When Should You Have an Engagement Party After Getting Engaged?

When you get engaged, everyone wants to celebrate with you! From fun bridal shower games to cookies for your wedding party, you’ve got lots to look forward to. Of course, one of the first questions your loved ones will ask is when you’ll be having an engagement party.

Whether you’re getting engaged soon or just curious, read on to learn everything you need to know about engagement party etiquette!

Do You Need to Throw an Engagement Party?

Hosting an engagement party isn’t mandatory, but it is a great opportunity to share the news of your engagement with your friends and family all at once.

Once your loved ones find out about your engagement, they’ll want nothing more than to congratulate you two in person. Why not let them by hosting an engagement party?

You’ll also find that having an engagement party is a great way to introduce your family or friends to each other. You never know who your guests will bond with! Mixing both sides is also a great way to help determine who will be in your wedding party.

When Should you Host your Engagement Party?

The best time to host an engagement party is sometime between 2-4 months after you get engaged. This allows you time to enjoy your newly engaged stage before having to jump straight into wedding planning.

Keep in mind that your wedding timeline can affect your engagement party as well! If you’re planning a short engagement, you’ll probably want to hold your engagement party within the first couple of months.

You don’t want to be planning your engagement party and wedding at the same time.

Who Should Host an Engagement Party?

Wedding traditions say that the bride’s parents host the engagement party. However, times are changing and you can host or someone close to the couple can host instead.

If your parents are offering to host your engagement party, accept their generous offer. But if you’d prefer to host it yourself, go right ahead!

You can also host your engagement party together as a couple. Times are different now and there’s no strict rule on who should host.

Can You Have More Than One Engagement Party?

Yes, you can have more than one engagement party if you’d like. It’s not uncommon for couples with families in different cities to host smaller engagement celebrations rather than one big one.

Who Pays for an Engagement Party?

Typically, the person who is hosting the party will take care of expenses. If your parents are paying for your wedding, you may not want them to pay for your engagement party too.

Talk to your partner and decide what you’re both comfortable with. If you’re hosting the party yourself, you’ll be the ones paying.

Remember that regardless of who’s hosting, you should never make your guests pay for themselves. Keep this in mind if you plan on hosting your engagement party at a venue or restaurant.

Engagement parties don’t have to be expensive or extravagant. Don’t worry about stressing for something you can’t afford. A simple barbecue in your backyard will be special just by having your loved ones around.

Who Should Be Invited to Your Engagement Party?

Rule Number 1 of engagement party etiquette – anyone who you invite to your engagement party should be invited to your wedding.

Invite guests to your engagement party that you would also want to invite to your wedding. You don’t want to invite someone just to hear about your engagement if they won’t make the cut for your wedding.

Can I Have an Engagement Party If I’m Planning to Elope?

If you’re positive that you want to elope, then by all means, throw an engagement party!

Keep in mind that your guests will likely be upset that they aren’t able to attend your wedding. Be sure to mention your elopement plans on your engagement party invitations!

Want a fun alternative? Skip the engagement party and host a “We’re Married!” party once you return from your elopement.

What Should Happen at An Engagement Party?

You can make your engagement party whatever you want it to be. Typically, engagement parties are more casual than your actual wedding celebration.

If you’re keeping it small and inviting close family, consider hosting a lunch, afternoon tea or dinner. A cocktail-style party is better if you’re inviting a lot of guests and want everyone to mingle.

There’s no real structure for an engagement party besides spending time with the people you love! Meet your spouse’s family and friends, make introductions and relax.

Don’t forget about food and drinks. And maybe even a couple of speeches to thank everyone for attending.

Who Should Give a Speech at an Engagement Party?

Speeches at engagement parties are less formal than wedding speeches. Typically, the father of the bride gives a short toast to the couple.

Nowadays, anyone can give a speech at your engagement party. Ask family members or friends close to the couple to give a quick speech.

You can thank your guests for coming together to celebrate your engagement and share your proposal story. Keep the speeches short and save the good stuff for your wedding day!

Do you Need to Send Formal Invitations for an Engagement Party?

You can absolutely send informal invitations for your engagement party. An engagement party invitation will set the tone for your event.

Sending invitations through a Facebook group or group text is perfect for an intimate engagement party with family only. If you’re hosting your party at a venue, opt for digital invitations.

On the other hand, printable invitations are great if you’re going for a formal or upscale engagement party.

Regardless of how you send your invitations, make sure they include:

·         Names

·         Host

·         Date, time, and location

·         Dress code

·         RSVP info

Send your engagement invitations at least one month out. If you have guests that need to travel, make sure to send their invites even earlier.

The short answer? No, guests aren’t required to bring you gifts to your engagement party.

It’s considered rude to ask for gifts or register for an engagement party. We suggest letting your guests know not to bring gifts by writing “no gifts” or “your presence is our present” on your invitation.

Keep in mind that some guests will still bring gifts. Set up a small table for people to place gifts and greeting cards when they arrive.

If you’re not hosting the party yourself, it’s considerate to bring a host gift to say thank you for your hospitality.

Can You Wear a White Dress to Your Engagement Party?

YES! Wear whichever color you want to your engagement party. If you’d like to wear white, go ahead!

Just keep in mind that your wedding day is typically where you’ll wear the white gown of your dreams. Keep your engagement dress cute and casual, you’ll have lots of time to dress up later.

What Happens After Your Engagement Party?

Once your engagement party is over and done with, you can jump into wedding planning!

We know wedding planning can be a lot. Try making a list of things you need to do first and take care of the essentials. Things like your wedding budget, guest list, and wedding date should be determined early on.