Did the holidays leave some bling on your left hand?
An engagement party is an opportunity for your families to meet and get to know one another.
Here are a few tips to help you plan your engagement party...
Who hosts the engagement celebration?
Traditionally, the parents of the bride host the event. However, today with the evolving changes in social etiquette there aren't hard and fast rules. The bride and groom can host it themselves, or a friend or other family member can undertake the hosting duties. The couple should be consulted so no more than one party is thrown in the same city in honor of their engagement.
What kind of event should it be?
This depends on the budget and couple's personal style. It can be a formal affair with printed invitations and reply cards, a casual backyard barbecue, or anything in between. A cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres is always a safe bet...my fav!
When to Have It?
Two to four months after the engagement and no later than six months before the wedding.
Where to Have It?
The party can be a dinner at a hotel, resort, club, or restaurant; a simple meal or dessert at the home of the bride’s or groom's family; a cocktail party; or a fun, casual barbeque in the backyard. When selecting a location, your host may want to keep in mind your tastes and style. The venue in which your wedding reception is being held may be willing to negotiate a good price if you have it there.
Who Gets Invited?
It is the time to make a guest's list. But that doesn't mean it should be the full wedding guest list. An engagement party is a more intimate affair. You'll definitely want to invite your two families so they can get to know one another. It's very bad etiquette to invite anyone other than those who will definitely be invited to the wedding, so it's probably best to limit the guest list to those very close to you. Typically, guests who would have to travel are not invited, as you will already be asking them to travel for the wedding. (The exception to this rule would be the parents of the bride or groom).
How They Are Invited?
If the party is formal, you or your engagement party host should send out printed invitations. You can help them find a style that coordinates with your wedding invitation. Otherwise, a short note or phone call is fine. Some people use electronic invitations and send them via e-mail. The invitation should mention the dress code if it is a formal event. Many people are unsure of what to wear and may surprise you by showing up in casual attire when you assume they would arrive dressed for a formal celebration.
Remember: Toasts are inevitable parts of engagement parties. The father of the bride is usually the first to raise a toast for his daughter, followed by the groom and others in the acquaintance. Therefore, set aside some time for toasting, during the party.
And if you're wondering if you should you expect gifts and register for them?...
You shouldn't expect gifts as etiquette does not dictate that guests should bring them. However, the announcement of an engagement inevitably gets some guests thinking about gifts, and this is a time that they might start asking your family where you are registered. Some of your guests will bring gifts to the party. Therefore it's a good idea to have registered for a few things before sending the invitations. However, as not everyone will bring a gift, don't make the gifts a central part of the party. Put them aside, and open them after the guests have left. Don't forget to send thank you notes!
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