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About Engagement Parties

Friday, May 08, 2009
Related Tags: party | engagement | wedding | couple | host
 

Instructions

Time Frame

  • Step 1:
    Plan engagement parties 2 to 3 months from the engagement. This allows time for the couple to adjust to their decision to marry. If the engagement is less than 6 months before the wedding, don't plan a party. Remember, not only is there a wedding being planned but, most likely, a shower is being planned too.

Guests

  • Step 1:
    The people who attend the engagement party should be the people invited to the wedding. This is common courtesy. Do not invite people who must travel a distance, if they will need to travel to the wedding. This is asking too much of the guests. Keep the attendance small, but include family members and friends from both sides.

Hosts

  • Step 1:
    Traditionally, the bride's parents host the engagement party, but the groom's family may decide to, instead. Today, good friends or other family members may host the party, or the couple may decide to host their own party. There are no rules as to who is in charge. The important point is to make sure the couple knows who is hosting the party and that they are involved in the plans. It is also important for friends to make sure that the parents do not plan to host the party before the friends volunteer.

Considerations

  • Step 1:
    The engagement party can be formal, informal or casual. The important point to remember is not to have a more elaborate celebration than the upcoming wedding. An engagement party is the start of the celebration, not the celebration. Dinners at home or at a restaurant are popular choices. Some prefer an informal gathering in the backyard.

Significance

  • Step 1:
    Even though the engagement party is not a gift-giving party, some people want to bring gifts. Perhaps they will not be able to attend the wedding. It is a good idea for the couple to register before the party with lower cost items. The couple should not open the gifts at the party since gifts are not expected.

Resources

Photo/Video Credit

ClickArt by Broderbund

About Engagement Parties Provided by eHow.com
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