Imagine this, you’ve just gotten engaged to your person and you can’t wait to tell the world!! Of course, you post to social as one does, but not everyone is as up-to-date with your IG + TikTok as your bestie.

So instead, you throw a party! 

What Is An Engagement Party?

An engagement party is exactly what it sounds like. A party thrown in honour of your engagement! In the past, the bride’s family used to host/throw the party, but as traditions come and go, these days, the couple tends to be the ones to throw the engagement party themselves.

Why Have An Engagement Party?

So what’s the point of an engagement party? Especially if you’re a bit of an introvert? Well, you’re about to embark on this amazing adventure, you deserve to celebrate it! And it comes with the added bonus that it’s a great way to share the exciting news with everyone you love most!

Benefits Of An Engagement Party

Aside from the obvious benefit of celebrating your engagement with all your loved ones, there are a couple of side benefits to having an engagement party that will only really blossom during your wedding day!

FAMILIES CAN MEET

Even if your families live fairly close to each other, that doesn’t guarantee they’ll have met before your wedding day. An engagement party allows your parents to meet and get to know each other.

WEDDING PARTY CAN MEET

The same goes for the wedding party. The people you ask to stand next to you on your big day don’t always know each other. You might have a mixture of childhood bestie, and the newest bestie you met at work. Having an engagement party allows everyone to meet so that they’re just that much more comfortable together on your wedding day!

How To Throw An Engagement Party?

Now that you’re sold on hosting an engagement party, let’s get into some of the logistics!

1. Pick a date. Choose a date that is a few months away so that your guests have a better chance of attending.

2. Choose a venue. Engagement parties are usually kept local, so choose a venue that suits both of your vibes.

3. Choose a time. The average engagement party is an evening affair and goes on into the night, but there’s nothing stopping you from having an afternoon tea party or a mid-day casual brunch party. 

4. Food + Bevvies. Though it’s not expected that you have a fully catered event, having some food and drinks helps keep the party vibes going.

Engagement Party Protocols

A couple of other things to keep in mind to make sure you have a really fun engagement party and celebrate this exciting adventure you’re about to embark on!

GUESTS

The rule of thumb is to invite the same people to your engagement party and to your wedding. The exception is if you’re having a just-us elopement or a destination wedding. Then your engagement party can also double as a celebration with friends + family who won’t be in attendance. Just be sure to mention it on your invite to set everyone’s expectations and avoid hurt feelings later on.

Related: How to tell your family you’re elopement

THEME

Elevate your engagement party by giving it a theme. 

Nothing is off the table but keeping it easy will help your guests participate in the festivities.

Should You Have An Engagement Party?

An engagement party isn’t for everyone. But if you want to celebrate and you love a good party, there’s nothing wrong with throwing a bash!!

And when you’re ready to do some engagement photos, just hit the button below and let’s chat!