Engagement parties are a bit of a dying tradition. They are not required as a form of announcing one’s engagement. Many couples opt out and put an engagement announcement instead into their local newspaper. Others send a save the date card to the family and friends who would probably be on the party invite list. An engagement gathering – typically scheduled no later than three months after the initial announcement – can entail three reasons. First sharing the news of the couple’s imminent union with key future guests of the wedding. Next, to introduce the families to each other. Finally, it’s an opportunity to celebrate the upcoming celebration.

Tradition has it that parents of the bride host the engagement party. The groom’s parents however can throw their own party. Both sets can also come together to host the fete. Throwing one together helps in getting to know the potential in-laws and keeps competition to “one0uip” to a minimum. The engagement party is really a form of announcing the engagement of a daughter or son. As times change, however, siblings, friends and roommates are hosting these types of parties. As a rule of thumb, the bride’s parents would be the first to offer such and event. If they opt out, it is perfectly acceptable to allow someone else throw the party. The bride and groom, however, should never request an engagement party of anyone.

An impromptu family gathering the weekend after he proposed is the perfect opportunity to break out the vintage champagne, but don’t schedule an all-out opulent affair during the engagements first month. The key is to give the couple room to breathe. They need some time to revel in just being engaged. Plan to host an engagement party two to three months after the question is popped. These parties range from informal to formal so there is no one right place to hold the event. The house of the parents of the bride is a good place if they are hosting the party. Many engagement parties, however, also happen as dinner out with friends.

Most engagement parties are small, intimate affairs. In general. Just close family and friends are invited. You can also include potential bridesmaids and groomsmen, perhaps roommates to celebrate the joy of your engagement. There is typically mingling and a toast. This is the perfect time to begin asking (and pondering) the questions of wedding scope and ideas.

Most guests should not bring a gift to an engagement party. Many, however, do. Engagement gifts are generally supposed to be limited to only the closest friends and family of the bride and broom. The bride and groom should not register for gifts before the engagement party and they should never expect a gift from any of their guests.