Engagement Party Etiquette

Like us - tweet - or share!

 

The etiquette of the Engagement Party is addressed, including the issue of engagement gifts.

This is an EXAMPLE of the content we have on our online wedding planning membership site HappyWeddings.ca under the heading of Engagement. To learn more and get useful wedding planning tools for FREE, click here!

This video covers the topic of holding an engagement party.From an etiquette point of view, the guests invited to an engagement party are also invited to the wedding.For this reason, engagement parties usually consist of immediate family and close friends.Traditionally, engagement gifts are not expected but some families, and some regions DO have the custom of engagement gifts.

An engagement gift, if given, is an expression of affection and happiness for the couple.Usually, gifts are simple like a bottle of wine, a cookbook or some other small item. Whoever is hosting the engagement party should be clear about whether or not gifts are expected, so they can tell any guests who inquire.If guests are expected to bring gifts, make sure you have registered at some bridal registries so guests can be told if they call the party hosts.

An engagement party can take many forms, but is usually an informal gathering.It can be a brunch, a luncheon, an afternoon BBQ, a sit down dinner, or a cocktail party.Often, engagement parties are surprise parties where the couple “surprises” their guests with the news.Whether you choose an informal event, or a more formal party, the options are really up to you.

Sometimes, couples enjoy the “surprise” engagement party and use it to make a personal statement.If the couple belong to a club or some other organization, they might choose to hold their party there to make a more personal statement about themselves.Whatever you decide, the engagement party is just the first of many parties on your way to your wedding day.

The next video covers information to help you decide if you want children invited to your wedding or not. There are a number of factors to consider when making this decision.