Weddingbee Blog

The engagement party is a great way to announce and celebrate your engagement. News travels FAST these days, so it is safe to say this is more of a chance to celebrate the engagement, rather than announce it.

They are a great opportunity to get your closest family and friends together for a happy occasion. It is also a good time for those who are nearest and dearest to all meet each other for the first time, if you all come from different areas.

The engagement party does give you a push to get your wedding-guest list together early, since traditional etiquette for this event says you should not invite anyone to the engagement party who isn’t invited to the wedding.

Who hosts?

Traditionally, the parents of the bride host the first party, but today that isn’t a steadfast rule. Sometimes the bride and groom can host it themselves. Or, the groom’s parents can host. A friend of the couple can also volunteer to host it!

What kind of party is it?

Any style from a formal affair to a pool party is appropriate. A cocktail party with heavy hors d’oeuvres is always a safe bet.

When is it held?

Engagement parties are generally held one to three months after the engagement. For others, they can be held at any time more than six months before the wedding.

What about gifts?

Etiquette for engagement parties dictates that guests should not bring gifts. However, the announcement of an engagement party may get some guests thinking about gifts, and they may start asking about where you are registered. It is a good idea to at least get your registry started, if you plan on doing one, by the time the party rolls around.

**Gift-etiquette note: Any gifts that you receive before the wedding (like, say, at an engagement party) generally need a thank you note within two weeks of receiving the gift.

High Wire engagement party

I thought I’d give a little sneak peek into what’s planned! Mr. High Wire’s parents have so graciously stepped forward to host the engagement party for us in their hometown.

The party is taking place Abilene, Texas. Our party will be in the hotel restaurant with good eats, good drinks, and good music. Sounds like a blast to me!

Our connection to the place

The hotel itself houses one of our favorite hangout spots when we come to town. The hotel bar always has great drinks and awesome live music, and you’ll always run into someone you know.

There’s me, BM Lisa, and BFF Randi!

Mr. High Wire, Super Tall Friend Ty, and GM Jerrad

Mr. High Wire and me at the hotel bar

Mr. High Wire with his high school buddies Brad, Derrick, and GM Jerrad.

All photos are personal

Ever been to an engagement party or had one of your own? What do you think makes for a great party?