Engagement Party: To Have or Not To Have?

Getting engaged is most definitely a cause for celebration! After sharing the wonderful news with your closest family and friends, you might begin to wonder whether or not you should host an engagement party. While it is not expected or even required to have one, it is definitely a great way to get your loved ones together to celebrate this milestone. 

Whether you envision a casual get together at your favorite restaurant or bar, or an elaborate party that requires RSVPs, there are three things we recommend considering before planning to host an engagement party: Budget, timing and guest list.

1. BUDGET

If you're doing the hosting, make sure you set a realistic budget with the understanding that there will be a great deal of costs associated with the wedding itself. Don't overspend. If someone offers to throw you a celebratory get together or you find yourself walking into a surprise party, that's the perfect solution!

2. TIMING

Engagement parties usually occur within 1-2 months of being engaged. If you've already locked in your wedding venue and started working on sending your save-the-date's, don't confuse friends and family by giving them too many celebrations to RSVP to leading up to the big day. 

3. GUEST LIST

Consider who you'd want to be there to celebrate your engagement. This will also have a lot to do with budget considerations. Remember, you'll be having showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties, rehearsals, dinners and more. You don't need to invite everyone to everything, however it is important to note that whoever you invite to your engagement party should also be on the guest list for the wedding.

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