Engagement Party Make Your Own

Question: Can we still have an engagement party if i have not chosen my all my bridesmaids yet? do they have to be there?

(Posted by: Starlette on 2010-06-20 21:39:15)

The "engagement party " is more like a first time for both our families to meet each other. Also, we have invited solely families and extended relatives, no friends or bridesmaids/ groomsmen.

Posted by: nwlywd5210 on 2010-06-20, 21:49:33

My engagement party consisted of us, his parents, and mine having lunch at applebees (his family moved away a few months before and they stopped back for a weekend to pick up a few things - it was actually a last minute thing) it doesn't matter if you have your wedding party together - this is only about the families meeting, you don't even need to have a date set go for it - you're fine :) From theknot.com: Don't invite anyone who's not invited to the wedding, but don't feel pressure to include everyone who's invited, either. The engagement party is a more intimate affair than your wedding, and it's nice to keep it small, especially if your families are meeting for the first time. Don't feel guilty about not inviting your work chums and certainly nix exes from the list! Consider making it a family-only affair -- or doing two parties, one with family and one with friends -- to maximize your time with each group.

Posted by: dancing_smurf on 2010-06-20, 21:47:33

In my opinion I would have two separate parties. The first one would be a "party " were the respective families get together to meet. Second party would be the "engagement party. " This one would be held after you have chosen the bridesmaids. For this one I would invite family along with the bridesmaids / groomsmen, and friends. At least from my perspective the two parties can be held as close as together you want them to be and the "engagement party " would be the event where most of the preparation went into. Whereas the first party would be something less formal and gives everyone a chance to meet before the "engagement party. " In theory it could be held a few hours prior to the engagement party. Main point I am trying to make is that you want family to meet first before introducing them to your friends.

Posted by: mohole on 2010-06-20, 22:00:47

There's nothing official about an engagement party. You can have whoever you want there, or not have one at all. Your idea for one for families to meet sounds excellent. Then you can one with your friends. As for bridesmaids, groomsmen etc, surely they'll fall into one camp or another. There's no earthly reason why they should be present at a party as such. Besides, what happens if for some reason one or other decides they don't want to carry out that role? In addition, there's a huge industry out there trying to take your money. They'll say 'this should be done' or 'that should be done'. You can bet that it will involve you spending money, preferably on their services. Believe me, there's no requirement to do anything other than what you want. Congratulations by the way.

Posted by: Avis B on 2010-06-21, 04:44:05

The engagement party has a specific purpose, and that is to formally announce Mary White to John Smith. Traditionally, the Bride's parents host (plan, organize, and pay for) the engagement party. And if the Bride's parents cannot host the party then the Groom's parents or a close friend or relative can host the party. The couple should NOT host their own party unless there are no other alternatives, they are the guests of honors, not the hosts. Your engagement party can be as casual or as formal as you wish. You can invite ten guests to an Italian restaurant for dinner on a Friday evening or you can invite a hundred people to a community center on a Sunday afternoon for cake and ice cream. The engagement party is not the beginning of the gift giving season for this couple. The couple should not register with any wedding or bridal registries until after the engagement party has taken place. Yes, there will be some people who will bring a gift but it will probably be something small and inexpensive. The engagement party should take place within four to six weeks of the proposal which means if you got engaged on New Year's Eve the party should take place by Valentine's Day (February 14). Answered by: A Certified wedding specialist / A Professional bridal consultant / A Wedding ceremony officiant