There is a very special moment prior to the wedding: the engagement party. The first time your closest friends and family will gather from all around to celebrate you and your love. This is your first glimpse at what your life will look life as a married couple. Traditionally the engagement party is hosted by the bride's parents however in modern times most engagement parties are at special venues, restaurants or friends / family homes. How you choose to reveal your engagement is also up to you- some people choose to announce their engagement on the night (that is keep it a surprise until that moment!). Traditionally, the guests invited to the engagement party should be invited to the wedding. However brides and grooms from all around are choosing to have smaller weddings and budgets are tight so don't worry too much if this etiquette rule doesn't work out.
Who to invite?
Both families of course! The wedding is a celebration of your love but also a blending of two families, therefore invite members from both families as well as your closest friends. Traditionally, the engagement party is a small gathering however if you cannot afford to have 500 guests at your wedding but want a moment to celebrate with your friends then you may choose to invite more people to the engagement party. The other option is to have the party split into two events- one for the family and one for the friends.
Gifts?
Although gifts are not customary at an engagement party, some guests will bring them. Alternatively you may choose to have your wedding registry (or a part of) compiled prior to the engagement party for those guests (just in case you get the phone call of " what would you like/ what do you need"). In most cases guests will bring food, flowers or a bottle of wine, so not to worry to much!
What kind of a party?
A cocktail party is best suited for an engagement however it is totally up to you, depending on the amount of guests you will have and how formal or informal you would like the party to be. If the party is held at the bride's parent's home, then most of the food and decorations can be done on your own. You may choose to have a marquee, food buffet table, tables and chairs for the guests, cocktail drinks buffet table, decorations around the room (fairy lights, tea lights, signs, pictures), a DJ or a local band. Always remember to incorporate the 5 senses. Also ensure there is enough space for the guests and remember that everyone will want to speak to the happy couple so ensure that you make yourselves available!
Top Tips For The Engagement Party:
1. Keep it simple
2. Plan ahead: don't leave things till the last minute e.g. engagement photo's
3. Delegate : assign roles, duties and responsibilities for the party
4. Snap lots of photos
5. Tell the story of the proposal, how you met, who introduced you and the pending wedding date
6. Raise a toast
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