Having an engagement party is a great way to announce you are to be married to all your friends and family. You can have an engagement party that is simple as a brunch with a few friends and family, or you can make it a grand event, giving your guests a taste of what is to come when it is time for the wedding and reception.

Who is Expected to Host the Party?

In the past, the engagement party was planned and paid for by the parents of the bride. Often it was an informal affair, cocktails, or cake and dessert and it was held at the bride's home. Nowadays, anyone can plan the engagement party if they so desire, and it is socially acceptable for anyone to foot the bill.

What Is Expected at an Engagement Party?

The father of the bride usually makes a toast, formally announcing the engagement of his daughter. It is proper for her fiancé to stand along with his parents in front of all the assembled guests as an introduction at this time. If the announcement isn't a surprise, you may opt to introduce the groom and his parents as the guests arrive instead.

Who Gets Invited?

Typically close friends and relatives are invited, but you can invite anyone that you want to celebrate such a happy occasion along with you. The only thing you need to remember is that whoever you invite to the engagement party must be invited to the wedding and the reception. To do otherwise is a serious breach of etiquette.

If money is a consideration, don't be embarrassed to just invite those people who are top priority in the life of the happy couple. Remember, though you have to invite all the guests at the engagement party to the wedding, you don't have to invite all the wedding guests to the engagement party.

What about Gifts?

Gifts are not expected from people who are merely casual acquaintances. Giving a present for an engagement party is not an obligation and you should not feel disappointed if you don't receive a gift from a particular guest. They will be expected to attend a few more events associated with your wedding such as the bridal shower and the wedding, so you will get your gifts then.

An engagement party shouldn't be about gifts anyway. It should be about sharing the joyous news of your impending marriage with people who know and love you. It should be a happy celebration where the bride and groom invite their attendants to join them when they are ready to exchange their vows and the maid of honor and the best man are introduced as well.