Who Throws the Engagement Party? Your Etiquette Questions, Answered!
This post tells you who throws an engagement party and answers other engagement party etiquette questions.
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Who the heck throws an engagement party, anyway?
The wedding world is chock-full of etiquette that seemingly everyone is expected to know. As someone newly engaged, odds are, you’re managing this unspoken etiquette on your own.
This post shows you who throws the engagement party and answers similar etiquette questions.
Should you have an engagement party?
Engagement parties are a unique opportunity to have your loved ones together in one place. This may be the first time the two separate families meet for many couples.
If someone offers to host an engagement party for you, let them! The people who love you want to celebrate you as you enter this next chapter of your life.
Considering this, it’s normal for couples to have or skip an engagement party. Family and friends widely accept both options.
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Who throws the engagement party?
Traditionally, the parents of the person in the “bride” role throw the engagement party. Keep in mind that this is just traditional – many couples stray very far from traditional roles, especially around their wedding. j
In reality, anyone close to the couple can be the host. To prevent stepping on toes, the person who wants to host should check with the parents of both members of the couple. This way, it’s clear who is hosting the party, and everyone is happy.
Can I host my own party?
While it may not be the most common thing, you absolutely can host your own engagement party.
For many couples whose families live out of state, hosting a casual gathering to celebrate their engagement is very acceptable. Couples who don’t have a traditional immediate family may also choose this route.
Couples who host their own engagement party tend to keep it casual—think backyard BBQ or a small gathering at their favorite bar or restaurant.
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Where should the party be?
The person who throws the engagement party typically determines the venue. The couple will still need to approve of the venue (unless it’s a surprise!), but the host is the driving force behind where the engagement party takes place.
The engagement party venue can help determine the formality of the party. Casual parties can take place in a bar or backyard, semi-formal parties might be at an upscale cocktail bar or private restaurant room, and formal parties are at more fancy, decorated event spaces.
How long after getting engaged do you host the party?
Ideally, the engagement party is held within two to three months of the couple’s engagement. This means that within two to four weeks of the engagement, you’ll want to nail down a venue, date, and time. While this timeline may feel rushed, it gives ample time to send invitations and prepare party materials. Plus, you want to build in some extra time for inevitable hiccups.
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Who pays for the engagement party?
Traditionally, the person who throws the engagement party is the one who pays for it. However, this traditional model is only followed if it makes the most sense for the couple. Many couples have multiple people chipping in for their party, or they pay for the party themselves.
Whatever is most comfortable for the couple and/or the host should be followed, regardless of tradition.
Should you have an engagement party registry?
In terms of etiquette, it’s appropriate to have an engagement party registry if you gift guests something of monetary value in return, such as a plated meal or a high-quality engagement party favor.
Engagement party gifts range in price from $25-$75. make sure your registry reflects this!
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