An engagement party is to announce the engagement to family and friends. Engagement party etiquette provides some helpful guidelines as to suitablity of the event and what is expected. It is not necessarily mandatory, but has gained in popularity more recently. The parents of the bride usually host this event. It is the first time the bride and groom are formally announced as such, and should be treated with the respect this is afforded. In addition, the engagement party is more of an intimate gathering.
Here are some engagement party etiquette guidelines:
The engagement party is usually a cocktail party or a dinner. It can take place at the house of the bride’s parents or at a restaurant in a private room. This reinforces the intimate nature of the affair.
The engagement announcement is made by the father of the bride, proposing a toast to the happiness of the couple.
The guests are family members and very close friends of both families, in other words, your top wedding guests. This event is supposed to be intimate in nature and not the "all-inclusive" events that are represented by the bridal shower and the wedding.
Gifts are not required or expected. Gifts are usually received at the bridal shower and wedding. However, if your guests bring gifts, place them on a special table and do not open them during the engagement party.
Send a "thank you" note to all guests who gave you gifts, whether during the party or days after the party. For more details on what is proper with regard to the thank you note, see our Thank You Note page.
Not all families host an engagement party, especially if family members and close friends live in different cities. The decision as to the appropriateness of having an engagement party should be viewed in light of the unique situation of that particular bride and groom and their families. If the families feel strongly about having an engagement party, it is at their discretion.
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Engagement Party Invitations & Thank You Notes
Below you will find a selection of engagement party invitations and thank you notes. If you do not see a particular design you find appealing, click on the "Store" hyperlink, which will take you to the website where you can search for more selection.
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For the modern couple who love color, typography and playful expressions of love, this engagement party invitation is the perfect combination of charm and style.
Sophisticated yet playful, this engagement party invitation introduces the festivities of a classic BBQ with your friends and family. Embellished with a western iconic star, this design is unique and classically innovative.
An exquisite chandelier hints at a charming wedding ahead in these elegant engagement party invitations. The clean typeface used to reveal the event details is a flawless choice on these beautiful invitations.
Soft and cool, the relaxed color scheme of this party invitation is ideal for a couple to show off their relaxed nature as they begin a new adventure. 5" x 7" Flat Card
You're taking the plunge! Invite your friends to help you celebrate your engagement with this stylish and fully customizable engagement party invitation. 7" x 5" Flat Card
For the adventurous and stylish couple looking for that perfect BBQ bash to celebrate their engagement, look no further. It's time to celebrate and all your guests will be counting the days until this exciting event.
Proudly annouce your happy engagement with this boldly colored engagement party invitation. An ampersand cleverly conveys the union of two people who are ready to celebrate their lives together with friends and family.
Bridal Shower Thank You Cards: This fold-over note card, "Paper Roses" features a young couple dressed in formal black attire. A young boy wearing a cap far back on his head ste
Bridal Shower Thank You Cards: This fold-over note card, "Sweet Moment" features an adorable African-American young lady holding an enormous bouquet of daisies (yellow-white-dark
Bridal Shower Thank You Cards: This fold-over note card "Sugar n Spice" features a well-dressed young lady (wearing a light-pink gauzy gown) opening colorful wrapped presents and
Invite family and friends to celebrate your engagement with this elegant and stylish engagement party invitation featuring a circle pattern in shades of gray. 4" x 8" Flat Card
For your classy celebration, invite your guests in style with this modern black and gold stripe invitation. Its sophisticated design is perfect to set the tone of your party. 5" x 7" Flat Card
Bright, bold and cheerful, this yellow patterned engagement party invitation is a terrific way to warm the hearts of all your guests. We can even mail them for you! 5" x 7" Flat Card
Two wedding rings are held together by a bright blue ribbon in this engagement party invitation that celebrates them tying the knot! Customize it with the event details and invite friends and family to celebrate their upcoming wedding! 7" x 5" Flat Card
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