Engagement Party with a Twist

Just be aware that people will not make as much of an effort to come to an engagement party as they do a wedding, so you might not have everyone you want to attend.

Why not just have a small wedding? Then take your parents and possibly siblings and grandparents out to dinner after?

Lots of people here are against surprise weddings. I wouldn't be too upset if I had to miss an engagement party but if I found out I missed the wedding I'd be pretty pissed. Also, certain VIPS will need to know so feelings aren't hurt. With a date of 6/16/18 that's wayyyy too late for an engagement party so people may have an idea it's a wedding. If you really want to do it, do it sooner... like within 3 months of getting engaged.

I had a friend to did this and she said it was a hit.

First, you do not have to hire a planner for your wedding and you can do your own decorating. If you do not want a wedding, just elope or a small ceremony and dinner with your parents like PP have said. People may not show up for an engagement party that would show up for a wedding.

Definitely a know your crowd thing, but if you can pull it off I think it would be awesome!

I know several ppl that get married at their engagement party then go have a destination vow renewal with fam and friends.

I'm definitely not a fan of "surprise weddings". It's a know your crowd type of ordeal. To me, I'm not big on engagement parties either, doesn't matter how close I am to the person, they just don't seem important and a "must have". I'd expect (not knowing about the surprise wedding) that you will also have a bachelorette party, a Bridal shower, plus the wedding, to me an engagement party is just another party. With that being said I wouldn't make much effort coming to the engagement party. You may not have a great turn out with guests.

As a guest who didn't come to the engagement party, but later found out it was a wedding, I'd be kind of upset about it.

You know you don't need a planner... the more you put in to it, the more hectic it will get. If you want simple, you can just have a simple wedding.

Don't bother paying for a planner but beware of the backlash from guests that decide not to come or family members who don't attend

Well, I know the most important people will come. Also, we plan to tell our guest that we are doing a destination wedding. I know I have friends and family that will come regardless of what we decide. There's no such thing as small or simple when it comes to my 4 sisters plus 5 closest friends!!!

My reasoning for hiring a planner is so I don't have to do the leg work. I thought the wedding is suppose to be about the bride and the groom...make my dream come true. You know if I want a rustic theme, that doesn't necessarily mean that I have to use a barn??