Please help engagement party?

Question

I have never attended an engagement party and neither has anyone in my family. But since me and my fiance just got engaged on Aug. 19, 2008, I guess we need to have one. I don't know where to start though. My family and his family have never met. So I guess this will be the time they will for the first time. We are getting married in June 2009 (maybe July) so do we have to have the bridal party, and groomsmen there? Is it just for parents and the couple, or is it with friends and the whole family?

I am sorry but I am so clueless when it comes to planning a wedding. And with schedules I guess we need to set a date for this engagement party I just don't know who to invite and what is expected.

I need advise, and suggestions.

Thanks

Answer 1

iv'e been to a bridal party that is just the immediate family and the bridal party and iv'e been to a bridal party that was as big as a wedding.

personally i liked the one that was just the bridal party and immediate family.  it is more personal and relaxing.  it was at the parents house and the mothers in law cooked the food.  everyone had an opportunity to get to know one and other and had a great time.  

just relax and keep it simple.  

Answer 2

An engagement party is not necessary, but your parents could throw you one. It's an informal event, just a chance for everyone to meet and chitchat, basically. The ones we have been to have been at the parents' home, either inside or backyard - and there's basically snackies and drinks.

You would invite the wedding party, and close family members (siblings, parents, grandpaents, close aunties and uncles).

Answer 3

Don't do an engagement party. They aren't necessary. Stick with your bridal shower/batchorlette party and bachelor party.

Good luck!

Answer 4

You don't *NEED* to have an engagement party... but if you want to, that's ok.

If you want to, why not have something real casual, like a BBQ or picnic or something? And you can invite who you want to invite, if you wanna keep it to family and close friends (and yes, I think this should include the bridal party, if you have chosen them already!)

Good luck! :)

Answer 5

Typically, the couple does not host the party (just because it looks like you're hosting it to get gifts). There are so many etiquette rules with weddings, it's hard to keep track (I was the same way when I got engaged (my own wedding will be my first).

You only have an official engagement party if someone volunteers to host one for you. However, it would be completely appropriate if you and your fiance wanted to host a family get together as a "getting to know you" shindig. Just make it casual, no official invites, just phone calls, etc. We were originally going to do that, but then my finace's mom decided she wanted to throw us an engagement party, so that worked itself out.

An engagement party is not required, but it's definitely nice. I'm excited for our families to meet at ours this weekend. Either way, make sure you guys have a family get together sometime soon!