Engagement Party: Basic Rules And Expert Tips On Planning (2024)

FAQs

What are the rules for an engagement party? ›

There's no set engagement party etiquette on this, but here is our advice: Keep it small- to medium-sized. You don't need to include everyone who will be on your wedding guest list. Keep the party intimate and special by inviting your closest friends and family members to raise a glass to your impending nuptials.

There's no right or wrong way to celebrate your engagement. You can choose a venue and a theme that feels right for you as a couple and build from there. If you're a laid-back couple, you may wish to just have everyone over for yard games and a barbecue.

Whoever hosts the engagement party is usually responsible for covering the costs. Historically, it's been the bride's parents. However, as celebrations for engagements have evolved, Mae notes that she often sees both parents paying a portion of the total bill. Some couples even chip in.

In the United States, two commonly recognized rules of engagement are standing ROE (SROE), which refer to situations in which the U.S. is not actually at war and thus seeks to constrain military action, and wartime ROE (WROE), which do not limit military responses to offensive actions.

Guests are not required to bring gifts to an engagement party, but it is a nice gesture to bring a gift when attending this type of celebration. There are no formal guidelines that dictate how much a guest should spend on an engagement party gift. The amount solely depends on an individual's budget.

The host(s) pay(s). If one or both sets of parents throw the party, they split the costs. If the engaged couple hold their own event, they pay. If friends get together and have a party, they cover the expenses.

In terms of the length of the engagement party, couples typically choose a two to four-hour window. If you do not plan to serve a full meal, it's best to choose a time frame in between typical mealtimes, such as 2-5 p.m.

It's a totally acceptable gesture to give cash to a newly engaged couple—just pair it with a thoughtful congratulatory card (we'll help you pen a message). Like a traditional engagement gift, $50 to $75 is an appropriate cash gift amount for an engagement party.

As part of the celebrations, it's common for there to be speeches at an engagement party to thank everyone for coming.

Who is responsible for planning an engagement party? ›

Traditionally, the engagement party is hosted by the bride's parents, but friends of the bride and groom and other relatives may want to organize the gathering as well. The couple may opt to have two or more parties: one for relatives and family friends, for instance, and another for their own friends.

"The cost for these varies in region, but in general, you will expect to spend anywhere from $2,000 to $10,000 plus." It's also worth pointing out that some venues will have a booking fee in addition to a minimum that you need to spend on food and beverage. Make sure you read the contract carefully before you sign.

The groom's family traditionally paid for all costs associated with the rehearsal dinner and honeymoon, wedding day transportation, and the officiant. The groom paid for the bride's engagement ring, wedding ring, and groomsmen gifts. It is also common for the groom's family to pay for the alcohol at the reception.

There are so many delicious wedding food ideas to serve on the big day. Engagement parties, though, should really not mimic the wedding menu. Instead, engaged couples and their host should offer a mixture of yummy finger food and appetizers that suit the theme and time of day.

Traditionally the engagement party is hosted by the bride's parents, but can also be given by friends of the bride and groom, or other relatives. Yes, you can have two or more parties; one for relatives and family friends, for instance, and another for your own friends.

Traditionally, the engagement party is hosted by the bride's parents, but friends of the bride and groom and other relatives may want to organize the gathering as well. The couple may opt to have two or more parties: one for relatives and family friends, for instance, and another for their own friends.

It's a totally acceptable gesture to give cash to a newly engaged couple—just pair it with a thoughtful congratulatory card (we'll help you pen a message). Like a traditional engagement gift, $50 to $75 is an appropriate cash gift amount for an engagement party.

Generally speaking, both sets of parents of the engaged couple should be invited, as well as step-parents and grandparents, siblings, close aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as members of your bridal party (if you're organized and know who they are), and of course, close friends, coworkers, and acquaintances.