It's incredible that in a world full of people, two individuals meet, fall in love and decide to spend their lives together.
As they begin the long journey of planning their wedding, detail by detail, one of the first things that comes to surface is planning the engagement party.
Why Is An Engagement Party Important? Most couples like the idea of throwing a party to celebrate their engagement, so that their families and friends may actually get to know each other before the wedding and share in the joyous festivities.
An engagement party tends to make the reality of the up-and-coming wedding a little more real to the bridal couple who will be able to look back as the years pass, to a happy occasion beginning their life together.
It's really important that an the party be fun and able to create lasting memories.
This seems to set the mood in the couple's minds as well as those who are the invited guests and everyone will certainly look forward to attending the wedding.
Who Hosts The Engagement Party? Traditionally throughout the years, the parents of the bride-to-be host the party.
They may enlist the help of the groom's parents if desired.
If the groom is from another area of the country, his parents may opt for a second party in their own hometown.
If this is the case, a party date should be set that allows the bridal couple to attend.
Times have changed and today, there is no set rule as to who plans and hosts the party.
Many couples prefer to be in charge of the party event themselves.
Or friends may wish to host the party.
No matter who gives the party, it is wise to remember that a date, at least six months before the actual wedding day, should be set.
Informal Or Formal? An engagement party may be as formal or casual as the couple desires.
Depending on the budget and their own personal tastes, anything from a backyard cookout to an evening of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails is appropriate.
Invitations should be sent to notify your guests of the event at least three weeks beforehand, so they can mark their calendars and plan to attend the party well in advance.
The bridal couple should keep in mind that anyone who is invited to the engagement party will also need to be on the wedding and reception guest list.
This probably goes without saying.
However, not all of the wedding guests will need to be invited to the party.
Usually, an engagement party is for close friends and family only.
Are Gifts Required At An Engagement Party? Many guests will bring a gift for the couple to the engagement party, although not everyone will.
Etiquette implies that this is not required nor should it be expected.
Since there are those that desire to save the gift giving for the actual wedding reception, a simple heartfelt verbal "Thank You" followed by a written thank you card is the proper way to show your appreciation to those who decide a gift is appropriate.
Any gifts brought to the engagement party should be opened at a later time privately to ensure that no one feels bad or unimportant.
It's a good idea for the couple to be registered at a store or two to help the early gift givers choose gifts appropriately.
If you let your family know ahead of time, they can help steer the early gift givers towards a gift that will be sure to please.
Your engagement party is the beginning of your life time of love.
Make it memorable!