Before a couple gets to the bliss of their wedding day, they must go past the first challenge: their engagement party. In order to have a successful event, we’ve provided some rules of engagement for your party. This event is one of the critical milestones in wedding planning, meant to celebrate the couple’s engagement and help their guests get to know them as a unit. Planning an engagement party is fun because there isn’t much pressure to make everything perfect, unlike the wedding day itself.
Besides, an engagement party is more about getting the couples’ family and friends together, getting to know each other, and having fun. There’s room to hire a private chef, set up venue decorations, and prepare a program without worrying if something goes wrong. After all, these are the small details.
However, an engagement party isn’t without rules. Like all traditions, there are certain practices a couple needs to uphold to avoid stepping on any toes or ruffling any feathers. These practices are the rules of engagement for your party that matter. If you’re newly engaged or looking forward to getting engaged, here are engagement party rules that you’ll need to know for the near future:
Decide Who Hosts the Party
Before anything else, you and your partner should decide whose family is hosting the party. Traditionally, the bride’s parents take on this role. Since this tradition isn’t the most inclusive, it’s better to decide between you and your partner who should do it instead. Some couples even choose to split the responsibility, which is a perfect compromise.
Make Sure Both Sets of Parents Meet before the Party
If your parents haven’t met yet, it’s best to make sure they do before the party. You and your partner could schedule a brunch date with both of your parents so that they can get to know each other. That way, they will feel more comfortable in each other’s presence before the day of the engagement party. If you want it to be a bit more special, you could also hire a private chef and have everyone over for dinner at your home.
Only Invite People You Want at Your Wedding Day
When it comes to the people who are invited to your engagement party, it’s more polite only to include those you plan to ask to your wedding as well. Anyone invited to your engagement party will naturally assume they’re coming to your wedding, which can be awkward on your big day if it turns out that isn’t the case at all. It’s best for you and your partner to decide who to invite before planning anything else.
Don’t Expect to Receive Gifts
It isn’t customary for guests to give gifts during an engagement party, so it’s best not to expect to receive any. However, some guests may prefer not to arrive empty-handed, which is why it’s recommended to have your wedding registry up by the time of your engagement party. It’s a good way to let your guests know what you want without requiring them to bring something during the event.
Thank Your Guests for Coming
After your party, you shouldn’t forget to thank your guests. You can do this in a number of different ways. Some couples like to send their guests off with small gifts and a thank you card, while others might prefer to keep things more casual through a digital thank-you message. Whichever way you choose to express your gratitude, make sure it’s sincere.
Conclusion
An engagement party is the first official celebration of you and your partner’s union. While it doesn’t hold as much pressure as the wedding day itself, there are still certain etiquette rules that couples need to follow. It ensures that the event will go smoothly and everyone can have a good time.
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