Has anyone ever had an engagement party INSTEAD of a wedding?

Question

I have been on the fence about having a wedding for as long as I can remember. White dress, drinks, dinner and dancing just sound boring to me. Even non-traditional weddings are pretty much all the same and have been done to death. I'd rather spend less money and cause myself less stress by having a casual engagement party and then elope.

Answer 1

I think that is a great idea, but why not elope then have a party when you return.  You can have a reception without all the hoop-la.  Good idea either way.  The wedding day is really stressful!

Answer 2

If you find wedding fesivities so boring, then don't have any of it at all.  You can't decide to have an engagement party, or a shower, or a bachelorette party, knowing all along that you don't intend to have a wedding.  You can't throw a pre-wedding party expecting people to bring gifts when you have no intention of inviting them to the anticipated wedding.  That's rude and greedy.  

You can't have it both ways: if you want presents and a fuss made over you, then have a wedding.  If you don't want to have a wedding then elope (which doesn't involve any parties, presents or special attention).

Answer 3

Why don't you just skip all the festivities entirely and just elope?  If all of that sounds so boring, save your money and have a holiday party of some kind.

Answer 4

Its your day...your choice. Do whatever fits your wants and your needs. You can make whatever you do fun, just remember that.