ENGAGEMENT PARTIES
The Do’s and Don’ts of Engagement Parties
Getting engaged is one of the most exciting moments of your life, and your engagement party is the perfect opportunity to celebrate with your family and friends. But with great celebration comes great responsibility—for both the engaged couple and the guests. Follow these etiquette tips to ensure your engagement party is a hit.
Photo Credit: Michelle & Pete Photo & FIlm.
Invitations
When it comes to invitations, it’s important to remember that engagement parties are typically more casual than other wedding-related events. But that doesn’t mean you can go without invitations altogether. Here are a few tips for sending out your engagement party invites:
– Send them out at least four weeks in advance.
– Include your wedding website (if you have one).
– Clearly state the date, time, and location of the party.
– Indicate if there will be a dress code or any other special instructions.
Guest List
Your guest list should include anyone who will be invited to your wedding. That being said, don’t feel obligated to invite everyone. Here are a few things to consider when making your guest list:
– Keep in mind that your engagement party is typically smaller than your wedding, so you may need to make some cuts.
– Consider inviting close family and friends only.
– If you’re inviting coworkers, make sure you invite everyone in the same department to avoid hurt feelings.
Gift Giving
While guests are not obligated to bring a gift to an engagement party, many will want to offer congratulations. It’s important to make it clear that gifts are not mandatory, and never include registry information on your invitations. Here are some tips:
– Include a line on the invitation that says, “Your presence is the only gift we need,” or something similar.
– If guests still want to bring a gift, suggest something small and simple, like a bottle of wine or a potted plant.
– Don’t open gifts at the party. Wait until everyone has left to open them.
Party Details
Now that the invitations and guest list are taken care of, it’s time to focus on the party itself. Here are some tips for making your engagement party a success:
– Consider hosting it at a restaurant or private home.
– Have a signature cocktail or two, but make sure there are non-alcoholic options too.
– Plan some light refreshments or appetizers for your guests to enjoy.
– Keep the decor simple and elegant.
FAQs
Q: Can we invite people who aren’t invited to the wedding?
A: It’s generally considered rude to invite people to an engagement party who won’t be invited to the wedding.
Q: Should we have speeches or toasts at our engagement party?
A: It’s up to the host, but typically engagement parties are more casual and do not include formal toasts or speeches.
Q: Can we plan our own engagement party?
A: Technically, yes, but it’s considered bad form to throw your own engagement party. Ask a close friend or family member to host it for you.
Conclusion:
Your engagement party is the perfect way to kick off your wedding celebrations, but it’s important to remember that etiquette still applies. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a fun and memorable engagement party that your guests will love.
“You will find that most times you have a vision of what it is that you want to accomplish and that’s most important. It allows you to work backwards and make cuts and changes that will still reflect the overall outcome you wish to achieve. What good is splurging on one particular item if it doesn’t result in the overall outcome you were trying to create?