What’s the purpose of an engagement party

In the olden days the purpose was to share with everyone that you were engaged. Before the days of social media no one really knew so the parents would organize a party and announce the engagement. I think this was usually done by the bride’s parents.

These days its jist a party party to celebrate what most already know - you are engaged. One should not throw their own party it should be hosted by someone who offers. You should only invite people who are invited to the wedding. Keep in mind between the engagement party, bridal shower, bachelorette, rehearsal dinner, actual wedding, post wedding brunch, this is all a lot to ask people to attend to celebrate you (with gifts of without). Clearly I just listed allllll the occasion options, but just keep that in mind.

Yah, my mom just posted ours on facebook. We had a few friends over for a bbq

A big part of what engagement parties are about is having the two families meet and get to know each other if they havent already so that they’re not meeting for the first time at the wedding.

For what it's worth, we aren't having one. So you don't need one if you don't want one!

I’m having one, and I’m pretty much planning it. My brother is hosting it at his house, and my mom is helping. But, just with my family dynamic and being that I actually do planning for a living, I’m way more hands on then is “typical”. The real purpose of our party is so that our families can meet. I have 7 siblings, FH has 4 siblings, and our parents have only met once. We wanted everyone to have a chance to mingle and meet before the wedding where there would be more family members and friends.

I had one because I wanted our families to know we were engaged and also gives me a chance to meet the important people in FH life. Also since we knew our wedding date and it was a year from then and around Christmas, we told them. Also I didn't want a bridal shower because I don't want them to feel the need to give us anything. I just wanted to meet his family so we chose engagement party over Bridal shower 😊

Basically if what you would like 😊

I'm glad you brought this up Ashley! I'm wondering the same thing!

Hi Ashley!

Engagement parties are really just a celebration prior to the big day bringing your families & friends together. Totally up to you if you have one or not. Nothing is mandatory, as there's no rules in weddings. Like the others mentioned, they can be big or small, or not at all.

I hope this helps!