Purpose of an Engagement Party

Engagement parties are events held after a couple announces their intention to be married and may be thrown by the family of the bride or the groom, by the couple themselves, or by a close friend or other family member. Depending on the type of engagement party, the event has a number of purposes.

Announcement

Some families or couples hold engagement parties in order to formally announce their wedding plans by gathering together loved ones. At such engagement parties, the parents of the bride or groom sometimes toast the couple or provide a short speech to give their formal blessing of the event. Also, the couple sometimes announces the members of the wedding party at such affairs.

Congratulations

In some instances, an engagement party is simply a form of congratulating the couple and wishing them well. Such parties are often surprises and typically are held by someone other than the couple. They frequently include the giving of gifts to the couple as well.

Introduction

If the couple lives out of town, the bride's parents often hold an engagement party for their friends and family to meet the groom or the groom's parents might hold the event so everyone has an opportunity to meet the bride.

Friendship

If the couple's families are unfamiliar with one another, the couple may throw a party in order to give their loved ones a chance to meet and build relationships with one another. Alternately, the family of the bride or groom may hold such a party to meet their child's future in-laws.

Celebration

An engagement party need not have any other purpose besides a form of celebration or a time for the couple to relax with friends and family before the whirlwind of wedding planning officially begins.

References

• Engagement Party Purposes
• Perfect Wedding Planning Guide