The Rules of Engagement Parties : the question’s been popped, now what?

article courtesy of Simply Perfect by Melissa

Engagement season hit it's peak on Christmas Day and will continue to stay strong all the way through Valentine’s Day and the first thing couples like to do is have a party to let everyone know and celebrate their big news. However, who is supposed to come to this party? Who should host the party? Are gifts expected? Melissa Phillips, owner of  Simply Perfect by Melissa has shared some answers to the biggest questions couples are faced with after the biggest question is popped:

Host: The couple should never host this engagement party themselves. Traditionally, the brides parents should be the ones to take this responsibility however these days many friends are stepping up to the plate. So long as it’s a friend or family member- couples are doing it right.

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Invitees: Ideally, everyone invited to the engagement party will also be invited to the wedding. However, not everyone invited to the wedding must have been invited to the engagement party. Engagement parties are known and expected to be a much smaller, intimate affair.

Gifts: Gifts are not required. Even if the happy couple has already signed up with a registry, it is not appropriate to put this information on invitations. Gifts are not customary this early in the process.

Food & Beverage: This is typically up to the host of the party, but any host’s best bet is a cocktail/hors d'oeuvres setting, which allows guests to mix and mingle rather than feel trapped at a sit-down dinner table.

Venue: Depending on the size of the guest list, this could very well be hosted at a home or someone’s backyard for a more intimate feel. Other options are gathering at a restaurant or loft space but there should be absolutely no ballroom or banquet engagement parties unless the guest list is at 300+.

About Simply Perfect: Simply Perfect by Melissa works for and with their customers to deliver exceptional event coordination solutions. The customer focus helps them to understand and deliver your event vision. They offer exceptional service, value, extensive industry knowledge, and quality vendor relationships to create your Simply Perfect event. Their relationships with clients, colleagues, and partners are based on collaboration, communication and integrity. The services Simply Perfect by Melissa offers is a range from complete wedding planning months prior to your wedding day to sudden problems or challenges that occur the day of your wedding.  For more information on Simply Perfect by Melissa visit www.simplyperfectbymelissa.com. 

Comments

[from @PRJessicaM on twitter]

My SIL threw us an engagement party for fam. and the bridal party/guests at her home. It was perfect!