Party Time - First up, The Engagement Party

Outdoor engagement dinner

Once you say “Yes”, you will suddenly be the guest of honor at more parties than probably any other time of your life. There will be engagement parties, showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties and rehearsal dinners. It’s one party after another, each with their own set of etiquette rules to help you navigate the wild party ride you will suddenly find yourself on.

First up is the engagement party. Normally this party is given by the bride’s parents within a few months of the engagement, but there are no strict timetable guidelines. Now days, it is perfectly fine for his parents or close friends of the couple to give the engagement party. Just check with the parents first to make sure no toes are being stepped on.

The party usually consists of either dinner or just cocktails. It can be a surprise announcement of the engagement or the guests can know ahead of time. Important to note – gifts are not required at an engagement party. If a guest wants to bring something, it should be something small, but gifts are not encouraged.

The only “official” item that must happen at an engagement party is the toast to the couple, normally done by the dad or the host of the party. While not required engagement parties can be a lot of fun.

Next we’ll talk about showers.