Engagement Party Invitations

Why We Need Invitations

Depending on the type of party, invitations are not always necessary. The more formal the event, the more important engagement party invitations become. Invitations are also vital if the party is to be a surprise, either to the newly engaged couple or to the invited guests. Invitations help guests plan their time as well as help whoever is planning the party coordinate refreshments, seating, and entertainment. If the party planner chooses to distribute invitations, they should bear in mind the different styles available as well as which information to include and how to order them.

Styles of Engagement Party Invitations

Invitations come in many forms, from simple verbal requests to e-mail messages to printed notes. Many invitations are themed – popular motifs include flowers, hearts, diamonds, rings, and stylized couples. If information about the wedding is already known (colors, theme, or location for instance), the engagement party invitations can easily be coordinated to match the forthcoming nuptials. On the other hand, many invitation styles are whimsical, such as a ball-and-chain or oversized diamond ring. Themes can also match the circumstances of the engagement, recreating the site of the proposal, the couple’s first date, or how they first met. Specialized printers can also incorporate personal pictures for an individualized touch. If the engagement party itself is themed (a barbeque, beach party, etc.), many decorative papers and cards can be found to match. Physically, invitations are available in a rainbow of colors and shapes, including die-cuts of rings and hearts.

Information to Include

With any invitation, specific facts about the event should be included so guests can make an informed decision about whether they will be able to attend. The basic invitation for an engagement party should include:

• Date and time of event, including duration if necessary
• Location with specific address and driving directions
• Theme if necessary
• Purpose of the party
• Response information (who will attend, meal preferences, etc.) if required
• Contact information for a response

Naturally, if the party will be a surprise, the invitations may need to be somewhat misleading (use the ruse of a housewarming, birthday, job promotion, or other special occasion to misdirect the guests), or they will need to remind guests that the party is a surprise for the couple. Generally, including information about Engagement Gifts or registries is considered inappropriate, since it presents the idea that a gift is an admission fee, but including such information is up to the preferences of the families and their customs.

Ordering Invitations

If engagement party invitations are ordered from a professional printer, they should typically be ordered a month in advance of the event, depending on the company’s printing schedule. The planner should always review a proof of the actual invitation to approve the lettering, spelling, crucial information, and text placement. While the event may not be as formal as the actual wedding, the same care and attention to detail should be taken to prevent potential problems. If the invitations are informal (pre-printed to fill-in-the-blanks or just personal notes), they should still be purchased well in advance to insure that there are enough to cover the guest list. Planners should always purchase a few extra invitations to cover postal loss, unexpected additions to the guest list, and to serve as scrapbook mementos.

Sending Invitations

Depending on the type of party, invitations should be sent only two or three weeks prior to the event. If the party is very formal, however, with catering or reservation requirements, the invitations may need to be sent earlier to coincide with vendor deadlines. Typically, guests are not expected to travel far (more than driving) for an engagement party and most invitations will be sent to local individuals who need less time to adjust their schedules. If the event will be near a major holiday, invitations should be sent earlier to allow guests to plan for different travel needs and coordinate with other potential events. Always be sure that the invitations have adequate postage, particularly if they have enclosures such as a map, response card, or photograph.

Engagement party invitations are the first step toward a fun event that celebrates a couple’s new commitment to one another. While they may not always be required, invitations with an appropriate theme and relevant information help smooth the planning for the special occasion and surround the couple with supportive family and friends at the beginning of their journey through life together.