The engagement party. The question many people have is should I get an engagement gift – or not? Is it required? Will it be tacky if I don’t give one to the couple? Learn about this and enagement party etiquette.
Your phone rings (or dings) and your friend or a family member has big news – “We’re engaged!” If there were ever a reason to celebrate, this is it. Many times there will be an engagement party.
So, what are the rules when it comes to engagement party gifts and etiquette? We break this down for you below.
ENGAGEMENT PARTY GIFTS
If you do plan to take a gift to the engagement party, it is normal that it should be something small. Don’t blow your budget buying a gift for the couple (neither of you wants that). We’ve got some affordable engagement party gift ideas that will work on any budget.
CHAMPAGNE OR WINE
Pick up a bottle of the couple’s favorite wine or champagne. If this is not their drink of choice, get them something they will both enjoy.
PICTURE FRAME
A small frame they can use to display their engagement photo is an affordable, yet personal gift. You might even be able to have the engagement date or their names engraved onto the frame.
CUSTOM GLASSES OR MUGS
Wine glasses, champagne glasses or other drinkware always makes a great gift. This fun set includes a beer mug and wine glass combo, personalized with the date of their engagement.
CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT
A simple way to help them remember their special day is to get them an engagement Christmas ornament commemorating the date they were engaged. I love this simple idea – complete with the date!
PERSONALIZED ART
Find them a piece of artwork that incorporates the couple. Something like this state image is unique and personal, just for them.
WEDDING PLANNER
Help the couple get organized and plan their wedding. A simple wedding planner will help them keep everything in one place. For an extra touch, get one that is personalized just for them! This one is a digital download, which means you will be able to print it at home (then go to your local office store or printer and have it spiral bound).
ENGAGEMENT PARTY ETIQUETTE
If you have never been to or planned an engagement party, you may have questions about the etiquette and planning that goes into it.
WHY HAVE AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY?
Engagement parties are an opportunity to introduce the two families coming together through the marriage and are usually hosted by the bride’s parents. However, anyone can take it upon himself or herself to host a celebration these days, especially close friends or siblings.
Some couples even throw their own engagement parties but usually only because circumstance, such as a tight timeline or distance, makes this necessary.
If you decide to throw an engagement party, you’ll need to get the bride and groom involved sooner rather than later. And, to keep costs and expectations reasonable, set a budget before you set a guest list.
WHO HOSTS AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY?
In most cases, an engagement party is hosted by the bride’s parents. However, a party could be put on by close friends of the couple or other family members.
Anyone can host the party but check with others before you plan it. If someone else wants to host as well, you can join efforts and split the cost of food and more.
WHO DO YOU INVITE TO AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY?
You should invite close family and friends to the engagement party. In addition, if someone is invited to the engagement party, they should be invited to the wedding.
However, the engagement party should be smaller and more intimate. That means most people who will be invited to the wedding will not be invited to the engagement party.
DO YOU BRING A GIFT TO AN ENGAGEMENT PARTY?
In most cases, you are not expected to bring an engagement gift for the couple. However, some people like to give a small gift (ideas above). Most engagement parties are not for gifts, but rather to celebrate the couple.
More helpful wedding gift and etiquette guides:
Bridesmaid Gift Giving Etiquette
Destination Wedding Gift Giving Etiquette
Bridal Shower Gift Giving Etiquette
Bachelorette Party Gift Giving Etiquette
