Congratulations, you are engaged! Now it's time to share your happiness with friends and family. And the best way to announce exciting news is by throwing a party. Seeing the sincere reaction of your dearest and nearest, their smiles and tears full of joy is something truly special. However, before starting off the engagement party planning, you need to know the etiquette. Well, we've got your back! Ahead, you will find the most common engagement party related questions answered.
What exactly is the engagement party?
Simply put, it’s a celebration of the proposal and the first event to start all the wedding-related activities. At the engagement party the newly-engaged couples are usually surrounded by the members of their families and their closest friends, so it's quite an intimate event. It’s a relaxed get-together with no particularly hard set rules. The engagement party resembles a cocktail party and is typically held at someone’s home, at a restaurant, or bar. Nowadays, some couples even throw more than one engagement party. It’s an ideal option for partners whose families are from different parts of the country or world.
Who throws the engagement party?
Traditionally, the engagement party is hosted by the bride’s parents. However, anyone can take the reins! It can be hosted by a team of both sets of parents (which is a great way to bring your families even closer), members of the bridal party, or the newly-engaged couple themselves. Remember: hosting such a meaningful event is a pretty challenging task that takes time and patience, so it’s important to think through who would suit this role the most.
When do you host the party?
Well, the best option is to host a party soon after you get engaged. Typically, such an event is held within a few months of the proposal. Keep in mind: there are going to be many other wedding-related festivities, so it's better to spread them out. As for the invitations, the best time to send them is around four to six weeks before the party. By doing so, you will give your guests proper notice.
Great news: you can plan your engagement party completely separate from the upcoming wedding celebration. So if you still have no idea about the details of your wedding, there’s no need to worry. You are free to plan an engagement party however you want to!
Who should be invited?
Unlike weddings, engagement parties tend to be more intimate as they are mainly focused on heartfelt chats with your dearest and nearest. Keep the event sweet and simple by inviting friends and members of your and your partner’s families. However, there’s one particular rule you have to follow. Anyone who makes the engagement party guest list must also be invited to the wedding. Both guest lists should align to avoid awkward situations later. Don't forget to discuss this important detail with the party host before sending out the invitations.
@wedmood.studio, @velvetandgold
What about the dress code?
As we’ve mentioned earlier, engagement parties are pretty casual, so upscale casual attire would be an ideal choice for you and your guests. These could be elegant dresses and fashion-forward jumpsuits for women and smart suits for men. Also, you can make your engagement party thematic, which is quite a trend among couples. Either way, make sure to ask the host (or do it yourself) to put all the necessary information and details on the invitation cards.
@galvanlondon, @bringmesomewherenice
Who gives an engagement party toast?
Typically, the host (or hosts) and the engaged couple do. If the bride's parents are hosting the party, the one who makes the first speech is the father. He welcomes the guests, wishes his daughter and her partner a happy marriage, and shares sweet anecdotes about the bride. As for the newly-engaged couple, they can tell their proposal story! But remember to keep your engagement party toast short and simple — save the lengthy one for the big day.
