An engagement party marks the beginning of your wedding functions and it can be held anytime between the proposal day and the marriage. One of the common questions that you may hear regarding the pre-wedding functions will be ‘who is going to host it’. Actually, it depends on the function; a bridal shower is organized by the female members in the family of the bride or the bridesmaids, whereas the maid of honor will arrange the bachelorette party, and the rehearsal dinner will be hosted by the groom’s family.
When it comes to the engagement party though, the bride’s parents used to host one traditionally. However, anyone can throw an engagement bash these days, be it the siblings or friends of the couple, the groom’s family, or the couple themselves. Actually, planning your own engagement bash is a great idea, especially if the wedding day is on the horizon. This will make it easier for you to deal with things efficiently on your big day. However, there are certain etiquettes that you must follow when it comes to throwing a pre-wedding party. Below are some important tips that you need to consider to make your engagement party a big hit.
Following the Traditions
Traditionally, engagement parties were conducted in order to share the good news of your betrothal to your extended family, friends, and other close people. In fact, in the old days, the pre-wedding party was when the families of both the bride and the groom used to meet for the first time. Hence, it was considered as a platform for them to mingle and bond with each other before the wedding.
Today, an engagement party is organized in order to celebrate the betrothal that has been already announced. So, almost every guest will bring a fancy gift for the couple. In fact, they might have also prepared a speech in order to lift up the occasion while raising the toast for the couple of honor. Besides, it is a good gesture to offer return gifts to your guests as a token of your gratitude for their presence on your special day.
Announcing the News
Since you are hosting your own engagement party, you will have to deal with a lot of things. Hence, it is better to take rest at the beginning; do everything you like and savor the moment. Then, it is the time to announce the big news. Before breaking it to the world, make sure that you have informed the important persons in both your families regarding the same.
Now, think of an efficient way to publicize the news. Thankfully, there are countless options for this such as talking to each person, posting your relationship status on social media, creating an engagement blog, etc. Otherwise, you may keep it as a secret until your pre-wedding party if you prefer.
Picking the Date and Venue
The next step is to pick a date and venue for your pre-wedding party. While planning the date, try to consider a holiday so that all your guests can participate and choose a time that is okay for you to greet all of them. When it comes to the venue, there are two things you must consider mainly – the theme of your party and your guest list. No worries there either; there are infinite engagement party themes available these days, such as a cocktail party, cozy afternoon tea, fairytale themed party, barbeque party, etc. You may choose the one that suits your personality as a couple.
While preparing the guest list, make sure to invite all the immediate family members of both your families. Note that a pre-wedding party will be usually an intimate affair, unlike your wedding function. Hence, it is better to limit your guest list to close family members and friends. Besides, do not invite anyone who will not be invited to your wedding; it is a bad etiquette.
Sending the Invitations
Since you will be inviting a limited number of guests to your engagement function, it will be better to make personalized invitation cards with your hands. You may seek help from your friends and family as well. This will be affordable as well as a creative option. In case you do not have time for all these, you may choose a designed card from a local store. Just make sure to choose a card that suits the theme of your engagement party.
Remember, most guests will be wondering whether to bring a gift to your engagement party. In order to make things easier for them, you can create a pre-wedding registry list. Note that it is not a good etiquette to add luxurious gifts to your wish list for your engagement party because this is just the beginning of your wedding functions. So, it is recommended to add gifts with low to medium price range. In case you do not want a gift, mention that in your invitation card.
