I need some ideas for our engadgement party! We are new to marriage thing!?

Question

We just got engadged finally after 5 years. We are so happy. we cant wait to finally be married. So our first event will be our engagement party. We know that we want it formal enough for His parents from both sides to be there. only his family because I lost my mother and my father years ago, im only 26. Also we want it unformal enough to be able to have friends there too. we have no idea were to start with the exception of having his family cook for the party. what else do i need? decorations? favors? any ideas would be great. thank you so much for your help!

Answer 1

Haveing a engagement party doesnt need favors or anything huge. A place to hold the event, some finger foods and somthing to drink. You can have some decorations but dont over do it. Its just a time to get the family and friends together and talk about the big day.
Congrats

Answer 2

Actually, Peggy Post, in her newest book of etiquette, doesn't say that it is not appropriate for a couple to host their own engagement party, but she doesn;t say it is either. She does say that typically the bride;s parents host but it is also acceptable for a friend or family member to give the party.
Since the engagement party is not considered a gift giving event, it's probably fine to host it yourselves. Keep in mind that some guests may bring gifts. If they do, thank them and set the gifts aside to be opened later since, as I mentioned before, you may have some guests who do not bring a gift. Don't forget to send a handwritten thank you note immediately following the party.
Remember that anyone you invite to the engagement party should also be invited to the wedding so if you haven't begun the wedding guest list yet, please do so now.
You'll select the level of formality and provide food, decorations, etc based on the location, time of day, etc. Favors are not usually given at this party.

Answer 3

Congrats! This is a very special time for both of you. The internet should be an excellent source of information for you. You could go with a themed-engagement party (such as a tropical luau) or a games event. Why not sit down and jot notes about what you both envision, and then base the decos and favors on what would go along with that. This can be as formal or casual as you desire (wine & cheese, bbq, whatever). Also - prepare yourself for people asking if you are registered anywhere - and plan your gifts in advance if that is what you desire.

Answer 4

There is no etiquette that states the couple can not throw their own engagement party so don't listen to that.
My engagement party was held outside at my parents house. I purchased lavender plastic table cloths from the dollar store to lay on the tables. I also bought white and lavender votive candles from the craft store and placed them in the center of the tables. I then sprinkled wedding/engagement confetti that I had purchased at our local craft store around the candles in the center of the tables. Favors aren't necessary but fun and you can do them if you want to. Check out the local dollar and craft stores for favor ideas. My family also made the food. We had steaks and chicken on the grill, salad, potato salad, ziti and meatballs, fruit and veggie platters, crackers and cheese, a desert tray, and our congratulations cake. Hope this helps some.

Answer 5

Congrats! Well, the biggest thing is that you neither plan nor throw your own engagement party. Talk to your family about it, and let them go with it. Usually an engagement party is just a simple get together to have everyone meet and talk - just drinks and snacks. No gifts, decorations, favours, etc.

Answer 6

It's inappropriate to throw yourself an engagement party. If you really want one, talk to his parents about hosting.

Answer 7

just wine and food apetizers have it a one of your familys house or his family it would be great just like that