The Tradition and Etiquette of the Engagement Party

The Tradition and Etiquette of the Engagement Party

The engagement party is a lovely way to celebrate the future nuptials of you and your fiancé with the people who you love the most.

Engagement parties were introduced many years ago as the party where the engaged couple would meet with friends and family of both sides so that they could meet and get to know each other before the wedding day. This is still the same purpose that the engagement party serves today.

Etiquette at the party is extremely important so that everything runs smoothly and no one feels as though they are stepping on any toes. Traditionally, the bride’s parents will host the engagement party but in modern times the bride and groom may actually be the ones to host, or a family member or close friends. The important thing is that the maid of honor or best man do not take on this party, as they are already in charge of the bachelor and bachelorette parties.

Be sure that the people you are inviting to the engagement party are also invited to the wedding, as they will expect an invitation to both. Guests generally do not bring engagement gifts to an engagement party, but some people might show up with a gift anyway. If this happens, be sure to open the gift in private later, and send them a lovely thank you card letting them know how much appreciate their thoughtfulness. Toasting is a tradition at engagement parties that generally includes the father of the bride, who will toast to the couple, family and guests.  The groom may also participate and would toast to the bride, family, and guests. If any other guests would like to make a toast, they may do so after this time.

The engagement party does not have to be any particular type of party; it could be anything from a backyard barbecue to an evening of wine and cheese. Ultimately, it is meant to be a day to honor you two as an engaged couple, as well as an opportunity for your family and friends from both sides to get to know one another.

Planning your special day and getting all the parties under way prior to the wedding can be overwhelming, but Advantage Bridal has all of your wedding, engagement, bachelorette party and bachelor party needs covered.