Deciding who to invite to an engagement party can be difficult. Partly because there are no official rules to guide you, and partly because the bride’s parents traditionally have the majority of the decision-making responsibilities. But, we can help sort things out.
Read on to find hints and tips to help firm up your engagement party guest list.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who throws the engagement party?
Traditionally, it’s hosted by the bride’s parents. Nowadays, any friend or relative who wants to throw an engagement party can host.
When should you send engagement party invitations?
Send out the invites at least a month in advance (six weeks ahead if a lot of guests are coming from out of town).
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Who To Invite To An Engagement Party
There are a few people who should be invited to an engagement party almost automatically. First up is family. Anyone who is part of your immediate family – parents, brothers, sisters – should be invited. This rule should be extended to any family member who played a significant role in your upbringings such as grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Proper engagement party etiquette also involves inviting the bridal party. Bridesmaids and groomsmen are most often your closest friends, and they are all essential to your ceremony and reception. It would be fairly odd to not include them in the engagement party. If you haven’t yet chosen your bridal party, invite all of the people you are considering.
A few extra rules to keep in mind while deciding who do you invite to an engagement party include:
- If you are not inviting them to the wedding ceremony and reception, do not invite them to the engagement party. This will force them to assume they did something wrong.
- If someone else is hosting the event, work with them on the guest list so that they don’t inadvertently invite everyone from work.
- If you’re planning an intimate wedding it’s perfectly okay to invite a large group to celebrate your upcoming wedding.
Instant Poll
How would you like to celebrate your engagement?
Engagement Party Invitation Wording
Invitations to the engagement party are another item that couples stress over. Should they match the wedding invitation? Should they be super formal? What information do you include?
It’s actually pretty simple. Make sure to include:
- An announcement. “We’re getting married!” or “John and Jane are getting hitched!” will do just fine.
- The name of the host or hostess
- The location of the party. Be specific if it’s at a venue that has multiple rooms like a hotel space or a banquet hall.
- The date and time of the party.
- Your preferred way to R.S.V.P.
When planning a party, it’s highly recommended that you do your guests the favor of letting them know what to expect. Most people struggle with deciding what to wear to an engagement party. Make it easy for them by letting them know what the theme is – if there is one – and the general dress code.
We’ve helped you fill the essential guest list, but if you’re wondering who else you should invite to your engagement party, just ask yourself 2 questions:
Who would love to congratulate you in person? Followed by “Is it in the budget?”
The engagement party is all about celebrating your upcoming bid day. Congratulations!
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