When it comes to celebrating an engagement, there are certain etiquette guidelines that should be followed for the special occasion. From invitations to attire, there are a variety of factors to consider when planning and attending an engagement party. In this article, we’ll discuss some key do’s and don’ts of engagement party etiquette to help ensure the celebration is enjoyable and meaningful for everyone involved.
What is an Engagement Party?
An engagement party is a celebration of a couple’s commitment to each other. It often takes place shortly after the engagement announcement and is an opportunity for family and friends to come together and share in the excitement of the couple’s upcoming nuptials.
Who Hosts the Engagement Party?
Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the engagement party, but in modern times, anyone close to the couple can host the party. The couple can also choose to host their own party.
When Should the Engagement Party Take Place?
The engagement party should take place within a few months of the engagement announcement, but not too close to the wedding. It’s best to plan the party at a time when most of the guests can attend.
Invitations
Key takeaway: An engagement party is a celebration of a couple’s commitment to each other that should take place within a few months of the engagement announcement, including close family members and friends, as well as anyone who will be invited to the wedding. The dress code is usually semi-formal or cocktail attire, and gifts are not required but if guests choose to bring a gift, it should be something small and thoughtful. The food and drinks should be appropriate for the time of day and the theme of the party, with alcohol being served responsibly. Finally, while speeches and toasts are not required, they can be short and heartfelt, given by traditional choices like the father of the bride or the best man, after guests have had a chance to eat and drink, but before the party starts winding down.
Who Should Be Invited?
The engagement party guest list should include close family members and friends, as well as anyone who will be invited to the wedding. It’s important to keep in mind that not everyone who is invited to the engagement party will be able to attend the wedding.
Invitations should be sent out at least four to six weeks before the party. They can be sent via mail or email. Make sure to include all the necessary details, such as the date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP information.
Dress Code
Key takeaway: An engagement party is a celebration of a couple’s commitment to each other, typically hosted by the bride’s parents but can be hosted by anyone close to the couple. The party should be planned at an appropriate time, with invitations sent out four to six weeks prior to the event. Guests should dress in semi-formal or cocktail attire, and gifts are not expected but should be small and thoughtful if given. Food and drinks should be appropriate for the time of day and theme of the party, with alcohol served in moderation. Speeches and toasts are not required but should be short and heartfelt if given, and should be given after guests have had a chance to eat and drink.
What Should the Dress Code Be?
The dress code for an engagement party can vary depending on the location and theme of the party. Generally, the dress code is semi-formal or cocktail attire. It’s always a good idea to include the dress code on the invitation so that guests know what to wear.
Gifts
Key takeaway: An engagement party is a celebration of a couple’s commitment to each other and traditionally hosted by the bride’s parents, but anyone close to the couple can host it. The engagement party guest list should include close family members and friends, as well as anyone who will be invited to the wedding. The dress code is usually semi-formal or cocktail attire. While gifts are not required, if guests choose to bring one, it should be small and thoughtful. Finger foods and appetizers are usually served, along with a signature cocktail or champagne toast. Speeches and toasts are not required, but if someone wants to give one, it should be short and heartfelt.
Should Gifts Be Given?
Gifts are not required, but if guests do choose to bring a gift, it should be something small and thoughtful, such as a bottle of wine or a picture frame. The couple should not expect gifts at the engagement party, as the main purpose of the party is to celebrate their engagement.
It’s not necessary for the couple to register for gifts for the engagement party, as it is not a gift-giving event. However, if the couple has already registered for wedding gifts, it’s okay to include that information on the invitation.
Food and Drinks
One key takeaway from this text is that engagement parties are a celebration of a couple’s commitment to each other, and it is an opportunity for family and friends to come together and share in the excitement of the couple’s upcoming nuptials. The engagement party guest list should include close family members and friends, as well as anyone who will be invited to the wedding. It’s important to send invitations at least four to six weeks before the party, and include all the necessary details, such as the date, time, location, dress code, and RSVP information. The food and drinks should be appropriate for the time of day and the theme of the party, and guests should not be over-served with alcohol. Speeches and toasts are not required, but if someone wants to give a speech or toast, it should be short and heartfelt.
What Should Be Served?
The food and drinks should be appropriate for the time of day and the theme of the party. Finger foods and appetizers are usually served, along with a signature cocktail or champagne toast.
Should Alcohol Be Served?
Alcohol can be served at the engagement party, but it’s important to make sure that guests are not over-served. Make sure to have non-alcoholic options available, as well.
Speeches and Toasts
Who Should Give a Speech?
Speeches and toasts are not required, but if someone wants to give a speech or a toast, it should be short and heartfelt. The father of the bride or the best man are traditional choices for giving a speech.
When Should the Speeches Be Given?
The speeches should be given after the guests have had a chance to eat and drink, but before the party starts winding down. Make sure to keep the speeches short so that guests don’t lose interest.
An engagement party is a celebratory event thrown to commemorate the couple’s engagement, formally announce the upcoming wedding, and offer congratulations to the couple. Typically, the bride’s parents or a close family friend hosted the engagement party. Nowadays, there are no strict rules, and anyone, including the couple themselves, can host the party.
When should the engagement party be held?
Traditionally, the engagement party should be held sometime within three months after the couple’s engagement. Usually, the engagement party is scheduled a few weeks or a month after the couple publicly announces their engagement. However, these days, with busy schedules, the engagement party can be held up to six months after the engagement.
Who should be invited to the engagement party?
Usually, anyone invited to the engagement party should also receive a wedding invite. Close family and friends should be on the top of the list. It is okay to invite people who will not be invited to the wedding, but it is not proper etiquette to invite someone to an engagement party who will not be invited to the wedding. Keep in mind that the engagement party is usually an informal event, and not everyone who is invited to the wedding needs to be invited to the engagement party.
What is the dress code for the engagement party?
The dress code for the engagement party often depends on the host’s preference and the party’s theme. Formal or traditional attire is not necessary, but guests should dress appropriately for the setting, such as casual, semi-formal or a cocktail party. If the party is themed, guests should dress accordingly to the theme.
What happens at an engagement party?
An engagement party is typically an informal event, and the focus remains on celebrating the couple’s engagement. The host(s) will usually give a toast to the couple and maybe some close friends or family members may also give a speech. Games, dancing, or any other fun activities may also be included. It is a lovely way for the couple and their loved ones to get together, mingle, and toast to a happy future.
