Engagement Party Favors to Party Planning: Your Questions Answered

Should you have an engagement party?
Engagement parties can be a fun way to announce and celebrate your engagement, so it's really up to you and the groom to decide whether or not you'd like to announce your engagement in this manner. It's a bit more exciting then sending in a notice to the newspaper, plus it's a great way for both of your families to get to know each other before the big day.

What kind of an event should it be?
This depends on your budget and personal style. It can be a formal affair with printed invitations and reply cards, a casual backyard barbecue, or anything in between. A cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres is always a safe bet, but just be sure to indicate what type of an occasion it is on the invitations. That way your guests are prepared well and know what to expect as well as how to dress.

Who should be invited?
You'll definitely want to invite your two families so they can get to know one another. It's very bad etiquette to invite anyone other than those who will definitely be invited to the wedding, so it's probably best to limit the guest list to those very close to you – think best friends, close family.

When should you hold your engagement party?
One rule says that engagement parties are held one to three months after the engagement or about a year before the wedding. For others it can be held any time more than six months before the wedding.

Should you expect gifts or register for them?
You shouldn't expect gifts as etiquette does not dictate that guests should bring them. However, the announcement of an engagement inevitably gets some guests thinking about gifts, and this is a time that they might start asking your family where you are registered for your wedding shower or wedding day.

What should you serve your guests?
Depending on the type of occasion you want to have, the fare will be different for everyone. Try to avoid incredibly formal affairs and think more toward a cocktail party. If you're having a more informal event, think family dinner. Remember, you may have to foot the bill for all of your guests so be sure to plan accordingly.

Should you provide engagement party favors?
Engagement Party Favors aren't necessary, though they are a very nice touch. PWPOnline.com offers a great selection of Engagement Party Favors that are perfect for adding something extra to your tables.

What do you wear?
Once again, depends on the type of celebration you want to have, but if you're going with the standby cocktail hour, think about how you would dress for your rehearsal dinner.