The engagement party is the first in the series of events that will take place prior to a wedding. The engagement usually takes place shortly after the groom popped the question. The engagement party is traditionally hosted by one family or the other or thrown jointly by both. The party should invite both families, close family friends as well as friends and potentially co-workers of the bride and groom.
Kick Off Event
Depending on the type of wedding the couple is planning; the engagement party is the traditional kick off event to the year of celebrations that lead up to the wedding day itself. A formal engagement party is designed to announce the engagement of the couple to those they consider near and dear – although in most cases the engagement is not actually announced at the party although it may be toasted.
Engagement parties come in a variety of styles including a family barbecue, a formal dinner or a potluck. The party may be hosted in a home or a fine establishment or elsewhere. Most engagement parties do not necessarily invite everyone that is known, but focuses on those who are close to the couple as they ask them to not only share in the joy of their engagement but to prepare for the future events including bridal showers, bachelor parties, wedding dress shopping and of course, the main events themselves: the wedding and the reception.
Social and Festive
The engagement party, however it is held, should be social and festive. If the couple is so inclined, they can throw the party themselves and resist sharing the news of their engagement until they are able to announce it to everyone present at the party. Keeping the secret of the engagement until the event can be a great deal of fun for all involved and it also alleviates the concerns of those who may wonder whether or not they need to bring engagement gifts.
The announcement can be made as formal or as fun as the couple in question deems to do it. Announcing the engagement is like popping the cork of champagne on New Year’s Eve as it invites everyone to share in the couple’s personal joy.
Most couples consider the engagement party to be the prologue to the novel of marriage preparations with the climax coming at the wedding. Remember that the engagement party doesn’t need to be a huge formal event. It can be private and cozy; it can be done over drinks or food or just at a family gathering. The couple should set the tone and everyone should follow their lead.
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