Now that you’re rocking a sparkler on your ring finger, here comes the fun part – planning the engagement party! But in doing so, you will also get a taster of the rules and politics involved in organising a wedding.
Start as you mean to go on, these are the rules you don’t need to follow.
It’s Okay To Throw Yourself A Celebration
You don’t have to wait for someone else to throw you an engagement party. This is the most exciting time of your life, so if you want to shout your happy news from the rooftops, then take matters into your own hands and start organising pronto.
You Don’t Have To Host One Right Away
There’s no official timeframe for hosting a party after the proposal. Ultimately, do what is right for you and your budget. Maybe you both have particularly busy work schedules currently, or you may need to set some money aside before booking a party venue and finger food. Whether it’s one week or four months later, your friends and family will be delighted to join in the celebrations.
It Doesn’t Need To Be A Formal Affair
Many party planning articles suggest that your engagement bash should set the tone for the big day itself, advising that your venue choice and decor should act as a sneak peek of the main event. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Don’t get stressed over trivial details, your party can be a large gathering at the local pub or an intimate family dinner with those closest to you. It can be as formal or as informal as you wish.
You Can Invite People That Won’t Be Invited To The Wedding
Often, parents may insist on only inviting people who will be on your wedding guest list. This is one rule you don’t need to follow, especially if you are planning to have a smaller wedding. Just because your aunt Kitty’s neighbour pops in for a celebratory drink, doesn’t mean you have to return a full-day invite to your special day.
You Don’t Need To Have An Open Bar
Don’t feel under pressure to provide an open bar on the night or allow guests to add drinks to your tab. Weddings don’t come cheap, and those closest to you will understand the many savings and sacrifices to come. An alternative gesture is to pay for a round of drinks to toast your happy news.