Who Pays for the Engagement Party?

The engagement party is a fun way for both families and close friends to get to know one another before the wedding. Engagement parties can range from high-end celebrations to low key family cookouts and they are typically hosted within three months of the engagement.

Traditionally, the bride's parents host the engagement party. However, today just about anyone can do the honor, including the bride and groom! An engagement party is really an optional piece of the wedding pie, but since you can really make it informal and inexpensive, you don't have to let budget drive your decision.

A few fun ideas for low cost engagement parties:

1. At the right time of year, host an outdoor cookout. Anything from succulent ribs, to grilled veggies, or simple burgers and brauts will do! If your backyard isn't large enough, host it at a local park.

Personalized Stainless Steel Torches Make Fun Outdoor Decorations

2. If you are a wine lover, consider a wine tasting engagement party. Ask each guest to bring their favorite bottle of wine. Setup the tasting with a complement of appetizers that pair well with reds and whites.

Wine Bottle Stoppers Make Fun Favors for a Wine Tasting

3. Host a themed dinner party with the couple's favorite cuisine. A Mexican Fiesta or a Tapas party are fun examples. If budget is an issue, get the guests involved and invite them to bring their favorite recipe along with a recipe card for the engaged couple. You can assemble the recipe cards into a wonderful keepsake for the bride and groom to be.

Bride & Groom First and Forever Cookbook Make a GREAT Engagement Gift

4. A cocktail party with hors d'oeuvres is always a safe bet. If the bride is a beach loving girl, you can design the party around that theme. Some fun cocktail napkins, a few simple favors around the theme, and viola ... it looks like you planned for weeks!

By the Shore Sand Dollar Coaster

Regardless of what type of party you host, remember its purpose ... this is what is most important. There's enough stress around planning a wedding. The engagement party should not contribute to that stress. Keep it fun, keep it simple, and you'll set a wonderful tone between the two families ahead of the big day!

Fun Engagement Party Invitations

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