Engaged, Now What?
Part One
The Engagement Party
1. Don’t Get Too Stressed Right Away
Once the two of you are engaged, you may feel a lot of pressure to plan the wedding right away. There are so many things to think about: where to have the wedding, who to invite, what type of cake to buy. But, you should take some time to just enjoy your engagement. Celebrate with family and friends and relax before you jump into wedding planning mode.
2. How to Celebrate
There are many ways to celebrate your engagement, so you want to pick the way that works for you. Some couples merely call their friends and family to share the good news. Some host a small party at their house. And some go the more traditional route and host a party at the bride’s parents’ house. What you choose to do should suit your needs (money, time, and location).
3. When to Announce Your Engagement
Right after you get engaged, you’ll probably tell everyone close to you either by phone or by having an engagement party. In fact, some couples host a dinner party and announce their engagement as a surprise. But, you may also want to post an announcement in the local paper or host your own wedding website. When you do this is a matter of your choosing, as there is no traditional timeline.
4. Is an Engagement Party Right for You?
You should only throw an engagement party if it’s right for you. If both of you enjoy spending time with family and friends and are willing to plan a small party, then go for it. But, if you want something simpler, then a party may not be the answer. What you really want to consider is how hard it would be for you to throw a party together. If you aren’t up to it, your friends may surprise you and throw one for you.
5. Pros of the Engagement Party
An engagement party is the easiest way to celebrate with your loved ones. It’s an easy way to introduce the bride and groom’s families. It’s also an easy way to introduce your friends to your family. Plus, parties are often fun and enjoyable, which will help you relax before the stress of wedding planning.
6. Cons of the Engagement Party
The most obvious problem of the engagement party is the expense. When preparing for a wedding, extra expenses are not always desirable. You also have to make sure that you invite everyone who attends to the wedding, which can be problematic when you are making your guest list. Finally, if your engagement is short, the party may seem over the top. When you celebrate your engagement and wedding close together, it can be too much.
7. What to do if You Don’t Want to Throw a Party
A nice, simple way to announce your engagement is to send out cards. You can print cards with a picture of you and your fiancé and personalize them for each recipient. This lets your friends and family share in your happiness, and lets them get a look at that ring! Plus, it’s a cheap method of contacting those you wish to notify.
8. How to Plan an Engagement Party
When thinking about your engagement party, you need to consider several things. Think about the location (how close does everyone live, will people have to travel?), cost (how much money are you willing to spend), and timing (how long is your engagement?). These three questions should affect what type of party you host.
9. Where to Have the Party
The engagement party is traditionally held at the bride’s parents’ house. But you don’t need to follow tradition. Location should depend on who is coming. If the bride’s parents’ house is in a central location, easy to reach for your friends and family, it may be a good choice. You save money by not renting a venue. Another option is to have it at your house or a friend’s house, if that is easier for everyone to get to.
10. What to do When Distance is a Problem
How do you throw an engagement part when your families live far apart? Well, you have to factor in the cost of travel. If your family is willing to travel to celebrate with you, then great. If they have to pay for plane tickets, then perhaps the celebrations should wait until your actual wedding. But, if your families are within a few hours’ driving distance, then it shouldn’t be an issue.
Engaged Now What (Part Two)
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