedding, no need to make them travel multiple times. Also, keep in mind your budget for the engagement party, the smaller the guest list, the less expense. 

When should I have an engagement party?

There is no rule for this but you should plan to have your engagement party one to three months after the engagement or about a year before the wedding. You don't want to hold it too close to the wedding for couples with shorter engagements. 

Should I register for gifts for an engagement party?

Gifts should not be expected for an engagement party. Some guests will bring gifts to the party but you should open them at another time, not during the party. If you do receive gifts, don't forget to send a thank you card!

What kind of party should it be (formal/casual/etc.)?

An engagement party can be as casual or as formal as you want it to be. The main factor will depend on your budget. You can have a formal dinner out at a restaurant, a cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres or a casual summer BBQ at home. 

How should I invite guests to an engagement party? 

This depends on how formal your party is going to be. You will want to send a formal invitation for a formal event, however, if it is a casual, laid-back party at home, a simple phone call or evite invitation is acceptable. 

If you decide to have an engagement party, enjoy it! This is a great time to celebrate with your new fiance and your families!

-Nicole