Having an Engagement Party

Though there's no obligation to throw an engagement party, engagement parties are becoming more and more common.

This is usually the first formal announcement that you're getting married.

What's great about an engagement party is that there aren't many rules about what the proper protocol to throwing an engagement party is. How you want to throw your engagement party is completelty up to you. You can opt to have a dinner at a restaurant or a parent's house (his or yours), you can simply have cocktails and hors d'oeuvres at your apartment, an afternoon brunch or even something as simple as a family cookout. What you plan is totally up to you.

Traditions: Traditionally, it's the bride's parents that threw the engagement party and traditionally the invitation does not indicate that the party is an engagement party. Nowadays however, this has changed quite a bit.

It really can be either the bride's or the groom's parents that throw the engagement party and it can even be a close friend that does the honor.

It also is a good idea to include in the invitation that it is a engagement party - guests like to know what type of party their attending, especially if they want to give you a gift.

Gifts are not a requirement for an engagement party and it probably isn't a good idea to register for this type of event. If any gifts are brought to the party, they shouldn't be opened until after the guests leave.

At the party: Once the guests have arrived it is typically the father of the bride that gives a toast. Of course it can also be another close family member or friend that does this.

After the party: It's usually a good idea to send a small gift and card to the host of your engagement party and any others that helped out. Also be sure to send thank you cards for anyone who brought a gift.

Now that you're engaged, use this time wisely. Plan, plan and plan! But don't forget about one very important person - the groom! It's so easy to get caught up in planning that many brides forget why they're doing this in the first place. Don't let your relationship take the back seat.

Here are some ideas on engagement party favors:

Diamong Engagement Ring Bottle Stopper Favor

Large Diamong Engagement Ring Keychain Favor