Simple Etiquette For Engagement Party Gifts So You Come Prepared
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Engagement parties vary widely – we’re talking about anything from a casual get-together for a few drinks to a catered, 40-person formal event.
With engagement parties varying so widely, there aren’t hard rules – especially around etiquette for engagement party gifts.
In all reality, it takes a little digging to determine if you should bring a gift to an engagement party.
In this post, you’ll learn everything you need about etiquette for engagement party gifts, so you’re ultra-prepared.
Are Engagement Party Gifts Common?
Guests showing up to engagement parties with gifts is not unheard of. Despite this, showing up empty-handed is perfectly acceptable.
At formal events, guests giving gifts is common. On the other hand, gifts seem out of place at casual events, like a backyard BBQ.
While guests may or may not bring a gift, it’s important to note that guests dislike the expectation of bringing gifts to your engagement party. Even worse yet, they hate if you state this on the invitation. Many of your guests will be attending the wedding and other pre-wedding parties. The ask for another gift doesn’t resonate well.
Telltale Etiquette Signs For Engagement Party Gifts
By analyzing a few telltale signs, you can determine whether or not you should bring an engagement party gift.
First, check the formality of the venue. If it’s a dressier restaurant or you’ll be in a reserved room, you might not want to show up empty-handed.
How you received your invitation also plays a role in guessing formality. If you receive a formal invitation sent in the mail, the engagement party is likely a formal event. If the couple invites you via text the week of the party, you can assume it’s more casual.
For engagement parties that are a toss-up in formality, see if the couple is paying for anything. This includes brunches or dinners that they are hosting.
If the couple provides you with something, it’s courteous to at least bring a hostess gift – which is easily substituted for an engagement gift.
Finally, the closer you are to the couple, the more you should consider bringing a gift.
Generally, acquaintances coming to show support are the least expected to bring something, whereas those close to the couple will show their excitement with a small gift.
RELATED: How to Choose the Best Engagement Party Theme
Can You Bring Cash as a Gift?
Cash as a gift for an engagement party is totally acceptable.
Don’t feel pressured to bring cash, especially if your budget is tight. This is true for all pre-wedding parties, but especially the engagement party – where bringing a gift is a toss-up anyway.
With large gifts for an engagement party being inappropriate, keep cash or gift card totals to $75 at a maximum.
Etiquette Tips for Engagement Party Gifts
If you genuinely cannot determine if gifts will be given, bring a bottle of champagne for the couple.
Consider the other pre-wedding parties you’ll attend and factor this into your decision. For instance, if you’re giving a gift at another party or the wedding, you can skip giving a gift at the engagement party.
Across the board, large gifts are inappropriate at this event. Gifts should be under $75 and portable (like a trinket tray, handwritten card, or bottle of champagne.)
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