Wedding Wednesday: Engaged? Now What?

It’s finally happened! YOU ARE ENGAGED!  The man of your dreams got down on one knee and asked, “will you marry me?”  You are now walking around calling him your fiancée while staring at that beautiful ring on your finger.  This calls for a celebration!  Your very own Engagement Party!  But where to begin, whom do you invite and what is the proper etiquette?  Not to worry, we have you covered. 

Here is our quick reference guide to throwing your Engagement Party:

1.    Who hosts the engagement party?

Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the engagement party. Nowadays it’s anyone’s choice. Usually it’s a family member or close friend but more and more couples are choosing to host their own engagement soirees. 

2. When to have the party?

With the social media rage these days, news of your engagement was probably out minutes after the asking took place but, for some non-social media users (yes, there are still some!) this will be the first they hear of your happy news.  Therefore, we suggest having your party soon, while the news is still fresh.

3. Who gets invited to the engagement party?

Etiquette suggests that people invited to the engagement party should also be invited to the wedding. It is thought to be poor manners to include anyone who you are not planning to invite to the wedding. That being said, you don't need to invite the entire wedding guest list to your engagement party.  Keep this party intimate if you can: family and close friends. Co-workers and extended family can celebrate with you on the big day.

4. What kind of party should you have?

Be creative! This is your first party as an engaged couple. Use this to tell your family and friends who you are as a team.  It can be casual or fancy, or somewhere in between, just make sure its personal and shows who you both are as a couple. 

5. Register Early

Gifts are usually optional at an engagement party but it's smart to start your registry early in case guests ask what they can get you.  Remember though, never tell people what you want or where you are registered. Offer this information only if asked. 

6. Gifting the Host

The engagement party is the first of many memorable moments on your path to the altar so it will hold a sentimental significance for you in years to come. To that end, the family member or friend that throws the party for you (if you do not throw it yourselves) has given you a special gift.  Return the present in kind and try to be just as thoughtful, perhaps a wine flight tasting class for the wine enthusiast, or a gift certificate to their favorite spa. It doesn’t need to be extravagant but it should be special and thoughtful. 

Our last bit of advice about your engagement party: ENJOY IT! The engagement period in one’s life is brief, soak it all in and enjoy the ride. It’s a beyond exciting time and part of your wedding journey!