May

Engagement Party Etiquette Tips

When I was planning my wedding just a few years ago, I heard lots of people say that throwing an engagement party is quickly going out of style, that people just don’t want to throw engagement parties anymore. And yet, when I got engaged and started doing some research, there was a lot of information out there about engagement parties. Not just what they were, but engagement party etiquette, and other frequently asked questions about a typical engagement party. So, I think that if there was that much information out there about that just a few years ago, that engagement parties are still alive and well. Plus, as long as families want to celebrate the engagement of their sons and daughters, engagement parties will never go out of style. There are lots of questions about engagement parties, and especially the subject of engagement party etiquette. Hopefully, with these main points I can cover the highlights that you’ll need to know.

Who Should Throw an Engagement Party?

Engagement party etiquette states that the engagement party should be held by either the parents of the bride and groom, or a close family member or friend. Also, engagement party etiquette does say that the bride and groom should never ask their friends or family members to throw an engagement party for them.

When Should the Engagement Party be?

There is no set time in the ‘engagement party etiquette’ guidelines that says when exactly an engagement party should be. But, an engagement party should be held once the couple is officially engaged, and held at a time when both the future bride and groom can attend. Engagement party etiquette states that engagement parties should be held within the first three months after the couple becomes engaged, and at least nine months to one year before the wedding is scheduled to take place. Remember, you are celebrating the wedding festivities that are to come….not that are next month.

Should Guests Bring Gifts?

Engagement party etiquette states that guests are not required to bring gifts, nor should they be expected to either. An engagement party is meant to celebrate the couple and their love. Now, many guests will still bring a small gift, but the couple should not expect anyone to bring any gifts.

Who Should Attend the Engagement Party?

Engagement party etiquette states that engagement parties are meant to be small and intimate affairs, with only family and close friends in attendance. Remember, you don’t have to (and probably shouldn’t) invite your entire guest list. Many famous people or the very rich choose to have a huge bash for their engagement party - but in my opinion you can’t beat the closeness and intimacy a smaller party brings.

Should Favors Be Given?

There is no real rule for this when it comes to engagement party etiquette. So really, you don’t have to give out favors, but what better time to hand out some great “Save the Date” magnets or other little trinket? You want to find a great way to thank your friends and family for taking the time to show up for the celebration.

What About Engagement Party Invitations?

Since engagement parties are small and intimate affairs, you really don’t need to go out and buy fancy invitations for the event, though it won’t hurt anything if you do. Engagement party etiquette says that even a phone call with time and place is sufficient for an engagement party.

There are quite a few rules when it comes to engagement party etiquette, and to keep from offending anyone it is always helpful to know them and stick bythem for the most part. Engagement parties are much more intimate than any other kind of party you’ll have before the wedding. All of the bridal showers or bachelorette parties probably won’t hold a candle to your engagement party. Only at your engagement party will you be able to have your whole family there together, toasting your future.

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