27 replies to this topic

[teamtejeda]

[QUOTE=big3n09;736041]

Quote:

Originally Posted by teamtejeda Basically, it was held at a mexican rest we go to all the time. Luckily for us we know the owners and they set up a special deal for us. We had a buffet with the option to buy a wristband aka OPEN BAR for $20 a person. I know thats a major steal and ppl were happy to do it esp when the food was free. It was on a Sunday so it was a private party but the MONDAY was Memorial Day so ppl could go out without worrying about work. So did you all pay the $20 per person for the wristbands for your guest?

No.. We paid for softdrinks, coffee and tea and we did get a round of shot for everyone for a "Cheers" along with the food. Most of the older adults didnt drink alcohol..

Sure, The wristbands were an option, If they wanted alcohol they purchased the wristbands themselves. Not one complaint. Infact we asked around before doing it.. IT basically turned into a BIG BAR PARTY after the family left so I guess thats why it worked out okay without the buying of booze.

[L&C In Love]

Does anyone else have any ideas to share about engagement parties? I am starting to think about planning mine and can't quite decide what to do? I also want to try and pay for everything, so something that would make me break the bank.
Any ideas would be appreciated!

[caroline1sc]

I helped throw one with my mom for my sister a few years ago. When we did the research, it appeared the engagement party should be your first party (if you elect to even have it) and it should be no earlier than six months before the wedding date.

[taratoons]

Hi!

I got engaged in February, and we are having our engagement party next weekend. My parents have a trailer in a campground that they use all summer, and so we had the idea to rent the pavilion at the campground (only $80) for the party. The bridesmaids are taking care of the appetizers, while my Dad cooks up a couple of roasts which we're going to serve on buns. It's BYOB, so we didn't have to worry about cash bar vs. paying for a bar, getting liquor license, and all that stuff. It's just a low key BBQ/camping fest, which is totally US. The great thing is, there's lots of space, so our wedding party have organized some games, and people can rent a site and pitch a tent for $20 as opposed to spending more to stay in a hotel room, if they are coming from far away. In terms of when you have it or who throws it, I don't really think it matters. Tradition would probably state that the bride's parents host, and I'm sure there's some traditional time frames of when it should be held, but I'm not too worried about that. It's basically a chance for the families to get to know each other, and for our friends to have a little fun too! :0)

[NaM]

Ours was actually tied along to the engagement. When my FI was deciding how to propose he asked some friends who were already engaged/married what the best part was and they all said sharing it with everyone! So the night my FI propsed he and my MOH rented a private room at a local bar, bought apps, bottles of wine, and invited all our friends and family...and everyone suprised me there after he popped the question. We never threw another one after that but it was perfect to celebrate that way for us.

[holstang]

We decided to throw one for ourselves too, for two reasons:

1.- Our family had never really met before, so we wanted to get everyone together for that, and

2.- Our engagement was two years long, so we thought it would be cool for all of our friends and fam to get together and meet BEFORE the wedding.

It was very casual- we hired a taco truck guy to come to my moms, and throughout the party I pulled names out of a hat & gave away prizes. It was definitely a hit! We also provided all the alcohol- we ordered a couple kegs from a friend that works at a brewery, and stocked up on wine at Trader Joes. (No hard liquor). It wasn't too expensive, and it got everyone excited about our wedding cruise!

[L&C In Love]

These are some great ideas! Thanks for sharing!

Lacey

[big3n09]

we have chosen a place we really like but the quote includes a rum punch for everyone upon arrival, wine and beer, and valet parking. My father is a Minister and he may contribute but feel reluctant to because of the alcohol, as well as who knows what his wife might say. My mother doesn't drink either and my only issue with the wine is that it's their house white and red wine which I doubt me or FI will like, we like sweet dessert wines. So I'm wondering can I just get away with a cash bar and please fill me in on the valet parking, I didn't even think about that. It's a 3 hour friday night event at a hotel in a room that holds 80 comfortably that they display art in to give you an idea of the type of party it will be. I guess cocktail party style because we will have passed hors d'oeuvres not any sit down dinner. I just wanted to give our families a chance to meet each other especially before the wedding. I was gonna do a cookout but felt people would be less likey to mingle and get to know one another. Please offer me some advice, thanks!

[shan13]

Great thread...I hadn't even thought about an engagement party but I would like to have one moreso for our families to meet. My mom came down recently and met with FI's mom. I don't want to put my family through the expense of traveling here (I'm from St. Louis) and then saving for our wedding as well.

If I do one I will send the invite but not expect ppl to come. I am thinking it will be mostly for our friends here.

More than likely it will be a bbq/cookout event here at our house.

[frank13]

we got engaged in May of 2008 and had a party in July. My mom insisted we have one which I thought was odd. In the end we decided to have one because my Fiancee is from NJ and so is his family and friends and I am from CT and my family is spread out around New England and we wanted everyone to meet before the wedding.

We ended up throwing the party ourselves in my FI's mom's backyard and footing the whole bill. I made all the appetizers and decorations and had family help set up. for desert I made cupcakes and decorated each one. My FI owns a bar so he came up with 3 signature drinks that we served in giant punch bowls along with beer and wine to cut down on expenses. it turned out to be about 40 people and we partied until about 1am. I even went swimming in my dress (I think I sampled a little too much "punch"). Everyone had a great time and they said it made them more excited for our actual wedding.

Some people gave cash gifts which we didn't expect. it ended up covering the cost of the party with some left over for the wedding fund. we really just wanted an evening garden party to have everyone meet.

I would say there is no real "etiquette" but don't make it seem like you are looking for handouts. I think they are just a good opportunity for families to start to become one. Now both are mom's are great friends and I couldn't be happier that is how they met.