We can all agree, the anticipation of weddings and the associated parties is usually very exciting! Engagement parties can be incredibly casual or very formal, planned out in advance or immediately after a surprise engagement, small and cozy or large and extravagant – there are so many possibilities. A couple may even have an engagement party, bridal shower, and a bachelor/bachelorette party. With so many potential parties, are you expected to bring a gift? What kind? At what price point? Should you get a card for the new fiancées? Check out five etiquette tips below for engagement parties!
Do You Need to Bring a Gift to an Engagement Party?
Engagement parties aren’t so common as they used to be and the gift-giving etiquette can be a bit of an unknown. Fortunately, it isn’t obligatory to bring an engagement party gift. It’s completely optional to bring a gift to an engagement party specifically!
Traditionally, very close friends or relatives do bring gifts, but the future bride and groom don’t necessarily expect them from every person invited. Usually at this stage, the engaged couple hasn’t set up a registry as the wedding may be very far into the future. The engagement party is a chance for people to celebrate the engagement before all the wedding planning stress kicks into overdrive. A small and sentimental gift is always a good idea though not mandatory, so if it isn’t an imposition on your finances, why not bring the newly engaged couple a little joy during their celebration? Â
What Kind of Gift Is Appropriate?
Whether it is a friend, relative, or coworker that invites you to their engagement party, the prospect of picking a meaningful gift can be more daunting than whom to bring as your wedding date. For those who are stumped when picking out a specific gift, gift cards, a check, or cash are always a good way to go. Additionally, a card is always a good idea. Etsy has a vast selection of unique engagement cards made by small vendors for the same price as those at your local grocery store! They have casual, funny, and elegant options to match the feel of the engagement party.
Source: etsy.com
Another good rule of thumb is to buy a gift that the couple can use in some way before the wedding. A wedding planning book, a ring holder for the engagement ring, or a set of champagne flutes or wine glasses can all be used pre-wedding!
Know What NOT to Bring
Now that we’ve discussed some easy, go-to options, it wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t talk about the things that you shouldn’t bring to the engagement party. First and foremost, if the engagement party invitation states not to bring gifts, respect those wishes. There will be plenty of opportunities like the bridal shower or wedding to bring a gift.
Another don’t is to purchase an extremely expensive or extravagant gift – save those for the wedding. Of course, you don’t want to give a gift that is a novelty item or the type of gift you’d give for a bachelorette party (like lingerie or a robe.) Sticking with something practical that can be used multiple times or displayed is a safer bet.
Make the Gift for Both of Them
Even if you’re considerably closer to one part of the engaged couple, it is always nice to give a gift that both people will appreciate. A cake knife and serving set is an excellent idea since it is almost guaranteed the couple will need one since it might not be an item they’ll have on hand.
Parties and weddings mean lots of flowers, so a vase is a choice that will undoubtedly get a lot of use. The good thing with vases is they come in a variety of different price ranges, from $10 – $100, so you can choose which best fits your budget.
A cookbook with recipes for two is affordable and something that will help the couple make memories together. Similarly, serving dishes or a decanter are staples that most newlyweds will need too.
If You’re Unsure, Stick with These Time-Tested Ideas
There are so many ideas that sometimes just going with something tried and true is the easiest option.
Wine or champagne is a gift that can be opened at the engagement party and enjoyed by all.
A bouquet of flowers can be sent before or after the party and is both affordable and thoughtful.
A beautiful picture frame that fits their home décor or style is also always a hit – and particularly meaningful with a picture of them in it.
Even though saving physical images isn’t as common these days, a photo album is still a great idea to encourage the couple to preserve those memories physically as well as digitally.
Regardless of whether you choose to bring a simple gift for the couple-to-be or something to share among the guests like a bottle of nice Champagne, you can never go wrong when your gift reflects your personal relationship with the recipient.
Conclusion
If you’d like to learn more about etiquette, including appropriate behavior for both men and women, consider a career as an image consultant. To learn more about image consulting, click here to contact London Image Institute.
