subject: How To Throw An Engagement Party [print this page] I know of several married couple who used engagement parties to make public their intentions. But since this is a matter of preference, you may want to know whether you should have one or not and if to have one; then the sort of party that it should be.
So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of an engagement party? See below
Advantages
* Engagement parties give you an opportunity to announce your engagement to your nearest and dearest friends and family in a fun way.
* It's a wonderful way for your families and friends to get to know each other
* Hey, any excuse having a party with people you love, right?
Disadvantages
* Having an engagement party forces you to have a sense of your wedding guest list early, as you shouldn't invite anyone who won't be invited to the wedding.
* It is an extra event to plan for and PAY for, or to have someone else plan and pay for.
* If you don't have a particularly long engagement (6 months or less) it may seem awkward to have another party so close to your wedding.
How to plan your engagement party
Deciding on the host
Traditionally, the parents of the bride host, but today 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.
Deciding on the type of event it should be
This depends on your budget and 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 is always a safe bet.
Who to invite
You'll definitely want to invite your two families so they can get to know one another. It's 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.
When to hold the engagement party
For those with especially long engagements, engagement parties are held one to three months after the engagement, and/or about a year before the wedding. For others it can be held any time more than six months before the wedding.
Gift taking
You shouldn't expect gifts as etiquette does not dictate that guests should bring them. But 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 present 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 something; don't make the gifts a central part of the party. Put them aside, and open them after the guests have left. Remember to sent thank you notes!
