The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here—you’re engaged!
Congratulations are in order but first, take in the moment. Enjoy your now fiancé and the fact that no one knows this awesome news. When you’re ready to share your engagement, get creative with how you tell family and friends.
One of the best ways to share the news is with a party! These days, couples are taking over and planning their own engagement party. If you’re not sure where to start, wedding stationery company, Wedding Paper Divas, compiled 50 ideas and themes that you can browse through. Check it out here!
After you figure out which direction you want to head for your engagement party, it’s time to start thinking of the venue, decor and guest list. If this is all new to you, keep reading for my engagement party planning tips.
Engagement Party Planning Tips and Etiquette
Purpose of an engagement party – The purpose of an engagement party is to celebrate the couple’s engagement, pure and simple, and to help family members to get to know each another before the wedding day.
Who do we invite? – Keep in mind that just as with a bridal shower, those invited to an engagement party should also be invited to the wedding. The absolute “have to invite” people include the immediate families of the couple, their close friends, and the wedding party members (if they have been selected already).
Are gifts required? – No they are not. Again, the purpose of an engagement party is to formally announce and celebrate the engagement, and allow family members of both sides to get to know each other. Some guests may wish to bring a gift, but it isn’t necessary.
Who hosts the engagement party? – Unlike a shower, gifts are not expected. Because of this, anyone can host an engagement party (the couple can host if they choose, or either set of parents).
What should guests be served? – It depends on the style of the party. If it’s a dinner party, then some sort of substantial meal is expected, although a party with just snacks and simple desserts, or a buffet with finger foods can be just as enjoyable (as long as the time of the event doesn’t fall during a typical dinner time).
Does the engagement party’s theme have to match the theme of the wedding? – Not at all. The host can choose any theme he/she wants, as long as it is reflective of the happy couple. Like the rehearsal dinner, an engagement party should not be grander than the wedding.
Remember to check out Wedding Paper Divas for fun engagement party ideas.
Hearts, Joy, Love!
Jean
For more ideas, contact me today at [email protected] or at 937-235-2586 or 937-581-3647!
Love this idea and of course, any reason to have a party is great in my book. But, gathering all family together before big day is such a fantastic reason to have an engagement party.
So true. Any reason to have a party IS great.
These are some excellent tips! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks. Glad you liked the tips.
Thanks for reminding us that the engagement party shouldn’t be grander than the wedding! I really like the way you approached this topic!
I’ve never been to an engagement party, and I’ve always wondered things like “who is invited” – thanks so much for sharing!! I feel much more educated now 🙂
Some great ideas you’re showing!
Thanks for sharing so many amazing tips!
Love all the ideas you share! They are really nice!
Great tips in this post!