Engagement Party?

My fiance and I want to have our engagment party this July, and we are getting married next July. If anyone has had an engagement party, let me know how it went. We're not having bachelor or bacelorette parties, so should it be just our friends at the party? Or should we invite our parents and other close relatives? Is there a proper etiquette or should we just do what we want? I don't want to make my parents feel left out, but since we aren't having the other parties I feel like this should just be friends. Let me know what you would do and what you think! Thanks for the opinions!

Engagement Party?
Well since it is your engagement and your wedding it should be your choice how you want to do the engagement party. My cousin had an engagement party and invited both friends and family but she did have a bachelorette party and all. However maybe you could tie you family into the engagement party and just have a friends only bridal shower? Or just find something special to do with just your friends. sort of like a bachelor party but not. There are some cool ideas like a day spa party where you have people come out to you, or you can buy your own stuff to do all that at home.





really just think of what you want, i think it would be a good idea to include family in some sort of pre wedding celebration though :) But also understanding wanting to have a just friends thing too. good luck and congratulations!
Reply:no problem :) im going to have a world of issues planning my wedding stuff..my moms side of the family hates my dad's side and i want them all there...heheh Report It

Reply:Definatly have your parents, why not make it so everyone is together and one big party. It would be fun having everyone together. My engagement was really nice we had close friends and family.
Reply:Etiquette of Engagement Party are the following:


The Couple does not host the Engagement Party!


The Party normanlly is host by a close friend, or parent!


The guest who are invited to the Engagement Party should also be invited to the wedding. Just have fun and enjoy this time with your fiance!!
Reply:An engagement party is for family and close friends. You don't throw your own, though!
Reply:Since you asked about the etiquette of an engagement party, I think you should know that is considered an extreme breach of etiquette to give yourself an engagement party. You simply cannot do it. Do not do it. It can be given by the parents of the bride or groom or by your friends or friends of your parents. But not by you.
Reply:I think the engagement party is more like a time for all your friends and family to get to know the grooms friends and family, and obviously to celebrate the engagement. Typically, over the course of an engagement, these people will see each other pretty often (at showers, rehearsals, etc.) so it's nice for everyone to get to know one another. If you don't want to have bachelorette/bachelor parties then you could have a cookout or other casual party closer to the wedding for friends only. Some of your friends may even organize that for you. However, all that being said- you should do what makes YOU happy! :-)
Reply:no your folks should be there it normally is thrown by parents or close family friends an its to let everyone know you two are off the market an getting ready for the big day also you can get tons of ideas from these people on your upcoming nuptials good luck