Traditionally, it is the bride's parents who claim this honor first, but anyone who wants to throw an engagement party can-including you and your fiancé.If you are going with tradition and the bride's parents are hosting the party, the engagement announcement is generally made during a toast given by the bride's father or her fiancé. A toast is the perfect way to officially fill the guests in on the exciting news, especially when the news may be a surprise to them. The groom's father or other friends may also want to join in on the fun and toast the happy couple.
Any type of party is perfectly appropriate for an engagement party-a brunch, luncheon, dinner, or cocktail party. Guests can be invited by phone or written invitation, depending on the time and formality of the event. Be sure to avoid hurt feelings by only inviting guests that you also plan on inviting to the wedding.
Often, engagement parties are surprises, where the guests are invited to a party, but have no idea regarding the engagement. In that case, the invitations should be a general party invitation. If you want guests to know about the engagement beforehand, you can mention it in the body of the invitations.
"Please join us in celebrating the engagement of...."
If you are throwing an engagement party yourself, there are lots of fun ways to celebrate this thrilling occasion. From casual get-togethers to high-style affairs, here are some fun ideas to get you started.
A BEACH PARTY, POOL PARTY, OR BARBECUE
Nothing beats a relaxed get together with friends and family enjoying the great outdoors. This is a great way to announce your engagement if you've been dating for a long time and your friends have just been waiting for you to get around to becoming engaged.
A WINE TASTING OR MICROBREWERY PARTY
This is a fun, slightly more formal type of gathering where you can let your personality shine through. Serve lots of tasty appetizers with the wine or beer. You might consider printing up cocktail napkins announcing your engagement to use for the evening.
A COCKTAIL PARTY
A cocktail party featuring a new, personalized cocktail named after yourselves-the James and Kara Royale perhaps, or the Mike and Maddy Martini-is a fun way to announce your engagement. Cocktails are making a huge comeback, and a cocktail party is the ultimate in sophisticated entertaining. Pull out all the stops and use fun cocktail glasses. Set up a bar area and consider sending a bartender for the event. A few elegant hors d'oeuvres provide the perfect accompaniment.
A TEX-MEX PARTY
Somehow Tex-Mex food feels more casual than other dinner parties. It is also a good, easy way to feed lots of people without too much last-minute fuss. Add some ice-cold margaritas and possibly a piñata, and you'll be all set.
AN INTIMATE SIT-DOWN DINNER
The traditional dinner party is an elegant way to announce your engagement, This type of party lends itself particularly well to the engagement announcement being made by a formal toast.
AN ELEGANT OPEN HOUSE
This is a good way to invite lots of people but avoid overtaxing your entertainment skills. Bu their very nature, open houses are "drop-in" affairs and you can accommodate a large numbers of people spread out over a while afternoon or evening.
A CHAMPAGNE AND HORS D'OEUVRES PARTY
Nothing says celebrate like champagne! Try featuring a wide selection of champagnes that celebrate the bubbly's diversity. If you're feeling very extravagant, you might consider announcing your engagement via a personalized "vintage" of champagne. There are many wineries that offer personalized labels for their wines and this would certainly be a unique way to let your guests know your good news.
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