Engagement Party Etiquette: What You Need to Know Before You Celebrate

An engagement party is a wonderful way to celebrate your love and commitment to each other with friends and family. It is a special moment that marks the start of your wedding journey, and it’s important to make sure you do it with grace and etiquette.

Below are some key points to consider when planning your engagement party to ensure it runs smoothly and is a memorable event for all involved.

Engagement Party Etiquette Do’s & Don’ts

An engagement party may not seem incredibly important in comparison to your wedding, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t receive the same attention to detail when it comes to planning. The following etiquette tips will certainly help you plan a special event.

Timing

It is generally recommended to hold your engagement party several months before your wedding day. This gives you enough time to plan the rest of your wedding and ensures that everyone is still excited and has a positive attitude towards the event.

Invitations

Invitations should be sent out several weeks in advance and should include all the necessary information, such as the date, time, venue, and dress code. It is essential to consider who you would like to invite to your engagement party, as it is often seen as a more intimate affair than the wedding itself.

Hosting

Traditionally, the bride's parents host the engagement party, but in today's society, anyone can host the event. It’s important to consider who is best suited to host based on their resources and the type of celebration you are looking for.

Venue

When choosing a venue for your engagement party, consider the size and location, as well as the ambience and atmosphere you are hoping to create. You should also think about any restrictions the venue may have, such as a noise curfew or dress code.

Food and Drink

The type of food and drink you serve at your engagement party should depend on the time of day and the formality of the event. If you’re having a more formal evening event, you may want to consider serving a sit-down meal, while a more casual daytime event might suit a buffet or a barbecue.

Gifts

While gifts are not expected at an engagement party, it is common for guests to bring a small gift to show their love and support. If you do receive gifts, it’s important to take the time to thank each guest and write a personal thank you note to show your appreciation.

Speech

A short speech by the bride and groom, or the host, is a lovely way to formally acknowledge the event and thank everyone for coming. Keep it simple and heartfelt, and try to avoid making it too long or overly formal.

Dress Code

The dress code for an engagement party should depend on the formality of the event and the venue. If the venue is more formal, you may want to consider dressing up, while a casual venue might suit a more relaxed attire.

Dancing and Music

If you’re planning on having music and dancing at your engagement party, make sure you choose a venue that is equipped to handle this and that it’s within your budget. You can also consider hiring a DJ or a band to create the right atmosphere for your celebration.

Final Thoughts On Engagement Party Etiquette

An engagement party may not be quite as big of a deal as your wedding day. However, it does serve as a way for you to mark the start of your journey with your partner. Planning an engagement party requires a great deal of effort; however, with these etiquette tips, you’re sure to have a memorable time celebrating with your friends and family.