Engagement Party - any ideas?

Marionette

Hi,
not written in a while but looking for any ideas to make our engagement party go well so that its memorable but not costing a fortune. :money:
My OH proposed last March and we were due to have a party BBQ at home in May last year but had items stolen from our garden so didnt feel comfortable having folk around. Now, its February and still not had an engagement party! So, time to get organised. :beer:
Any ideas as families live about 60miles apart so not easy to get a mutual place.
Thanks in advance

Wedding Day: Friday 27th February 2015 :j

notanewuser

Do you need to have a party? I don't get them myself (especially a year after the event).

How about taking your nearest and dearest out for a celebratory lunch instead?

74jax

Ermmmm I don't really understand the party? Do people know you're engaged? Surely they would have already congratulated you?

hieveryone

I'm another one in the no engagement party camp.

I've been to a few as they seem to be the 'in' thing to do now, but (and I'm not saying this is what you are all about OP), they seem to be another method of receiving presents from guests, which doesn't sit right with me.

My suggestion would be to save your money for your wedding to get something a bit extra special. If friends of mine got engaged and then planned a party nearly a year later, I'd get the feeling they were after gifts - (as cynical as it sounds)!!

74jax

hieveryone wrote: »

I'm another one in the no engagement party camp.

I've been to a few as they seem to be the 'in' thing to do now, but (and I'm not saying this is what you are all about OP), they seem to be another method of receiving presents from guests, which doesn't sit right with me.
!

:eek::eek:
I hadn't thought of that point. After a year......:eek::eek:

I think engagement parties are to congratulate the couple, after a year it seems just weird.

cats2012

I agree, we never had one and didn't miss it. Used the cash for the wedding

I guess it's more relevant if you're going to wait years to get married, we only waited 2.

Scotsbride

we didn't have one either however we got my mum and my in law around for a meal so they could meet before the wedding. it was nothing flash just a normal every day meal

Haushinka

We had one within the first 6 months but both our families live in different places (one in france, another in Essex) and we hadn't formally celebrated yet. We got a free venue on the lake, gave ourselves a £500 budget (I did all the decor/tablecloths/bunting etc myself) and we bought everyone who came lunch & cake! We even had a friend play an acoustic set which was lovely. We got loads of lovely cards but requested that peoples attendance was more than enough and that we didn't want any gifts. That was over 3 years ago and we are finally getting married this year. I say do what you like! If you want a party, have a party! You aren't going to be getting excited about it for a while so you may as well celebrate your engagement! It may not be very money savvy mind, but good practice for the day itself!