Engagement Party Make Your Own

Question: Engagement party protocol?

(Posted by: _Miss Sunshine_ on 2010-05-26 11:17:08)

I have never been to an engagement party before, well may be but I was probably a kid. Now it's my turn to get engaged, and we are so happy, my dad has planned an engagement party with our family and really close friends.... but wait! What are we supposed to do? I know my fiance should ask for my dad's permission to marry me? but does he do it there? in public? should he propose again, but now in front of the people we invited? What is the right protocol? what did you do or have seen?

Posted by: Erin on 2010-05-26, 11:25:39

Just treat it like a regular party--you don't need to do anything special. It might be fun to have some couples-related games--at my engagement party, we had a bunch of cards with famous couples' names on them. Each person at the party had one of the cards taped to his or her back and we had to ask other people questions to find out what couple was on our back. We, of course, had cocktails while playing this and it helped break the ice with some people we didn't know. Use it as a chance to get to know some people who might come to the wedding, like your fiance's more distant family members.

Posted by: ShoreGirl on 2010-05-26, 11:20:42

Def. should not ask your Dad's permission there, that's something he should have done prior in private if that is what works for you, and there is not really a reason for him to propose again - as far as I know you don't have to put on any kind of display. Basically, what I have seen is comparable to a cocktail party where you mingle, families and friends meet each other, etc. Toasts are given, and everyone just has fun :)

Posted by: MM on 2010-05-26, 11:21:26

You just have to show up and accept people's congratulations and be prepared for any questions/ advice they throw at you. That's it. No need to re-enact the proposal, and your parents wouldn't be throwing the party if they didn't approve.

Posted by: TwistedxKiss on 2010-05-26, 11:22:04

Well if you are already engaged you do not ask again at the party or ask for your fathers permission. An engagement party really has nothing to do with GETTING engaged-- it is a party to announce and/ or celebrate that you are ALREADY engaged. No proposal is expected at the party.

Posted by: Calypso on 2010-05-26, 11:22:47

The party should be a celebration of your engagement. He needs to propose BEFORE the party, and you can show off your pretty new ring, and share your future plans with your friends and family. You can tell the story of how the two of you got together, and the story of how he proposed. Asking permission is traditional, I personally wouldn't expect my boyfriend to ask permission, but then again I'm not a very traditional girl. If he wants to ask permission he should meet with your dad, just the two of them for a talk. That is the traditional way to do it. Best wishes!

Posted by: Perse on 2010-05-26, 12:36:37

I'm confused. How did your dad plan an engagement party for you if you're not even engaged yet? Here's the order of events leading up to an engagement party: Man and women decide they're ready for the next step Man proposes, woman accepts Newly engaged couple announces engagement Engagement party Are you sure you're ready for all this?

Posted by: Kristen <3 on 2010-05-26, 12:45:04

You should just be attending the party and accepting people's congratulations on your engagement. The actual engagement does not take place at the engagement party, that should have already happened before your dad started planning.