subject: Organising an Engagement Party [print this page] Getting engaged is a momentous moment in many peoples' lives, so you'll naturally want to celebrate the occasion. Throwing an engagement party can be a great way to spread the happy news to your nearest and dearest, as well as taking care of any other tricky business that engagement entails - such as getting each partner's parents to meet each other.
If you choose to host an engagement party at your home, there are a number of things to consider. Even if you're reeling from the shock of your partner's proposal, taking time to make sure everything is right with your party beforehand will mean you can relax on the day itself.
Choosing what time to have your party can be determined by its purpose. If you're thinking of a family event, with lots of children around and people making long-distance trips, a daytime event at weekends could be most appropriate. However, for gatherings of friends or colleagues, evening occasions usually work best. It's always a good idea to hold the party close to the time of engagement too, to avoid seeming like you're 'milking' the proposal - especially as, if you leave it too long, you risk getting close to your actual wedding.
How many people you choose to invite will determine how formal or intimate the occasion is. Smaller gatherings can work well to give your closest friends and family members a chance to chat without distractions, while larger events can be a chance to introduce everyone you know to your partner, and vice versa - though remember the wedding itself can also achieve this.
This is an important consideration to bear in mind for all aspects of your engagement party; there's no need for engagement events to possess any of the formality or rituals of the wedding day. Not everyone who will be on your wedding list needs to be in attendance, and there's no need for international calling to gather relatives from across the globe for a 'dress rehearsal' of the big day. The important thing is that you and your partner have a good time mixing with other people you love.
If you haven't already announced your engagement to your friends, and you've planned the event as a surprise, getting the timing right can be crucial - especially as some may suspect there's something fishy going on. Having a few bottles of champagne ready for the announcement can be a great way to celebrate, and choosing to have your party catered - even if it's taking place in your own home - can reduce the burden on you as the host, and let you mingle and enjoy yourself more fully.
