Engagement Party: Basic Rules And Expert Tips On Planning (2024)

FAQs

What are the rules for an engagement party? ›

There's no set engagement party etiquette on this, but here is our advice: Keep it small- to medium-sized. You don't need to include everyone who will be on your wedding guest list. Keep the party intimate and special by inviting your closest friends and family members to raise a glass to your impending nuptials.

Whoever hosts the engagement party is usually responsible for covering the costs. Historically, it's been the bride's parents. However, as celebrations for engagements have evolved, Mae notes that she often sees both parents paying a portion of the total bill. Some couples even chip in.

There's no right or wrong way to celebrate your engagement. You can choose a venue and a theme that feels right for you as a couple and build from there. If you're a laid-back couple, you may wish to just have everyone over for yard games and a barbecue.

Are gifts expected at an engagement party? To put it simply, you aren't required to bring a gift to an engagement party, so don't feel embarrassed if you show up empty-handed. There'll be plenty of other events—like the couple's shower and actual wedding—that you'll be able to show your congratulations with a present.

When Do You Have an Engagement Party? The sweet spot for when to have an engagement party is two or three months after the proposal. This window is based on the average engagement length, which is about 15 months for most couples.

You could serve a buffet, or if you are good at cooking, then you could cook yourself or have a potluck. Engagement parties generally last about 4 hours only so plan for food and drink accordingly. Also, you don't need a fancy expensive cake like you'll want for your wedding.

If the bride's parents are hosting, which is typical of the engagement party, one of them-usually Dad-makes the first speech. He welcomes the guests and toasts his daughter and her groom-to-be, regaling the crowd with a sweet anecdote about the bride. If someone else is hosting, that person should make the first toast.

"The cost for these varies in region, but in general, you will expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 plus." It's also worth pointing out that some venues will have a booking fee in addition to a minimum that you need to spend on food and beverage. Make sure you read the contract carefully before you sign.

What do the groom's parents pay for? ›

The groom's family traditionally paid for all costs associated with the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon, wedding day transportation, and the officiant. The groom paid for the bride's engagement ring, wedding ring, and groomsmen gifts. It is also common for the groom's family to pay for the alcohol at the reception.

Food and drinks: Whether it's a full meal or simply some snacks, canapés and drinks, it's common at engagement parties for the couple to provide refreshments.

As part of the celebrations, it's common for there to be speeches at an engagement party to thank everyone for coming. It's also likely that other members of your family, friends and future wedding party will want to say a few words as well, and offer you love and encouragement for the journey you're about to take.

An engagement party usually takes place a few months after the big proposal, providing an opportunity for the engaged couple to mark the occasion with all those who are closest to them as well as grab some great gifts. In contrast, a proposal party is hosted immediately after the proposal.

Traditionally the engagement party is hosted by the bride's parents, but can also be given by friends of the bride and groom, or other relatives. Yes, you can have two or more parties; one for relatives and family friends, for instance, and another for your own friends.

Generally speaking, both sets of parents of the engaged couple should be invited, as well as step-parents and grandparents, siblings, close aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as members of your bridal party (if you're organized and know who they are), and of course, close friends, coworkers, and acquaintances.

Last but not least, you might be wondering how long you should stay at an engagement party. While it's optimal to stay for the entire time, some engagement parties can go on for 4-5 hours. Chianese points out that the longer you stay the better.

As a general rule, if the event is taking place at a formal venue, you should err on the side of formal outfitting. If the party is taking place in a park or at home, you'll be safe with an outfit that toes the line between semi-formal and co*cktail. Consider a printed midi dress or wide-leg pants, a blouse, and heels.