Engagement Party Etiquette
Proper engagement party etiquette revolves around invitations, the guest list, attire, gift-giving, the date of the event and the venue. It is impossible to please everyone, but these engagement party etiquette tips will help to shed some light on appropriate guidelines to follow.
- Date: Hold the engagement party one to three months after the engagement is announced. Use your discretion based on the length of engagement and date of the wedding. Plan the engagement party closer to the three month mark If the wedding date is over a year after the engagement. Schedule the engagement party within one to two months if the wedding is planned within 10 months or less of the engagement.
- Venue: Choose the venue based on the preferences of the guests of honor (bride and groom). Take the guest list into consideration. If the bride’s 85-year-old grandparents are attending the party, a nightclub may not be the best venue. If there are guests under the age of 21, the party should not be held at a bar.
- Guests: It's proper engagement party etiquette to only invite those that will receive an invitation to the wedding. The wedding party and their significant others, along with close friends and family should make up the guest list.
- Invitations: Forget paper invitations and snail mail! Set the stage for your celebration with gorgeous online engagement party invitations that you can customize and send by text or email instantly. Personalize your favorite engagement party invitation and deliver it from any digital device 4-6 weeks before your engagement party. Easily share information about parking, food allergies, dress codes, and more.
- Attire: Suitable attire for the engagement party will depend on the time of day and location of the party. If the party is held at night, in a formal function hall, a dress is appropriate. For women, a simple black dress paired with high heels and colorful accessories, such as a shawl, will bring “the look” to life. If the party is held during the day, a skirt or dress pants are appropriate choices. For men, a suit is appropriate if the party is formal and in the evening. A sports jacket and khakis work well during the day. If the party is held in a more relaxed setting, such as a house or bar, casual attire is appropriate, such as capris, or clean-cut jeans and a button-down shirt.
- Gifts: Appropriate engagement party gift etiquette is not to expect guests to bring gifts. On the engagement invitation, write “No gifts please” if the couple feels strongly about not receiving gifts. If gifts are given, they should not be opened during the party. It is customary for the engaged couple to send thank you cards if they receive presents.
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