Do People Buy Gifts for an Engagement Party

The question, "Do people buy gifts for an engagement party?" is a complicated one. The most accurate answer is that it depends on where you live, the couple, the circumstances, and your own preference.

An engagement party was originally the place where the new couple officially announced their plans to marry. The party was usually thrown by the bride-to-be's parents and was the acknowledgment that their daughter would be getting married and that they accepted the soon to be son-in-law. In Victorian times it was a subtle sign to other potential suitors that the young lady was no longer available. As such gifts were not required, and were actually considered to be in poor taste.

In modern times the couple often hosts their own engagement party. Most of their friends and family probably all ready know about the engagement and the party is given more as a celebration of their joy and happiness rather than as an official announcement.

After the engagement party there will be bridal showers, luncheons, and other celebrations that will nearly overwhelm the happy couple with an abundance of gifts. It is not required to buy gifts for the engagement party.

If you live in Europe or Australia then buying gifts for the engagement party is a good idea. It is part of the tradition there to bring gifts to the engagement party, partly because there is often not the flurry of showers and celebrations that accompanies the engagement announcement in the United States.

In the United States an engagement party gift is not traditional. It is, in most cases, not considered good etiquette to bring a gift to the party. Here's why. Every item that is given as a gift before the wedding traditionally belongs to the bride. The items are often of a personal nature and are best given by those that are her very closest friends and relatives. Since the engagement party would consist of both the bride and the groom and many of the people there would not necessarily be in the core group of friends there would be some people that could bring gifts and other's that would not. In this case it is better for friends who wish to give the bride engagement gifts to do so privately.

It is true that while formal etiquette eschews gifting the couple at an engagement party many people will do it anyway.

There are times when the preference will be noted on the invitation. Many couples, newly engaged will be handling the costs of their own wedding and may note that money would be the preferred gift. If friends or family members are hosting the party they may make a note to bring a gag gift or a themed gift of some kind. Despite etiquette it is best to follow the desires of those that are hosting the party.

Do people buy gifts for an engagement party? That depends largely on the individual circumstances. Although bringing gifts might be questionable a congratulatory card is always appropriate. A card shows that you are thinking of the couple and expresses your good wishes for their future.

The purpose of the engagement party is to get to know the couple better. By using good manners, sincerely expressing your congratulations and spending time with them you are bound to do exactly the right thing.

• Engagement Party Tips
• Unique Heart Shaped Diamond Engagement Rings
• Synthetic Ruby Eternity Ring
• How Much Should I Spend On An Engagement Ring
• What Is The Main Gemstone In Your Engagement Ring

• Unique Engagement Rings
• Celebrity Engagement Rings
• Asscher Cut Engagement Rings
• Pave Setting Engagement Rings
• Engagement Ring Settings