An engagement party is
usually an
informal occasion and can take any form, so do whatever suits your
situation.
If you are to host the
affair,
you may like to have it take place at home or a private club or
restaurant. The engagement can be a surprise to the invited guests, but
trying to do this will need some advanced planning, and the ability to
keep it a secret may be difficult.
There is no specific or
best time
to hold the engagement party, but it does work well as an evening
event. If there will be a lot of children, you may feel that an
afternoon celebration would be more suitable.
If you will be hosting it
at your
home, it may a good idea to have it catered for. This will leave you
and your family and friends free to enjoy the day. Book your caterer at
least two months in advance. Also consider the type of entertainment
you want to have, will it be music from your own CD collection or will
you hire a DJ?
Traditionally after all the
guests are assembled, the bride’s father or a close relative
makes the announcement of the engagement, by standing and proposing a
toast to the future bride and groom.
The groom then thanks the
party’s hosts and proposes a toast to both set of parents.
Today many couples choose to make the announcement together at the
party. If someone else has organized the party for you, be sure that
you don't forget to thank them.
A Thank You Note and perhaps a
small gift will show them that their efforts have been appreciated.
Whether you are to having a small or large party, try to consider some
party ideas that everyone can enjoy-young and old alike. You might even
like to give your engagement ring its first
showing at your party.
Whether or not, you have a
party
you and your fiancé are likely to receive lots of
congratulations, cards and some engagement presents. Now is the time to
get into the good habit of sending a thank-you for receiving the
gifts.
The thank-you note should
be sent
within a day or at least two days of receiving the gifts. Remember that
every engagement or wedding gift should be acknowledged with a
thank-you note.
It’s
Party Time!
Here are a few tips that will make your party a success.
- Let the
engagement party date well ahead of
any other
pre-wedding events, such as the bridal showers, and rehearsal dinner.
- Invite family members from both sides. This is
a
great way for everyone to get to know each other better before the
wedding.
- Accept help from anyone who offers to help with
the
planning of the party.
- Hire a
caterer
if you can afford one. This will take
the pressure of you and your family, so that you can enjoy the party.
Etiquette
states
that anyone who is invited to the
engagement party must also be invited to the wedding. So think very
carefully of who you want to invite.
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