Engagement Party Advice ????

Hello everyone,

We got engaged this past christmas eve, and have not had an engagement party yet. My family has a big yard so we want to do like a laid back BBQ over this summer at my home (were getting married next summmer.) So I have 2 questions...

1- Is it too late after our actual engagement to have a party?

2- We dont want to recieve gifts, we really want it just be a get together and a celebration of our upcoming wedding, and our new families. So how can I indicate that, maybe on the invitation??? were not really sure. Weve been to so many weddings where we have gone broke between and Eng. Gift, shower gift, and a wedding gift so we dont want to do that to anyone.

Thanks for any advice you may have I really appreciate it.

~ Vanessa

Re: Engagement Party Advice ????

Some people say it may be too late. However, we got engaged in Dec also and are having an eng party in May. Plus, you aren't getting married till the following summer so there is enough time inbetween the 2 events that it will work out okay.

Not sure about the no gifts on invitation. I remember reading something about it- incorporating a phrase on the invites.

Re: Engagement Party Advice ????

It is not too late at all!!!!!!!! There are many people who are engaged less than a year who do everything. We are engaged 2 years (April 20, 2002- April 24, 2004) Our engagement party will be right around the 1 year mark on April 26, 2003.

I would try to give your guests as close to a year as you can. But you need to do what is right for you.

As far as the gift thing - that is rather a touchy subject. Etiquette says that you are NOT required to bring a gift to an E-party - and you are not supposed to mention gifts or no gifts on invites - just as you should never send registry cards. Whatever you do not everyone will agree with. It is sort of that ****ed if you do and ****ed if you don't. BUT I would say an e-party is a time to celebrate your engagement with family and friends. People will either bring you a gift or they won't and if they want to they will bring one regardless if you tell them not to (esp family memebers). JMO if you put it in there then it will look like you expected everyone to give you something. If you don't then if people want to give you something they can but you might verbally when people ask you what you want tell them - your gift to me will be to attend so you can help me celebrate.

Good Luck

Re: Engagement Party Advice ????

I don't think it is too late, especially if you are haveing a laid back BBQ.
As far as gifts, it is usually not proper etiquette to put anything about it in the invitation. However, almost every invitation for a shower (bridal or baby) I have received mentions where the person is registered. How about if you say something like "No presents, just your own." But be aware there are people who will bring a gift regardless.
Hope this helps.

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Message edited 12/2/2005 9:21:23 AM.

Re: Engagement Party Advice ????

It's def not too late!!! Maybe pass it by word of mouth?

Re: Engagement Party Advice ????

I agree its not to late. We got engaged 12/8 and had a family get together on 12/27 and we said NO GIFTS but people do it anyway. I was funny we said no gifts please and the only person who paid any attention to that was my sister who felt horrible when all these people were giving me gifts, and shes my moh!!