| Stacia Richards, Texas -- Thursday, January 9 2003, 11:09 am My friends' engagement card was a postcard from a museum
where they took the facs out of Adam and Eve with an Xacto
knife and pasted color copies of their faces beneath. It
turned ut really cute.
Lisa Childers - New York -- Friday, March 28 2003, 07:16 pm I love the idea about passing out save the date reminders at
the reception.
Lisa Childers - New York -- Friday, March 28 2003, 07:16 pm I meant the engagement party. Ooops!
Lynne -- Tuesday, April 15 2003, 01:58 pm We had a great engagement party! We had a mulitple
celebration - Our engagement, housewarming, my birthday (the
following day) and my fiancee got a great new job!! We had
a Mexican theme and even had a pinata. Everyone had fun and
we got to meet one another's friends who we hadn't met yet
in a casual, fun environment.
Cheryl Boone -- Friday, May 9 2003, 04:04 pm These are all great ideas! I am going to use them for two
weddings I am helping to plan. Thanks
Allie/N.Y -- Sunday, May 11 2003, 04:14 pm I just got engaged and am looking for really fun and cute
"ring" favors for my upcoming engagement party.
Any suggestions on give out or make ?
Andrea - California -- Monday, May 12 2003, 12:26 pm I'm having an engagement party and need creative ideas on
how to announce my wedding party. I would like to give
something to each guest, but have the wedding party be
different. The intent is that the wedding party doesn't know
yet. Any help would be great. Thank you.
Michelle, Colorado -- Friday, May 16 2003, 02:36 pm A friend sent all of her bridesmaids the Wedding Planner dvd
to announce that they would be a part of the wedding party.
I thought this was a very cute idea!
Michelle, Colorado -- Friday, May 16 2003, 02:38 pm A friend sent all of her bridesmaids the Wedding Planner dvd
to announce that they would be a part of the wedding party.
I thought this was a very cute idea!
Emily -- Thursday, May 22 2003, 06:19 am We're (my fiance and I) are planning a pretty big engagement
party (100 ppl). I'm really searching for some creative
ideas. I love the one's I've seen so far (Save the date,
posting embarrasing pictures), got anymore. It's in a month
from now. Thanks
Sara -- Thursday, May 22 2003, 12:30 pm We are having our engagement party at a park. We are going
to do the pincic theme. I love your party ideas.
More would be great.
Tiffany -- Friday, May 23 2003, 06:07 pm We're having our engagement party at a lake with BBQ, music,
and our closest friends and family. Not really my idea, but
the fiance really wanted to have it in an outdoorsy kind of
atmosphere. But I am adding my own touches, I am going to
hang string of lights with multi-colored shades on them from
tree to tree, I am going to have tables with candles on them
although they will probably have to be the kind that repel
bugs. It is in July so we can go swimming or fishing while
there and we are going to make it a little weekend campout
for our loved ones. Any other ideas to maybe add a little
bit of a feminine touch to this kind of atmosphere?
ALY - NEW YORK CITY -- Friday, May 23 2003, 10:29 pm My fiance had a great idea for where to have our
engagement party - He suggested the place where we had one
of our first dates way back in high school.
We had it in a little old-fashioned ice cream parlor & it
was just perfect.
We gave out little ice cream cone magnets with our names and
the date so our guests could always remember that special
day.
We are getting married a year from now - May 2004.
sarah, ohio -- Sunday, June 1 2003, 06:29 pm I am going to an engagement party and I want to know how
much I am suppose to spend on a gift. ..or what type of gift
i should get. Is a new grill too much?
BETTE ANNE...OHIO -- Wednesday, June 4 2003, 10:57 am I NEED FAVOR IDEAS FOR AN ENGAEMENT PARTY OF 50....ALSO ANY
UNIQUE DECORATING IDEAS.....DIFFERENT GIFT IDEAS ALSO....ANY
HOW I JUST NEED SOME IDEAS...PLEASE !!!
Luciene, California -- Thursday, June 5 2003, 05:21 pm I'm having my engagement party this weekend. My fiance gave
me a tiffany solitare ring and got the whole engagement
party theme from there. I sent out small white jewelry
boxes to my close friends and family and enclosed a (tiffany
green) rope in a knot. We paste the info and directions on
the other side of the box (lid) saying.. "Les finally
propossed and Luciene said what took you so long?" Please
join us in our Engagement Party! I received so much calls
appreciating the creativity of the invitation. For the
Party, I ordered 2 layers of cake, looking like 2 boxes
stacked up in FONDANT matching the tiffany box I received
complete with large white chocolate bow on top!!! I saved
money talking to the baker charging me for 2 different size
of REGULAR cake instead of charging me for wedding cakes.
For my favors, I ordered white ring boxes in the internet
and I put chocolate truffles inside the boxes and tied them
in my color of satin ribbons, it look so cute!!!
additionally, I wrapped all my plastic utensil in large
napkins and tied them in my color of ribbon as well just to
give more kick to the party. I am having my party at a
popular Estate. I save money talking to them for just
renting the GARDEN instead of the whole facility. Linens,
tables and umbrellas are provided!!! As for the
centerpiece I bought potted flowers at a local home
improvement store so that we can take them home and plant it
in our garden after the party and as a keepsake. I also
bought faux flower petals and silver rings to scatter around
the tables. To save even more, I just ordered my food at
Boston Market and I'm just bringing extra fruits,
cookies/brownies and snacks for the kids. Hope some of
these ideas would help you ladies in your future plans. I
can't wait to plan my wedding!!!!!
GOOD LUCK TO YOU ALL AND CONGRATULATIONS!!!!
Joanna -- Sunday, June 8 2003, 11:11 pm We are (fiancee and I ) planning on having around 200
friends and family for our engagement party. It is going to
be at my house in a beautiful tent, with a dance floor,
entertainment, servers ect.. However, we are not planning on
getting married till August of 2005. We were not able to set
a definate date, due to the fact that the church doesn't
have their books ready for that year. So, do I have to opt
for party favors, considering we don't have a date?? Please
let me know what you think??
Kim - Australia -- Monday, June 9 2003, 11:51 pm My fiance & I were hoping for a rather small engagement
party to be held at my parents' place with approx 30 guests.
Unfortunately, the guest list has exploded to 50, and we
are having problems seating all the guests indoors (as it's
winter over here, and too chilly to sit outside)..
My thought on this is - never let your parents get
involved with your planning :P They will end up inviting
some 20 odd extra people - whom you don't even know!
Also, with favours, I bought some cheap tulle from the
craft shop in a bright deep pink colour (fuchsia pink), put
chocolates in squarish cuts of fabric, and tie up with a
ribbon & a tag from us. This doesn't involve too much effort
at all!
Table centers are easy, I got some silver bowls cheap
(approx 3.00 each) and am just filling them up with some
colourful fruits - strawberries, cherries, grapes and
placing them in the center. These double as part of dessert
later - (together with some baked products I'm buying from
the shops) :)
Chandra _ Tennessee -- Saturday, June 21 2003, 07:25 pm My very good friend's fiance wants to propose to her, but he
wants it to be a suprize. Every Friday night we (all of our
friends) go out to a local bar. He doesn't want anyone to
know what he is about to do except him, my husband and
myself. He really wants this to be special for her because
she just got out of an abusive relationship. If you have
any suggestions please feel free to e-mail me at...
smithc@bigriver.net
He is going to pop the question on July 4th, 2003
The D.J at the bar is in on this too and is going to help
anyway he can. ANY IDEAS?
Samara -- Monday, June 30 2003, 12:27 am I'm planning an engagement party for October. Its going to
be held at my home and there will be about 30 to 40 guests.
Any suggestions what I can do for seating?
Mary -- Monday, June 30 2003, 12:31 am My wedding date is for Sept 05, but i wanted to have an
engagement party this coming October is this a correct time
to have an engagement party?
sylvia P.E.I. Canada -- Thursday, July 3 2003, 04:03 pm Hi , I'm getting engaged at the end of this month and am now
getting the party planned, decoration ideas, and also how
much 60 people will eat and drink.. these sights are great !
good luck to all fellow brides to be...
Lindsay -- Wednesday, July 9 2003, 04:36 pm I am having a small, casual engagement party this Saturday.
The party consists of 30 close family members and friends. I
would like to give them all something as a favor, but I have
a limited budget. ANY helpful, creative suggestions would be
appreciated. I am a young bride (22) and would appreciate
any help from older, wiser women.
Erica -- Wednesday, July 9 2003, 11:26 pm We are planning my engagement party, and it will be a
champaigne brunch at a beautiful hotel. For the party
gifts, we are giving small bottles of champaigne to each
guest. We are tying a white ribbon on them with a poem
written on parchment paper and cut out as a heart. The poem
is still a work in progress!
Kenya - -- Thursday, July 10 2003, 05:26 pm Luciene -I love the Tiffany themed party! I am using those
colors for my wedding so that gave me some great ideas.
My Fiance and I are having our engagement party next
weekend. For favors we are having our local bakery make
monogramed cookies. They will be made with bright colored
Icing and will be individually wrapped
The save the date magnets are a great idea also - we dont
have our date set yet so we cant use them.
Leslie -- Thursday, July 17 2003, 10:12 am My fiance and I are having our engagement party on saturday
july 19th. It is at a lake, BBQ and will bhe lots of fun.
Any ideas on decorations. I have done favors already with
save the date stickers on the outside.
Cindy -- Wednesday, July 23 2003, 10:35 pm We're getting married in July of '05 and are having our
engagement party this September. It's a dinner party of
about 70 people. Any suggestions for entertainment? We can't
afford a D.J. so we were just going to play soft dinner
music ourselves. Do you think this is enough? Any
suggestions?
Michelle from New York City -- Thursday, July 24 2003, 03:22 pm I've been to a million baby showers where they give you a
necklace made of party streamer with a pacifier as a
pendant. I thought why not make it one of those fake
engagement rings? The object of the game is for each guest
not to say the couples names, or the words wedding or
engagement for about two hours. Whoever catches someone
saying it can take away the necklace! At the end of the 2 or
3 hours, the guest with the most rings gets a little gift,
like candles or a frame. My guests had a great time with
this. Hope that yours will too!
Jenny from Atlanta -- Monday, July 28 2003, 08:47 pm Hi everyone! I am seeing some great idea here! Thanks!
I am matron of honor in my best friends wedding and am in
the process of planning an engagement party for 50-70 in
August...here is the scoop. We are having it at my club
(old farm house atmosphere) and it will be a western theme.
I have gone to goodwill a number of times and found cowboy
boots at low low prices(1.50-5.00 a pair!). I am putting
the flower arangements in the boots. On the tables with
the boots I am putting beer bottles with taper candles in
them for lighting (i tied raffia around some of the bottles
and red gingham on others). I also got 10 pictures from the
bride to be (of the groom and bride together) and took them
to kinkos, made them black and white and laminated them to
go on the tables as well. I picked up some forks at
goodwill and will use them to mount the photos on. On the
approach to the club there are two huge magnolia trees that
canopy the walk...I am going to hang mason jars with tea
lights from red gingham and white ribbons on the branches
and have hurricane glasses lining the stairs up to the front
door. I also plan on having bales of hay and some tin
chickens out front. I got all the beer bottles, wine jugs
and mason jars from our local recycling center.
We are also going to have a photo booth set up for guests to
take pics for the bride and groom. We have painted a back
drop with a southwestern scene and are going to stock the
booth with props (hats, bottles, toy guns, sombraros, etc)
and hope for some funny pics! The back patio is for
dancing and hopefully the margarita machine will inspire the
guests to dance a little!!
The food is tex-mex and the cake i am undecided on.
There are some other things...little details i have left
out...do not want to put you to sleep!
Good luck to you all with your parties hope this has helped
someone.
Jenny
Maria -- Thursday, July 31 2003, 12:09 am Having an Engagement Party in a few weeks. We purchased the
"Save the Date" magnets and are doing a BBQ/Picnic at a
local park. Informal but fun. Rather than games where
everyone doesn't participate, we're giving tickets when the
guests arrive (75 guests) and every 1/2 hour give away a
prize/thank you gift: bottle of wine, decorated candle,
dept.store gift certificates, sm.crystal frames, Bubble
Bath, Gourmet coffee, beach towel, car wash coupons and
movie tickets. We're also planning decorated baskets with
fresh fruit on every table as the centerpiece. We're
wrapping mints in tulle with personalized ribbon ("save the
date") and placing in a large basket for guests to help
themselves. We bought a scrap book to pass around for "Tips
for the Future Bride and Groom". Last but not least...we
took photo's and made a collage of pictures from babies to
now.
Good Luck to all of you on your parties, hope you can use
some of these ideas !
Sam -- Friday, August 15 2003, 10:11 am Having an engagement party in a months time and it's great
to find all these fantastic ideas in time. Good luck to
everyone who is in the same position!!!!
Athena -- Friday, August 15 2003, 02:52 pm My brother and his fiance are having an engagement partt in
two months. Instead of spending tons of money on food and
gifts for the guests they are having appetizers, wine, beer
and a DJ. This way the groom's and bride's families are in
an environment that isn't so tense.
Sheila -- Tuesday, August 19 2003, 02:55 pm Is a month enough notice to send out invites for an
engagment party?
D -- Friday, August 22 2003, 08:31 pm Thanks for all of your cute ideas....we'll wrap them all
into one and have a great time!!!!!
Brooke -- Monday, August 25 2003, 07:28 pm I like the idea about scattering rose petals and silver
rings on the table at an engagment party...does anyone know
where I can buy the silver rings?
DB -- Tuesday, August 26 2003, 10:44 am My fiance and I were thinking of an engagement party but,
with both our families and our group of friends, it could be
a huge event. We were thinking of throwing a casual one
with our friends at a local lounge, blocking off a room for
the private party, and then having a more family oriented
one, obviously thrown by our parents. My mom has a slight
problem because she wants to throw it, but again there will
be a lot of people between both families (70 or so). She was
thinking that if my fiance's mom insists on throwing one, we
can have two separate ones - one with my side, and then one
with his side. Does this look bad??
alicia seibert -- Wednesday, September 3 2003, 12:10 pm I love the idea about creating a posterboard and having all
the guests give the young couple some engagement advice. My
mother in-law to be, took the engagement party into her own
hands.....she made a theme where everyone had to wear white
clothes from head to toe. Funny, huh? Everyone has said
something about it, but i think when it comes down to the
party it will be very cool.
diane -- Sunday, September 14 2003, 05:32 pm We are throwing a "engegement/bottle party" for my brother
and his fiance. On the invite we have asked all guests to
bring either a bottle or a 'bar related gift' to the couple.
It is a different theme and a lot of fun .
Carol -- Monday, September 22 2003, 09:50 pm Jenny from Alanta...thanks for the great idea...I am hosting
an engagement party and the groom to be is from Texas...I
will be going to good will as well!
Michelle -- Monday, September 29 2003, 11:29 pm I'm hosting a surprise engagement party for my friend who is
getting married at an upscale restaurant, am I expected to
pay for all the guests dinner? Or, can I put on the
invitation "menu & prices attached for your convenience"
Tristyn -- Wednesday, October 1 2003, 05:03 pm I'm having a engagement party on November 1st, the day after
Holloween. I have some ideas for decorating but none for the
favors. Can you help me?
Chantelle -- Friday, October 3 2003, 07:44 pm My mom is hosting an engagment party for my fiance and
myself. It will be on Halloween. Any suggesstions on
invitation wording? We want it to be fun...there will be
over 100 people, with a DJ and lots of food and beverages.
Lauren -- Tuesday, October 14 2003, 06:34 pm I love the idea about putting a fake engagement ring on a
necklace. Where can I get a fake engagement ring?
-- Thursday, October 16 2003, 05:21 pm im looking for halloween things
-- Thursday, October 16 2003, 05:22 pm this is gay
Jean -- Friday, October 24 2003, 05:09 pm Hey girls and gals~ how about answering some of the
questions instead of just talking about your engagements.
~for a gift~ it is suppose to be a token gift either for the
hostess or the couple for example~ a bottle of wine and CD
of wedding songs. Not to spend more than 15-20 dollars.
This isn't to be a party about gifts it's strickly a
celebration not a shower... I have been planning events for
years now and the engagement party shouldn't be frilly or
expensive save that for the wedding, you wouldn't want to
over do your own wedding. You can do a theme/ or color
scheme that can follow through showers and into your
wedding. Happy planning and remember to take time out
planning the marriage not just the wedding....
Jean -- Friday, October 24 2003, 05:21 pm PARTY FAVOR IDEAS
if your creative and have a computer you can not only give
save the date invitations but a bottle of wine at the same
it~ Here's how
Make your label on a program as easy as Word you can write
anything from save this date; to a note from the bride and
groom of thanks. Print it on an label paper made for the
printer (found at stores like wal-Mart)Stick it to the
already exsisting label (may need glue stick)and decorate
with ribbions the color of your wedding.
*I suggest buying wine by case it's cheaper.~$4 per bottle
for white wine some liquor stores will negotiate if buying
large amounts, call around.
and if your on a really low budget try Boone's Farm, most
people like it and it runs about 1.50 a bottle.
Cherie -- Sunday, October 26 2003, 09:11 am My partner suprised me with the date of our engagement party
this week. Its a little bit nerve racking but I am really
looking forward to it. I don't think it really matters what
you do or how much money you spend on the party having all
your family and friends together will make it special. I
think we should all worry more about the fact that before we
know it, it will be over. So make the most of it!!
Stephanie -- Monday, November 3 2003, 10:34 pm Hey Everyone..I"m new to the site, and recently just
engaged..Yesterday actually is when my boyfriend asked my
father for his permission..very exciting,
Phyllis -- Thursday, November 6 2003, 10:41 am My parents are throwing me a casual engagement dinner party,
no DJ because we want it to be simple and not take away from
our wedding. What can we do to make it more interesting and
fun for the guests instead of just sitting there and eating
dinner? Any ideas?
Terri -- Thursday, November 6 2003, 05:11 pm My fiance and I just got engaged. We would like to host the
engagement party ourselves. Would this be proper etiquette?
Also, both sides of our families don't seem to get along
very well. This would definitely cause a lot of tension
during the party. Does anyone have any advice? Help!
Galvin -- Wednesday, November 12 2003, 09:36 pm I just want your advice on some party activities thanxs
-- Thursday, November 27 2003, 07:31 pm Listen up girls... This is a Q&A website...My question is
why are all you broads so gay...can you answer that.? If you
have a Tiffany theme...splurge for real petals and Dean and
deluca, who eats at Boston Market? and you the chick with
the cowboy boots...get a life!
NEED HELP! -- Wednesday, December 3 2003, 01:13 pm I am planning an engagement party for my cousin, but it's a
surprise for the "bride-to-be". Please help me out with
what type of party favors to hand out.
Jenn -- Monday, December 8 2003, 11:46 am I am having an engagement party for some friends that are in
my wedding. I have looked through some magazines to find
some themes and found some forest looking stuff and since
the engagement party will be in January (a cold month) I
have decided to have an Icey woodland theme. I plan to use
some spray stuff that makes windows look like they are icey
and put glass ice cickles ( dont know how to spell that)
around the house to give it an icey look. So if your looking
for some ideas just look through some magazines and maybe
center your theme for the party around what your food looks
like of what type of food you want.
Mary - the Aunt -- Wednesday, December 17 2003, 04:29 pm I am throwing an engagement party for my nephew and his
fiancee on Valentine's Day, which is also the groom's father
and stepmother's weding anniversary. I paln to have lots of
red rose petals stren around, prepare a heart cake and a
molded salad in a hert shape. I hope to serve chicken
filets cut in heart shapes. I am considering preparing an
album for the couple with love poems and photos of them on
each page - gathering photos from friends and family in
advance.
Favors may be a framed love poem or a heart-shaped basket
filled with heart candies. I'd love to be able to get those
candies with their names on them and the wedding date on
some.
Colleen Maire -- Friday, December 26 2003, 10:41 pm my friend just got engaged. who should throw the engagement
party according to propper etiquette? i am glad to do it
but want to do what is right.
Amalia -- Friday, January 30 2004, 07:45 pm I think everyone is wasting money on cheesy crappy
details your guests will forget. Ellegance is timeless. One
really nice element goes a lot further than a lot of tacky
ones. And please, no fast food joints catering the affair.
You only
get engaged once. Make it beautiful!
As for gifts, guests should not be cheap! Fifteen or
twenty dollars is pathetic! I can't believe anyone would
think that was acceptable. Cash is the most appreciated gift
to help the couple towards their wedding.
Inexpensive favors can be pewter frames or truffles in
personalized boxes. To all those wondering where
to find faux engagement rings try www.wedthings.com or
www.weddingfavorites.com, they will run you
about a dollar each.
Traditionally the engagement party is thrown by the
brides family, however, many couples throw the party
themselves.
For more information or questions please email me at
fozzerina@hotmail.com. For a flat rate of
fifty dollars I will help you with any wedding planning
questions, including negotiating with vendors, budgets, and
how and where to get the things your looking for at the best
prices. You have questions, I have all the answers.
Good luck ladies!
Nicole Australia Sydney -- Saturday, January 31 2004, 02:19 am I got engaged on Christmas eve i came across this web page
hoping on some advice........
I have never been to a engagment party and i only ever been
to one wedding was pretty crappy.
As i am only 20 and getting married next year my engagment
party is in about 3 weeks!?!?!?!
And if any one has read these forums if that's what its
called there is no help what so f...ing ever. Sorry
I need help as far as i have learnt i was going to buy a few
cases of wine and plenty of finger foods. I am having it at
my house it isn't very big, a town house with a little
garden.
Nothing big and nothing fancy mainly friends and a few
family as it will be mainly my family at the wedding as
apose to heaps of friends.
For those who have had and engagment party please HELP
Do i give gifts? What do i do to my house and i havn't
alot of money atm.
It would be so much appreciated if you guys could help :P
Almost married 20 year old.
Nicole Australia Sydney, -- Saturday, January 31 2004, 02:22 am Left one thing out....
My Fiance is a web designer and he is making our invites for
our engagment party does any one know a web page i can get
good Pic's/Symbols to put on there????
TA
Amalia, NYC -- Sunday, February 1 2004, 12:10 am Nicole,
You're on the right track, a cocktail party (hor'dourves
and coctails) is a great idea for anyone with a tight
budget. Engagement parties are to introduce family and
friends on both sides to one another. Let me know are you
having the party outdoors or inside? For decorations you can
use photo collages of the two of you (great conversation
starters) candles, and balloons are
all inexpensive decorations! Make sure you have a
specialty cake that has your names on it. A nice touch would
be to give little favors to your guests. Something as simple
as candys in a pretty box or organza bag with a personalized
ribbon that has your names on it is a great idea and won't
cost much. If you need more halp, as it sounds you're
slightly inexperienced email me. For a flat rate of fifty
dollares I will be happy to answer any and all questions
from the moment you sign up to the second you walk down the
aisle. I have been a professional event planner for five
years. I can also help you get the best prices on any favors
or decorative elements you may need and also advice on
planning your budget and how to negotiate with vendors.
The microsoft office website has a clip art section where
you can down load images to MS Word.
Good luck let me know.
Amalia, NYC -- Sunday, February 1 2004, 12:12 am it's fozzerina@hotmail.com, see the message
posted before yours.
Amalia, NYC -- Sunday, February 1 2004, 12:14 am it's fozzerina@hotmail.com, see the message
posted before yours.
Monica, Houston, TX -- Friday, February 6 2004, 03:30 pm For some of you who are looking for ideas, I went to an
informal engagement party and they had everyone write down
bits of "sage" advice for the couple on pretty stationary
but they signed their name only on the back. The couple
then read the advice out loud for everyone and then had to
guess who wrote what. It sounds sort of cheesy, but it was
very touching and everyone really enjoyed it. Afterwords
the couple was able to add those bits to their
scrapbook/album.
They also had typed the engagement story and framed it for
display for the guests to read if they weren't familiar with
it already.
Elaine -- Thursday, February 19 2004, 11:36 am Does anyone have any other cute ideas for asking a
friend/relative to be one of your bridesmaids?
Also, what other games can be played at an engagement
party??
Sarah O. -- Thursday, February 19 2004, 02:01 pm I am throwing an engagment party for my brother and his
fiance, and I am very excited! My question if anyone could
help is, her family is Mexican, but my brother and his
fiance are going to Mexico for their honeymoon and my idea
was to throw a Mexican themed engagement party. Is this idea
going to make her family uncomfortable? This is the first
time our families will meet and I don't want to seem
condescending (like we are "accepting" her heritage). Please
help!
Melissa -- Friday, February 27 2004, 06:27 pm My fiance an I are having an "Coctail" engagement party in
May. (2004). It will be elegant but simple with appetizers,
cash bar, and a DJ. My favors will be a bottle of wine w/
"Save the Date" cards attached. I think thats a great idea.
At this time, we want to announce the "Briday Party" in a
special way. My question is, does anyone have any creative
ideas for this? My entire bridal party will consist of 30
people. (large I know) I'd appreciate anyone's input! Thanks
a bunch!!!
Wedding date: September 24th, 2005.
-- Monday, March 1 2004, 01:10 am If the party size is going to be large, why not announce the
bridal party like you would an Oscar winner; "and the honor
of "Best Man" goes to...
Amalia -- Saturday, March 6 2004, 03:19 am Melissa, please don't have a cash bar, it's soooo
tacky and many guests will be offended. It's like inviting
people to your home and asking them for
money as you pour them a glass of wine. It's rude.
Stephanie -- Tuesday, March 9 2004, 09:45 am I am planning my engagement party now and it is so
difficult. I have no ideas what to do for the invites
because we want it to be formal. We are having the party at
a park. I don't want to give everyone a gift. Would it make
my guest mad if I only gave gifts to the attendents? I would
really like your opinion. Please email me at reeves_05@webtv.net
Thank you.
sar -- Monday, March 15 2004, 09:45 am I hope everyone here has a great party, i am getting engaged
in Oct 04 and can't wait. Its so exciting planning
everything!!!
Olivia -- Friday, March 19 2004, 03:04 pm I'm commenting in reply to Sarah O. -- Thursday, February 19
2004, 02:01 pm
Maybe you could through them a bon voyage theme
engagement party and incorporate the whole idea of the
honeymoon to Mexico, thus making it clear that it is not
that he is Mexican but rather that they are taking a trip to
Mexico which is being celebrated.
jessica -- Monday, March 22 2004, 04:45 pm i agree no cash bar iwill make your guests feel disapointed
and lesson your chance of a nice gift .
just an idea of a wedding favor you take a pear candle and
put it in a sheer gift bag and have a little card and ribon
attached that say for exThomas and Jessica a perfect pear i
know it sounds cheesy but it's also really cute
Karen Martini -- Tuesday, March 23 2004, 01:43 pm What games do you play or activities do you do at engagement
parties?
Trina Ft. Lauderdale, FL -- Thursday, April 1 2004, 02:18 pm I am having my engagement party on Saturday, and since the
wedding is in December we decided to have all our guest were
all white to keep the winter them going.
jayne -- Tuesday, April 6 2004, 04:57 pm Any ideas on a soppy song for our dance
Karen -- Sunday, April 11 2004, 06:49 pm I am the mother of the groom. The bride's brother is
hosting an engagement party in 2 weeks. Since I had never
heard of an engagement party, I have found this site to be
helpful. I am looking for any special ideas for some special
gift from me. I like the ideas of photo collages etc. I
enjoy doing various types of needlework, sewing, crafts etc.
and enjoy scrapbooking. It sounds like many of you are quite
creative. Have any of you or your family/friends received a
gift from the mother of the groom that was especially
touching? Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks!
Karen -- Sunday, April 11 2004, 06:52 pm I am the mother of the groom. The bride's brother is
hosting an engagement party in 2 weeks. Since I had never
heard of an engagement party, I have found this site to be
helpful. I am looking for any special ideas for some special
gift from me. I like the ideas of photo collages etc. I
enjoy doing various types of needlework, sewing, crafts etc.
and enjoy scrapbooking. It sounds like many of you are quite
creative. Have any of you or your family/friends received a
gift from the mother of the groom that was especially
touching? Any suggestions are welcome! Thanks!
Rhiannon -- Monday, April 12 2004, 04:30 pm I just got engaged this past weekend :) I am looking into
having an engagement party in June, but am really unsure how
these are supposed to work? Would it be okay to just have a
big BBQ type get together without the formalities? What am
I expected to do as the bride-to-be? What about my fiance?
Any advice would be great...my email is cyarhia@yahoo.com
Angela -England -- Wednesday, April 21 2004, 11:44 am Ive just got engaged last month. My boyfriend proposed to me
on top of the Empire State Building in New York he even got
down on one knee. We are having our engagement party in June
and the Theme is Black and White. It was the idea of my
sister who is an up and coming bridal consultant.Everybody
has to be dressed in black and white and all of the
decorations are going to black and white. Its going to be
fab
Amber -- Friday, April 30 2004, 07:47 am I think a catered BBQ with a DJ at a lake sounds perfect. I
noticed others were planning outdoor BBQ engagement parties,
so I would like to offer an idea: customized coozies - as
another option to the remember the date magnets or stickers
(www.customink.com)! You can chooose pics from their photo
gallery, which makes the process so much simplier. Price
depends on the quantity..$1.63 for 100 is the estimate that
I received. The question I have (loved the box with a
truffle inside idea..but outdoors?) is: what type of gifts
can you give for an outdoor engagement party?? Any ideas?
...email: madhatter135@hotmail.com
-- Tuesday, May 4 2004, 10:41 am Lots of ME ME ME ME here. Good grief.
Renee--Texas -- Thursday, May 6 2004, 06:00 am I recently got engaged (May 1, 2004), and the comments here
are very helpful. Anyone has ideas about where the
engagement should take place when the couple lives in two
different states and has two different sets of friends? Any
advise will be appreciated.
bec - australia -- Wednesday, May 12 2004, 06:25 am Hello to all. My engagement party is taking place in August
inside a hall. Im not really into halls but this hall is
placed amoungst lovely gardens and has a gazebo attached.
My problem is how do you turn a boring old hall into
something elegant. At the moment I cant get past fairy
lights. I would love it if someone could direct me!
Alison -Australia -- Wednesday, May 19 2004, 01:57 am Hi, we are having our engagement party on the 29th May but
we aren't getting married until the 23rd September 2006, is
it still ok to give guests "save the date" cards so far in
advance?
debbi -- Thursday, May 20 2004, 12:20 pm FOR MY DAUGHTERS SHOWER IT WILL BE BEACH THEMED AND THE
BRIDESMAIDS ARE GIVING FLIP FLOPS FOR FAVORS--- SAYING THE
BRIDE AND GROOMS NAME AND TIED TOGETHER WITH RIBBON SAYING
THE PERFECT PAIR--- SUCH A CUTE IDEA
Jenni -- Sunday, May 23 2004, 09:52 pm I was recently engaged and received a beautiful vase.Is it
proper to use it, or do I have to wait until I am married?
Darla -- Tuesday, May 25 2004, 05:45 am My fiance and I are having a surprise engagement party at
the lake.First we are going to have a barbaque and then
serve ice cream cones. the invitations or announcements will
be wrapped around the cone saying are wedding date is set
for september1,04. Everyone thinks they were invited there
to celebrate my birthday so they will get a fun surprise.
Then we're going to the waterslides across the street!
Chrissy -- Thursday, May 27 2004, 02:27 pm Hi. My Fiancee just proposed to me lastnight at a BBQ
infront of all our friends. It was our one year and seveth
month anniversary. Im real excited about everything but I
dont know how to go about haveing an engagement party. Im
gonna have it a park in June. I dunno how to go about it
though as in what to get and all. Could you give me some
ideas? Email me at ThotLessLuvIHave@aol.com
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Shar -- Friday, May 28 2004, 02:33 pm This is a great site, light hearted and it is sad that even
on a site like this we have miserable people who take joy
away from brides. You know who you are. Leave the brides
alone if you think this is gay then go away. Great Ideas
Ingore the piss head. Good Luck
MEL -- Monday, May 31 2004, 12:13 pm AGAIN-ANY IDEAS FOR A WAY TO ANNOUNCE THE BRIDAL PARTY IN A
SPECIAL WAY? I'D LIKE TO DO THIS AT THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY,
BUT WOULD JUST LIKE SOME SUGGESTIONS PLEASE.
Toya -- Tuesday, June 1 2004, 09:53 am I recently became engaged (May 25,2004 to be exact). I
really enjoyed reaa=ding all of the comments posted on this
site. They were much appreciated. It was also comforting to
know that there are so many other people having the same
experience as I am. Question----my fiance wants hardly
anything to do with the planning of the engagement party. I
am having trouble because we will be inviting approx. 100
people. I need to know what type of entertainment do you
have for such a large group. Is dinner and music enough?
deb -- Tuesday, June 1 2004, 12:59 pm looking for any suggestions for wording the invitation to a
drop in party to introduce our daughter and new son in law
to our local friends.
Is it rude to stagger the time to accommodate like groups of
guest.
CANDI -- Tuesday, June 1 2004, 04:16 pm Hi,
My friend is getting married and is hosting an engagement
party. She and her fiance registered at several large
department store. Many of these items they registered are
over the $100.00 mark. They expect at least 400people at
their wedding. She is also having a Bridal Shower. Is it
common to register for an engagement party? It looks tacky
on there part...they're asking for garage door openers and
lawn mowers too?
CANDI -- Tuesday, June 1 2004, 04:19 pm Hi,
My friend is getting married and is hosting an engagement
party. She and her fiance registered at several large
department store. Many of these items they registered are
over the $100.00 mark. They expect at least 400people at
their wedding. She is also having a Bridal Shower. Is it
common to register for an engagement party? It looks tacky
on there part...they're asking for garage door openers and
lawn mowers too?
eri -- Saturday, June 5 2004, 04:37 pm Newly engaged and very excited about the engagement party,
it's on July 17th. We are having it at a hall, keeping it
casual, @ 100 people attending. For favors, my mother
special ordered M&Ms with our names and the date we got
engaged printed right on the candy and she tied them up in
little heart shaped fabric bags, they weren't expensive and
they came out really cute. We do not have a date for our
wedding as of yet, is it OK to tell guests Summer of 2006?
This is what we are shooting for but we need time to save.
Ra -- Sunday, June 6 2004, 11:23 pm One of my friends is also having an engagement party and
rumor has it has also registered for this. I find this to
be in extremely poor taste. If you want to have an informal
celebration, then great, but to expect gifts for everything,
gah!
Jennifer Graham -- Tuesday, June 8 2004, 06:22 pm In my opinion Amalia seems to be a very rude person whom
believes she is a bit better than others. You should not put
down others because you do not agree with their ideas. If
you are such a hot shot planner then why are you playing on
the computer. I think everyone's ideas are fine.
Emily Berger -- Monday, June 14 2004, 03:46 am We shouldn't put anybody down here. We should be all here
for the same reason and that is to get advice from other
brides about planning and ettiquette issues.
With that being said, I hope this doesn't sound GAY or RUDE
but we are having a potluck engagement party for about 30 pp
at my fiances parents home in 11 days. We will send out
written invitations which you can get from Savon or Party
City. No need for preprinted invitations. We will ask
everybody to bring a favorite dish to share, and we will go
over the wedding details since our wedding is in 55 days.
We will probably play a game to break the ice such as the
engagement ring necklace game and will pass out organza
wrapped candy as favors. The main thing is getting
together, not how fancy your party is. Most of the people
invited will be real close family and friends anyway so they
are not going to care. Save that time, energy and
creativity for the wedding. Congratulations to all of you.
:-)
FiFi NJ -- Tuesday, June 15 2004, 07:36 pm Hi everyone. I see everyone is getting ready for their
engagement parties. I am going to get engaged in the next
few months. The ideas of faux rose petals and faux
engagement rings is something different and unique. I will
most likely use it in my engagement party. the rose petals
are located on 2 sites (www.wedthings.com and
www.weddingfavorites.com)and vary in color and quanity BUT
the engagement rings can not be found there. I did several
different searches on the web but i didn't find anything
cheap. Does anyone know of the faux engagement ring site?
Also what i am going to do along with those ideas (when i
locate the rings) is have a center piece with various
flowers. Not too expensive you don't want to go overboard
just something simple to accomodate your decorations. I was
also thinking of adding to the tables candles depending how
big our hall will be and how many people will be seated at
each table (that has not been finalized cause he has not
popped the question yet lol ) Then we can determine if we
are going to have a big engagement or not. Either way, we
BOTH have BIG families lol. Then you have the problem who to
invite or not jezzz lol So the candles i want them to be
unique as well. Instead of regular figurines i was thinking
of a romantic paper luminaries with heart and dove cut-outs
with tealite candles inside for that special touch. Those
who are looking for some ideas, themes etc here are a few
websites that might help you:
www.simplyweddingstuff.com
www.wedding-needs.com
www.allaboutshowers.com
www.imagebydesign.com
I hope these sites are helpful, they where too me. Good
Luck everyone I am sure everything will work out great!
:)
osman -- Wednesday, June 16 2004, 04:08 pm I Have a $200 Dean Deluca Gift Cards for sale for only $155.
Its good for online ordering, at Dean Deluca Shops and
cafes also. You can see what they have to offer at
www.deandeluca.com If you are interested in purchasing
this email me directly at osman667@hotmail.com this will make a
perfect wedding gift if you dont know what to get !!
Lily -- Wednesday, June 16 2004, 09:48 pm Hi,
You guys have some great ideas, though I think Amalia's
idea that $15-20 gifts for an engagement party is CHEAP is
soooooo tacky...If you follow etiquette, you shouldn't even
expect gifts at your engagement party! You should be
gracious to ALL your guests, whether they bring gifts or
not!
To keep this on topic, one game people sometimes play which
is fun is the Chair-sit Icebreaker game.
The idea is to seat your guests in chairs in a circle. The
guider reads out directions like 'Everyone wearing
glasses,move three seats to your left' or 'Everyone with two
or more sisters, move one chair right' etc. It's quite funny
because you can end up sitting in someone's lap if they
don't have to move. Sometimes, you have five or more people
sitting in the same chair and it's a cool way to get to know
somebody! :D
The object of the game is to get back into your original
seat.
Hope you all have fun at your engagement parties and that
they all go off well!
Lily -- Wednesday, June 16 2004, 09:49 pm Hi,
You guys have some great ideas, though I think Amalia's
idea that $15-20 gifts for an engagement party is CHEAP is
soooooo tacky...If you follow etiquette, you shouldn't even
expect gifts at your engagement party! You should be
gracious to ALL your guests, whether they bring gifts or
not!
To keep this on topic, one game people sometimes play which
is fun is the Chair-sit Icebreaker game.
The idea is to seat your guests in chairs in a circle. The
guider reads out directions like 'Everyone wearing
glasses,move three seats to your left' or 'Everyone with two
or more sisters, move one chair right' etc. It's quite funny
because you can end up sitting in someone's lap if they
don't have to move. Sometimes, you have five or more people
sitting in the same chair and it's a cool way to get to know
somebody! :D
The object of the game is to get back into your original
seat.
Hope you all have fun at your engagement parties and that
they all go off well!
Julie -- Thursday, June 17 2004, 07:57 pm HELP!
i need ideas to introduce everyone! My parents are having
the engagement party for us at their house, with 60+ people.
I want everyone to know the bridal party and meet his
parents and my parents?
any suggestions? we met at the beach and he proposed at the
Philadelphia Zoo... that might help you creative people out
there. the party is in 4 weeks.
Tanya -- Monday, June 21 2004, 05:26 am Im looking for ideas to write on the engagement
invitations... i want a nice poem that emphasizes in a nice
way that i dont want presents, but money or gift vouchers
would be good? Any ides??
Lauren Johansen -- Monday, June 21 2004, 01:46 pm HELP....while touring wedding reception venues i saw a
brides wedding favors were m&ms with their names on one
color and date on the other color....does anyone know where
I can find and order these???
Melissa -- Thursday, June 24 2004, 12:35 pm This is how my fiance and I announced our wedding party. We
did it in two ways...
1st We purchased small photo albums for each our our
attendants, users, flower girl, ring bearer, & personal
attendants. We then filled the albums with pictures of that
person with my fiance and/or I. We wrote a personal message
on the inside cover about why that person is important to
us. In the last photo slot in the album we created a card
that said, "We would be honored if you would be a
"bridesmaid" in our upcoming wedding". We wrapped them up
and handed them out at the party to the wedding party.
2nd - I created a video photo montage that we presented
after the distribution of the albums. The video consisted
of and introduction of the engaged couple with picutres,
pictures of the church, reception hall, limo and other
wedding planning things. Then we had a section about each
attendant and finished up with group pictures.
sue -- Monday, June 28 2004, 11:32 am well im going to this engagement party but im not sure what
kind of gift is appropriate since the couple has been living
together for some time now please help what should i buy
that they dont already have and what seems appropriate for
the occasion.
Sherry -- Monday, July 5 2004, 04:27 am I wanted to comment to Candi. I think it is terrible that
people registered for lots of gifts over the $100 mark! I
could barely bring myself to register for anything over $50
for my shower, and we did no registering of any kind for our
engagement party. I never heard of such a thing, and
considering your friends' wedding will have about 400 people
in attendance, they should just be grateful that "most"
people would just like to give them cash instead of huge
price-ticket items like lawnmowers! They could have been a
little less tacky by just registering for gift certificates
at a place like Home Depot or Lowe's if they are trying to
improve their home. EEK. I can just see the gift table
now: picture frames, a wedding clock, and ... a John Deere.
Good luck anyway, it should prove to be interesting!
suz -- Thursday, July 8 2004, 11:58 pm ATTENTION BRIDES!
Wow. I am absolutely floored by most of you.
An engagement party is not about getting gifts or giving out
cute trinkets that introduce your wedding "theme." I am
surprised that so many of you are treating the engagement
party as a marketing opportunity, as if you were launching
your wedding like some sort of theatrical production.
Please, get hold of yourselves!
An engagement party is not a wedding event at all. It is
simply an occasion to bring two sets of families and friends
together so they can get to know one another and form
alliances prior to the stultifyingly boring showers and
wedding events.
(I know all of you brides think your wedding events will be
a thrill for all involved. You will be wrong, but that's
okay.)
Here's the thing about an engagement party: any way a family
chooses to do this is fine. A potluck picnic in the
backyard is just as nice as an elegant cocktail or dinner
party. There are only three rules you need to follow:
1) You cannot under any circumstances ask guests to pay cash
for ANYTHING at an engagement party. You can ask guests to
bring an item of food or beverage to contribute to the
party, but you CANNOT ask for cash reimbursement for the
party's expenses.
2) You should not ask guests to play silly games that put
the focus on you. Don't you think you'll get more than
enough attention once the actual wedding events begin? Let
your engagement party be about your families and friends
getting to know one another. Your job is to make
introductions and point out possible common interests, just
as you would at any party you host in your married life to
come.
3) Gifts are NOT expected at an engagement party. If someone
is so kind as to bring you a token, you should thank them
profusely and declare that you certainly never expected such
a surprise and you are overwhelmed by their generosity. It
is your job to tell them they "shouldn't have" and mean it.
Other than that, relax and have a good time with your
friends & families. TALK about your engagement story, TELL
people about your wedding plans. Don't send them home with
silly souveniers they don't want or need. One of the most
important things you need to know as you plan your wedding
is that your friends and relatives are not going to cherish
your big day the way you think you will. (You won't. You
will spend thousands of dollars on it, and yet in ten years
those wedding photos will go un-looked at by anyone.
Including you. That's a simple fact of life- ask anybody
who's been married five years or more.)
Good luck and make it be FUN!
Myrna -- Friday, July 9 2004, 01:44 pm I agree with the lady that said to lay off the "gay"
comments, not all of us are bitter or have a miserable life.
Chill out!
Everyone else, thanks for the great ideas!
Congratulations!
Myrna -- Friday, July 9 2004, 01:50 pm I agree with the lady that said to lay off the "gay"
comments, not all of us are bitter or have a miserable life.
Chill out!
Everyone else, thanks for the great ideas!
Congratulations!
Marialys -- Wednesday, July 21 2004, 04:01 pm I am having a BBQ theme engagement party and I have a few
ideas for you guys. Well, my party is not until August 15th
but I already started planning. First I thought, WHAT IS THE
FOCUS OF THIS EVENT? Ask yourselves that! My answer was
bringing two families together. I decided to have it in a
place that would not pin people down like a hall. TO me a
park gives people an option to fly a frisbee, play football,
eat burgers and of course TALK! My theme is all sunshine and
daisies. My centerpieces are blocks of grass with daisies
popping out with yellow ribbons at the sides. The food is
ALL ABOUT PRESENTATION: I went to my local discount place
and bought $4 wicker baskets. In one I will put dinner
rolls, in the other the plastic forks,knives, spoons and in
the smallest one the party favor. Although some think it is
not necessary , HEY neither is an engagement party. I choose
"Lovesavers" wrapped candy. All the napkins and plates are
yellow and I even am making a watermelon basket, JUST MAKE
EVERYTHING YOUR OWN, MAKE IT FUN!!
We are going to make a poster board with our dating pictures
and another one for people to give us their advise.
Remember,dont take too much advise from people, everyone has
there own opinion on what a wedding should be, what a bridal
shower should be ect, THIS IS YOUR PARTY, you'll only have 1
engagement party, cherish it and remember to give your hubby
to be lots of love-- the #1 reason you're even there!!!
HAPPY PLANNING
marialys143@hotmail.com
marialys -- Wednesday, July 21 2004, 04:04 pm I forgot to mention, ALOT OF PEOPLE are talking about how
"rude" it is to register!! I wasnt BUT the minute my family
and friends go my HOMEMADE INVITATIONS they immediately
asked where I was registered!!! I was either going to
register or get things although we appreciate, we really
wont use. So we registered at BED BATH AND BEYOND and my
items are flying from the list. Although throwing an
engagement party is NOT a reason to get gifts, you will,,,,
might as well get something you want
joestazz -- Thursday, July 22 2004, 04:39 pm Iam trying to figure out what is the best way to ask the
people to be in my wedding. Iam having the Engagement party
next weekend and iam in desprate need of help , Can someone
please help me before i start to pull my hair Thanks A Mill
Joe
Tre -- Friday, July 23 2004, 11:18 am As long as I can remember, and according to etiquette
experts(such as Miss Manners)..an engagement part was to
announce and/ or celebrate an engagement...no party favors
or games...and most definately no gifts...greedy greedy
brides....
-- Friday, July 23 2004, 11:20 am Etiquette dictates that gifts should not be expected at
engagement parties. This rule may vary, however, depending
on your regional culture. You may want to explicitly state
“best wishes only” in your invitations, or by word of mouth,
if you do not expect gifts. Some guests will want to bring a
gift even if they are not expected to. In these instances,
you may want to wait until after the party to open them so
as to not make your other guests feel guilty. You will also
want to send a thank-you note to those guests who do give
you a gift.
Teresa from Connecticut -- Friday, July 23 2004, 01:42 pm look up any wedding etiquette source online..they all say NO
gifts...here is an excerpt of one I found
The bride's parents often host this party (surprise of
not) and gifts are NOT given at an engagement party. This
doesn't mean gifts aren't given - they just aren't given at
the party; here's why - tradition has it that engagement
gifts usually go to the bride only and are usually only
given by family members and very, very close personal
friends - these gifts are often mailed to the house or
brought along on a personal one-on-one visit. With this
gift-giving protocol in mind, if the very, very close
friends and family came to an engagement party with gifts in
hand it could or would make the other guests uneasy - ergo -
NO GIFTS at an engagement party. Do YOU give a gift - figure
that even a number of probable bridesmaids wouldn't be
expected to give a gift - then - your relationship with the
bride-to-be really needs to be very personal and very
intimate - otherwise - forget it.
So I am all for simple...especially if there will be a
bridal shower..I am going to an engagement party and it will
be outside in Brides parents backyard..chicken, pasta,
salad...etc...the idea isint to outdo a wedding..its for a
chance to the families to get together..as for bridal
regisrty..I usually ask when there is a shower..but if it is
mentioned in any invitation..I give cash..tacky to include
that information...
-- Monday, July 26 2004, 12:58 pm announce the bridal party at your engagement party. and
then... you can line all of them up, give each of them ring
pops, and then have them sworn into the bridal party:
like... with this ring, I (state your name) promise to stand
by (name of bride and groom) through nervous breakdowns,
bitchy-ness, wild bachelor/bachlorette parties, and
everything not stated above in the wedding planning
process... or something... Just something cute.
Kristy -- Tuesday, July 27 2004, 08:04 am A friend of mine is planning her engagement party. She and
her partner have already decided to have a wishing well at
the wedding, instead of gifts, but don't know what to do
about engagement presents. They have been living together
for six years so have nothing they really want. Any ideas
Kristy -- Tuesday, July 27 2004, 08:08 am Forgot to mention, if you do have any ideas e-mail is kristylharris@hotmail.com
Theresa Hearon -- Wednesday, July 28 2004, 05:51 pm Is it proper for a father to host an engagement party? The
maid of honor has not offered and the brides mother is in
another state.
angel -- Thursday, July 29 2004, 07:30 am Im getting engaged in a few months time. Its only for 20
people which is my direct family and his direct family. How
can we be different and make it special.?? Please help.I
want it to be memorable.
Britt -- Thursday, July 29 2004, 09:05 am My family is having an engagement Luau at my parent's lake
cottage for my sister and her fiance. It'll be "lei'd back"
as we'll be listening to Jimmy Buffet at the "Tiki Bar"
serving tropical refreshments and singing karaoke in the
evening... no hula contests and we debated on getting a pig
but decided chicken would be better. It'll be a day for
enjoying sand/sun. They'll be going to Hawaii for their
honeymoon, got engaged in Florida and met/grew up on the
beach and they are having a beach ceremony for their wedding
next summer. I did get personalized confetti
(www.confoti.com) which I added their wedding date to along
with photos (email me for 5% off code) to combine a save the
date and decorative accent on the tables.
brittbowe@hotmail.com
Caroline -- Thursday, July 29 2004, 12:33 pm My engagement party is this coming weekend. My sister and
mom are hositng it. It will be a casual bbq dinner at my
sisters pool side cabana. They will have the buffet table
simply decorated with white linen with scattered rose red
petals and red tea light candles. There will be a white
flower wreath, that my sister made, on the door. The food
will be bbq ribs, chicken and salads and side dishes broght
by family members. For desert we will have a strawberry
cake with whip cream frosting and chocolate dipped
strawberries. We put pictures of both families in silver
frames along with photos of my fiance and I as children and
us together now. Those will be placed near the cake table
and throughout the cabana We will just be playing music in
the background and we can mingle outside by the pool as well
as inside. I don't want to play any games as the purpose of
the party it to introduce the families to each other. I
will however, have a scrapbook passed around for the guests
to offer "words of wisdom".
Our wedding is in September 2005 in Maui although to many
the location will be a surprise, so we made little gift
boxes filled with chocolates shaped like sea shells and
wrapped the boxed with red raffia with a seashell glued to
the middle of the bow. There is a tag with a mini photo of
us attached to the raffia that says "Our Maui wedding will
soon arrive, please mark your calendar for September 2005".
This will announce the location and date of our weddig to
the gueste and they can take these home on thier way out.
Oh, we'll also have children at the party so we'll be
having sand buckets filled with coloring books, crayons and
toys to keep them occupied while the adults mingle.
I'm not expecting gifts nor have I registered at this
point. I think that will be saved for the wedding since
it's over a year away anayway.
Hope these ideas help. Congrats to the engaged couples!
Any comments or questions please e-mail me at lulusantil@yahoo.com.
spocknett@udorealestate.com -- Thursday, July 29 2004, 04:45 pm I want to give my son and wonderful fiance an engagement
party. Problem is, I live in a tiny apartment and have a
very small budget. I was thinking about giving it in a
restaurant.
Questions: (1) is it appropriate for the mother of the groom
to give the party? (2) Is it appropriate to ask the guests
to pay for their own dinners?
Thanks so much. Sheila
-- Friday, July 30 2004, 12:28 pm Some wedding books that I have read actually indicates that
it is the Groom's parents responsibility to throw the
enegagement party. So i think you can give the party as the
mother of the groom. I think it would be awkward to ask the
guests to pay for their own dinners. You should shop around
for prices and find the best deal. If you don't feel
uncomfortable about asking the guests to pay, you may try it
and see how they respond.
sarah -- Wednesday, August 4 2004, 09:16 am A friend of mine is getting married in November. I'm
putting together an Engagement party for October. Has
anyone ever heard of an engagement/bridal shower? Has it
ever been done?
lily -- Wednesday, August 4 2004, 05:11 pm my engagement party is next saturday...we just called
everyone to let them know, but a similar thing happened in
terms of everyone calling back to find out where we were
registered -- i was certainly surprised and am now
wondering, what the heck would 2 people register anyways? my
fiance and i don't live together, so i can't imagine why it
would be appropriate to register appliances or bedding..and
if not that, what?
sarah -- Friday, August 6 2004, 02:58 am i am planning an engagement party for the end of the year.
It will probably be at my place with 50 or so close friends
and family. Since my parents are hosting the party, would
it be appropriate to ask the grooms parents to pay for the
alcohol or cake etc.? my parents will have enough expenses.
50/50 seems a good precedent to set for the wedding as
well. Opinions please?
-- Tuesday, August 10 2004, 08:06 pm The fake wedding rings can be found at Wal-Mart (in the
craft section by the wedding stuff). They are in little
bags of 48 for $1.28 and they come in gold and silver. Good
luck!
Anduin -- Friday, August 13 2004, 02:13 am Sarah, I don't think it would be inappropriate for the
groom's parents to OFFER to put in half for the engagment
party but to ASK them to put in might make them feel bad for
not having offered already. I suppose it depends on how
close you are with them, how your fiance feels about
approaching them and how involved you have let them be with
the arrangements. I think if you have swapped ideas about
the wedding/engagement party with your in-laws-to-be and
have involved them to some extent, that would be ok. They
might offer at the last minute but I wouldn't plan on that.
Enjoy all your planning!
LeeAnn -- Friday, August 13 2004, 12:27 pm Hey Sarah, this is for your engagrment/bridal shower
question. Ya know... I had a really good friend do the same
thing. They didn't have a "bridal shower" instead they just
had an engagement party but we all new they were hoping it
get some gifts (not in a rude way at all in case the gift
police are reading) and we all played those silly birdal
shower games which turned out to be a lot more fun with the
guys around. Have fun and good luck!
Ann -- Tuesday, August 17 2004, 08:04 pm Can you tell me who is supposed to pay for the engagement
party?? Bride or groom parents?
Thanks
Amy -- Tuesday, August 17 2004, 08:35 pm I am helping throw an engagement party this weekend. A
great cake idea: Get a photo of the couple and take it to
Vons grocery store. The bakery department will copy it onto
sugar paper for $6. You can put it on your own cake. It
makes a great converastion piece!
Jean -- Friday, August 20 2004, 12:18 pm Sorry girls, but I think engagment parties are selfish and
just another way to grab all you can get. You're asking a
lot of people. Time and money!! Engagement party,
bachlorette party, shower, wedding...give it a rest. Trust
me, after your married YOU won't want to attend any of these
functions for your friends. You won't have enough money or
time. Ridiculous.
Jean -- Friday, August 20 2004, 12:24 pm One more comment on that - 52% of marriages end in divorce.
So you ask all your friends and relatives to spend their
money on you and then more than half of you divorce. Get
over it. Just get married quietly, don't spend a lot of
money and end up in debt when your first married. Just love
each other.
Laura -- Sunday, August 22 2004, 08:54 am a friend of mine is TRYING to plan her engagement party and
as she is only 18 she has no idea and i'm her head
bridesmaid and i have no idea either so i was just wondering
if anyone could give us some tips
Carmela -- Monday, August 23 2004, 11:28 pm Jean: What is your problem!?! If these men and women want
to have engagement parties, bridal showers, etc....don't
condemn them for it. If these people have the means to do
it...don't be jealous...let them spend their money. What is
it your problem. If you don't have money to attend any of
these functions, your real friends would understand..and
they would want you to come without a gift.
Lisa -- Wednesday, August 25 2004, 12:17 pm Hi,This site has been very helpful.I just got engaged over
the weekend and my parents have already started to formulate
a list of guests for the engagement party. They have been
waiting for this moment for quite sometime. We have decided
to have something casual at my parents house (which I still
reside in) end of September.We have decided to invite close
friends and immediate family (1st cousin generations). We're
hoping that the backyard, family room, living room and
dining room will be enough room to host this event. Our only
concern is that it might get a little cold and people may
migrate inside. We live in Ontario Canada and weather here
is pretty unpredictable. I'm looking for fun ideas. I don't
want anything too formal and we'd like to make it casual. I
just really want everyone to be there and enjoy the moment,
meet and celebrate. So far, looks like this guest list is
hovering around 60 people and that's including children. I
would also like a couple of fun games to play to get
everyone involved and mingling. This is also a gathering of
three different cultures, italian, scottish and west indian
and this will also be the first time that our parents have
met our extended familay (aunts, uncles, cousins). If
possible, I would like to have a fun theme. There are things
that we love. Like Cuba and wine tasting are a few. However,
some members may find it boring. Also, we would like to give
little parting gifts to our guests. Any ideas? We would also
like to stick to a budget so the sky is not the limit on
this one as well!
Thank you in advance for all your help. If you do have
ideas, please feel free to e-mail me at lisa_c_henry@hotmail.com
Narnie -- Wednesday, August 25 2004, 07:58 pm Jean...it is not proper etiquette for anyone other than
immediate family to give engagement gifts (refer Emily
Post). So, if this concerns you, write "No gifts please" on
the invitations if you want to discourage these acts of
kindness or obligatory giving.
Or, ask your guests to donate a few dollars to a local
charity instead of buying gifts..be creative. Life is too
short and lacking in kindness to degrade any bride or groom,
rich or poor the opportunity to have a party with the people
she/he loves....what are you doing looking at this website
if you are against these types of celebrations anyway? Get
that chip off your shoulder girl!
t -- Wednesday, August 25 2004, 09:45 pm I think it doesnt matter either way-
if you want to have a party, do it. If you dont- dont. if
you want gifts, dont say anything, if you dont, tell them
personally.
there is no right way to do anything, all of these
questions about who should pay and who should host- there is
no one answer!!
i am from australia and down here we dont give a s**t
either way, we just enjoy ourselves. in case you forgot-
that is why you are having a party!
our party is on this sat and everyone (both families)
contributed their help.i think you are just scared that
someone is going to have been to a "better" party than
yours!!
Memae -- Wednesday, August 25 2004, 11:42 pm I just want to say CONGRATULATIONS to all the brides to be!
My parents are throwing me and my fiance an engagement party
in September and I am very nervous/excited! I hope it will
turn out good, and i hope everyond has a good time. I like
the confetti idea...it's unique and seems like a lot of fun.
I also like the idea of the picture cake! Thanks for all
the great ideas...this web site is very helpful! HAVE FUN!
=)
Natalie -- Thursday, August 26 2004, 10:03 am I need ideas on an indian theme engagement party which is
going to be held at home.
J -- Thursday, August 26 2004, 11:37 pm I just found this website and have read many posts.
Everyone has such good ideas! I am doing a
scrapbook/journal for my brother and his fiancee. I am
trying to come up with things for them to record so that
they can always remember their courtship, the proposal
itself and the planning of the wedding. If anyone has any
ideas of things to record before the actual wedding day
please let me know.
ie: First date
How and where did he propose
How you felt
etc.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Bridesmaid -- Monday, August 30 2004, 06:47 pm We got a copy of this great book called "100+ Wedding Games"
which describes a bunch of games appropriate for the
bachelorette party, shower, and reception. Check it out for
games that can be used for the engagement party too!
Ami -- Tuesday, August 31 2004, 01:38 pm Hey Ladies...My fiance and I are having an engagement party
on October 9, 2004. His family is really large and so
inviting only the closest people still leaves us with about
100 people. We're still waiting on the RSVPs to get an
exact head count.
With 100+ people of our closest family we couldn't host
it at our home or a restaurant so by default, we had to have
it in a banquet hall which costs about $30/head. This does
not include any decorations, etc.
While the parents have decided to gift us this party by
paying per head for their respective sides, I think its only
fair that the guests bring a gift for the couple. While it
may sound rude, I believe in this case, it's almost expected
because in return, they will receive this fabulous lunch in
a hall which unlike boston market, costs us $120 for a
family of four. I would think that after seeing the
location its held or the customized invitations, they would
realize that there needs to be some reciprocity, whether its
cash, a physical gift or some kind of service, ie. help with
decorations the day of.
Both of us are Indian, except I'm a Hindu and he's a
Muslim. We had out traditional engagement which was a nice
mix of both and I'm sure that the party itself in October
will go just as smoothly. To save some $$$, one of our
friends will be the DJ. Since we will be playing games to
break the ice, we'll probably just use the set up for that
and maybe soe light jazz during lunch. We will be playing
the ring game..where for the first 2 hours whoever says
"engagement" gets their ring taken. Whoever has collected
the most by the end of the day will win a prize.
Another game..while they are handed their ring necklaces,
each family will also receive a card with a word on it.
Another family from the other side will receive a
corresponding word. For example, peanut butter and jelly,
or salt and pepper, etc. It will be the responsibility of
each family to find their match and introduce eachother when
the match words are called aloud.
Yet another game which may get nixed is 20 questions. We
will ask questions concerning my fiance and I and whoever
can answer the most questions will win a prize. The only
problem with this one is that my now fiance was and still is
my best friend and we never had any real first dates, or
things like "our song." So, i'm not too sure what kind of
questions to develop.
Well, I would love to hear your thoughts and I will post
a follow-up once its all said and done. Congratulations to
you all.
Ami -- Tuesday, August 31 2004, 02:01 pm I forgot to add that my mother-in-law to be bought me this
beautiful dress of burgundy ivory and gold for the
engagement. Thus, our theme colors were born. I was able
to get great deals off of e-bay.
I bought balloons in bulk and so we will have a balloon
archway and table centerpieces made from burgundy and ivory
balloons. Even the necklaces we will be handing out for
games are made from burgundy and ivory thread...the kind i
used to make friendship bracelets with as a kid.
There will also be a small favor for each individual.
From the local craft store (Michael's)I purchased 100
burgundy tulle 9" circle for
Ami -- Tuesday, August 31 2004, 02:05 pm This thing keep cutting me off.
I purchased them for < $10. I also bought several bags of
melting white chocolate so that I could make white hearts
from molds. From the clearance bin, I got several spools of
ivory ribbon with gold trim for $1/each. So for less than
$20, I can make about 100 favors.
Another great idea...leaving a $1 scratch off instant
lotto ticket at each place setting. If anyone should win
big at your event..I am sure it will be a memorable
occaision for everyone.
anne -- Tuesday, August 31 2004, 06:22 pm Ami, how long were you engaged? I am engaged 6 months and I
was wondering when to have my engagement party? Is it too
late?
Ami -- Wednesday, September 1 2004, 09:28 am Well we knew we were getting engaged so the planning began
way before the actualy engagement which took placy on
8/21...the party is on 10/9. hope that helps.
Most people have an engagment party to announce it to
relatives who otherwise would be clueless and to have the
two families meet before the wedding. IMO, if over the
course of 6 months, you've already informed most family
memebers, or most have already met eachother, it defeats the
purpose of the party.
Lisa -- Wednesday, September 1 2004, 11:36 am hi anne,
well....generally the rules are you should have the
engagement party no more than 3 months after the engagement
date. after that, it just seems old and stale news because
everyone at that point pretty much knows. HOWEVER, you can
have like a dinner party and invite both sides of the family
so they can all meet before the wedding. also, when are you
getting married? my cousin had his engagement party a few
months before he got married. i found it a little
inappropriate as everyone already knew they were getting
married as the wedding invitations had already been sent
out. but i think if you have a party or just have everyone
over for wine or something, and don't list it as an
"engagement party" and just as a way to introduce both
families, that should be fine and not tacky.
unfortunatly, b/c of events being held almost every
weekend for the next 2 mons, we have had to push back our
engagement party to november 6th. but its good 'cause it
gives us more time to work on planning it, and choosing our
bridal party which is becoming stressful. any ideas how to
include people in your bridal party without them being
bridesmaids? they are all b/w the ages of 18 - 27.i am
trying to keep it to 5 MAX on ech side. but it seems as
though it might have to be 6. the other problem is there are
close friends who won't be included b/c there are other ppl
who need to be included. like my sister and his two sisters.
also, we run into problems that my fiance doesn't know
enough close males to include on his side. what do we do?
any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Lisa
Amy -- Thursday, September 2 2004, 02:43 pm Hi- My parents are giving us an engagment party later this
month. My mom asked me if their should be a champagne toast
and if so, who gives the toast? Does anyone know? Also, I
am having a hard time finding centerpieces for both the
engagment party and the reception. Does anyone have any fun
ideas. Thank you.
Julie-anne - Australia -- Wednesday, September 8 2004, 10:19 pm Our engagement party was going to be held outside, however
the weather is not playing fair and while it has been nice
for the past 6 weeks here i am 2 days before the party and
its forecast for rain. Luckily we have a double garage off
of the kitchen and quite a large open plan house so most
people will fit, the only problem we have is that we dont
have enough seats (unless i can encourage the smokers to
stay in the garage)
Our favours are small cellophane bags, a small piece of
thin silver card placed inside and then hearts from around
the world in them. I managed to get some small rose quartz
hearts for under a dollar a piece and tied a ribbone to
each, kisses from the USA, red foil hearts from the UK and a
huge bag of large 'lovehearts' with cute wedding type
sayings. Altogether the cost for 50 favour bags was under
$80. The labels we printed ourselves and personalised with a
short thank you message. We did not include the wedding date
though as it will be a more family based event and most from
the party will not be invited to the ceremony only the
celebration afterwards.
With regard to gifts, because we already live together we
have everything we need for the house and so encouraged
people to not bring gifts. We were going to suggest a
donation which would be used towards a larger purchase but
couldnt find the right words and so omitted it completely.
Julie-anne ... again -- Wednesday, September 8 2004, 10:22 pm I forgot .... instead of the platter plate foe everyone to
sign one of my close friends who can not attend sent me a
'signature bear' and wrote her congratulations message on
it. We have decided to leave the bear out during the
engagement party for all our guests to sign.
Stephanie, Lafayette, LA -- Thursday, September 9 2004, 01:23 pm One quick question: Who, exactly, should be invited to an
engagement party? Also, do the guests have to also be
attending the wedding, later on? Or can you invite some
people exclusively to the engagement party, just to announce
your engagement to them? Any advice on a guest list is
appreciated, you can post it here or e-mail me here: slr2466@louisiana.edu
Natalie -- Friday, September 10 2004, 02:26 am Stephanie, Close family and friends should be invited, its
only right for them to be invited to your wedding hope this
helps.
pooni -- Tuesday, September 14 2004, 02:50 pm well, i am planning to have a sikh tradition wedding, could
you please suggest me some songs indian or american music,
on which the bride and the bridegroom could dance
Meek -- Wednesday, September 15 2004, 04:25 pm I am throwing an engagement party for a very dear friend,
but I do not know the grooms family that well. I want to
surprise the bride and groom, so I figured I would just
invite a few close friends and later their families will do
something for them. Please advise.
Lisa -- Wednesday, September 15 2004, 04:54 pm Hi Meek,
That's fine. I don't see why you can't throw and engagement
party with just close friends of the bride and groom. as a
soon-to-be-bride, i would LOVE for one of my friends to
throw me one and am even thinking about throwing one myself
for JUST my friends. just to celebrate really. and i think
the way we celebrate with our friends is different from how
we would celebrate with our family. but go right ahead.
my mum and i are looking for a way to word our engagement
invitations. any ideas? or any idea where we can get some
ideas? we have a long time to plan for this but would like
to get started soon. close friends and family will both be
attending. any fun ice breaker games?
thanks!
Lisa -- Wednesday, September 15 2004, 05:31 pm Hi Meek,
That's fine. I don't see why you can't throw and engagement
party with just close friends of the bride and groom. as a
soon-to-be-bride, i would LOVE for one of my friends to
throw me one and am even thinking about throwing one myself
for JUST my friends. just to celebrate really. and i think
the way we celebrate with our friends is different from how
we would celebrate with our family. but go right ahead.
my mum and i are looking for a way to word our engagement
invitations. any ideas? or any idea where we can get some
ideas? we have a long time to plan for this but would like
to get started soon. close friends and family will both be
attending. any fun ice breaker games?
thanks!
Amanda -- Monday, October 4 2004, 11:46 pm Hi, My engagement party is coming up in two weeks. I wanted
to keep it small. Instead of having a cake we are asking
everyone to make their favorite pies and we also decided to
use "ring pops" as the favors. We opened each one and put
the rings in a small clear plastic bag and tied it with a
fall color ribbon. Then my dad printed out our expected
wedding date on strips of paper and we tied it w/ the
ribbon. Just wanted to give a couple of ideas.
Good Luck everyone!!
Amanda -- Monday, October 4 2004, 11:59 pm Lisa,
My parents and I made the engagement invitations and it only
cost $20.00. We used the pic of my ring from our engagement
day and made it black and white, using our home printer.
Then we bought velum and printed out what we wanted to say,
and then held it together over the pic with silver ribbon at
the very top of the invite. That way all of our guests would
always have a pic of my ring. We also put RSVP cards in the
env. too.
As for a game... When the guest arrive they will write on a
piece of paper when they think our wedding date will be, and
when its time to tell everyone we will first read all the
answers and who ever comes close will get a "door prize". I
am also at a loss for any "ice breaker" games though.
Kathy -- Tuesday, October 5 2004, 03:24 pm I have really enjoyed this site. I am the Mother of the
Groom and am co-hosting the engagement party along with the
Mother of the Bride, in Oct. We are throwing a Starbucks
coffee themed party, using candle votive globes filled with
coffee beans and small candles.We'll have a coffee bar and
casual food. My Son and his fiance have had many dates at
Starbucks and She chose her bridesmaid dresses with the
color of Latte so it just flowed from there.
For other decorations I want to hang cute pics of coffee
mugs with a special named coffee drink combining both of
their names on it.
Wish us luck!!
Ami -- Monday, October 11 2004, 09:27 am Hello ladies:
The party was a smash hit!!! Everyone loved it, they're
still talking about it after the fact. The food was
excellent. We picked the place knowing the food would be
everyone's focus. The door prizes were great. You could
hear a pin drop while we were calling aloud the raffle
numbers. The ring game I had mentioned earlier got rave
reviews. It forced people to chat with one another in order
to claim the grand prize. I couldn't have wished for a
better party and it will be difficult to top this for the
wedding!
Kelly -- Wednesday, October 13 2004, 06:01 pm Hello ladies! I absolutely love the ideas I am seeing, so
creative! Soon after becoming engaged, (about 3 weeks ago!)
my sister suggested throwing an engagement party for us.
Seeing as how right now it is October and it will take some
time to plan this out, we are looking at a winter party. I
haven't yet seen any ideas for a winter theme, I'd rather
not to a Christmas theme, as my fiance's family are devout
Christians who do not celebrate Christmas, so a winter theme
may be more suitable. Any ideas? My E-Mail is KellyMRago@yahoo.com or I will be checking
the site as well. Thank you!
Amanda -- Wednesday, October 13 2004, 11:53 pm Hey girls,
Only 4 more days until our engagement party!! We r so
excited. Kelly: I got Martha stewarts holiday mag. and they
had sections for each holiday and for winter she showed a
couple that had the favor as all different kinds of white
candy. She got different sizes of clear vases, jars,etc. and
each container held a different white candy. They put a
white scoop in each and a bag for the guests to fill before
they left. it looks really nice. The color they used w/ the
white was blue. for the center pieces they had small and
large tin buckets filled with this white tinsel. and lots of
candles. You could also do something fun like have an all
white dress code. you should get martha stewarts mag and
others, they r full of fun ideas.
Good luck!
Amanda -- Sunday, October 24 2004, 02:12 am Our party was a week ago and everyone had so much fun!! we
invited 77 people and all but 2 showed up. people came from
all over. It was great to see our families getting along
with eachother. The ring pops as favors were a hit. Everyone
stayed late into the night. Can't wait to get together with
everyone soon! good luck everyone.
Raj -- Wednesday, October 27 2004, 10:55 am Hi All !
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Michele -- Thursday, November 11 2004, 11:00 pm Hi, I'm the maid of honor on my friends up-coming wedding. I
live in boston and she lives in Florida so planning is a bit
tough for me. A co-worker is throwing her an engagement
party in a couple weeks at my friends home and I will be
flying down to attend for the weekend. Do I buy a big gift
or something little? Do I bring decorations?Should I be
incorporating some of the party ideas such as games,favors,
etc...? This is all a weird situation and I don't even know
the girl who is throwing my friend the party. Any advice
would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!!!
Tricia -- Sunday, November 14 2004, 05:05 pm
Hi, my engagement party is December 4th. Any ideas on fun
games? And Favors?
Amanda -- Monday, November 15 2004, 03:17 am Tricia: Congratulations! Dec. is a fun month to do stuff.
First you should pick a theme or color because that will
help u with the rest. Say u wanted a victorian winter theme.
You could make everything old fashioned and to get guests
involved u could write in the invite that there is an all
white dress code or whatever color u want. (I saw someone do
that it was fun)!
Say u want an all white theme w/ red accents around. For
favors you could make ornaments with your engagement pics on
them and give them to people as they leave. Or you could
write in the invite that you would like each guest to bring
1 ornament to the party. When they get there have a fake or
real tree waiting w/ lights on it. When each guest arrives
have them place it on the tree. Let them know that they are
giving you your first set of christmas or chanukka
decorations. guest love to get involved. After you pick a
theme, think about you budget and then where to have it.
Think about how many people. Do u want just your wedding
party and close friends and fam. there or is it a larger
party? Think about the menu. keep the theme going w/ the
food as well. Or u don't even need a theme, you could just
have it at home with a potluck dinner or lunch. read mag.
and search the web. get inspired by the season. Have fun w/
it but remember that it is really about the two of u, do
what is best for u. Good Luck!!!
Tricia -- Monday, November 15 2004, 03:44 pm
Amanda: Thanks so much for all the great ideas. We've
decided to have a cocktail party. Our colors are going to be
teal and silver. I know it's not really christmas colors but
it looks really pretty together. Any ideas on games?? That
everybody would enjoy. Thanks again.
Amanda -- Friday, November 19 2004, 03:41 am Tricia: We played one game at our party. My sisters and I
wrote 20 questions about my man and me. Some of the
questions we knew some guests wouldn't know and some would.
We told them that they can't ask me or him any of the
questions but they could ask anyone else. We wanted them to
have to get to know the other side of the family. It worked
and everyone loved it. The last question we asked was what
they thought our expected wedding date would be, we had kept
it a secret. That's how we announced the date to everyone.
I think a cocktail party is great! You could put a marking
on one of the glasses and that person would get a gift. You
could put stuff in jars and have people guess how much is in
it. You could put fake wedding rings or candy in it. I don't
really know though. We had a hard time with this too.
I went to a cocktail party once and they had wine glasses
made up with their names written on it. It was a nice favor
to take home. Are you going to have a special drink?
Tricia -- Saturday, November 27 2004, 11:35 am Amanda: What are some questions you guys used? Were running
out of ideas. Were going to have some imported and domestic
beers,wine,champagne & the basic liquor's. My friends have
12 questions. I wanted 20. So, we have to think of some more
& we were trying to think of stuff that if funny and people
would have a good time. Any suggestions???
Amanda -- Sunday, November 28 2004, 11:36 pm Tricia: here are some of our questions;
1: How long have the bride and groom been together?
2: Where did the groom propose?
3: How did he propose?
4: Where did they meet?
5: what is the couples favorite movie?
6: What was the groom told to do, by the brides father,
before he could propose? ~ CLEAN THE GARAGE
(EVERYONE LOVED THIS ONE).
7: How much (in karats) does the bride's engagement ring
weigh?
8: How do you spell the grooms first name? (Everyone in my
family has a hard time with his name 'cause its not a normal
guys name, its Kalle).
9: what is the bride and grooms song?
10: Why is that their song?
11: What exact date do you think the couple will wed?
Hint:it is in the end of spring and beginning of summer.
12: Where do the bride and groom hope to honeymoon?
Everyone had a ball w/ this and it took the whole party for
people to walk around and ask other guests for the answers.
You could make it personal and say, "what is the brides pet
peeve about the groom"? or "where did they have their first
kiss"? lol I don't know though, u can use all of mine if you
want. I can't think of the others though I don't have the
sheet w/ the questions on it. Hope I could help. Hey I just
found out that the web site "The Knot" lets you make your
own bridal web page for free. just go to the web site. its
awesome! I made my own, and all of your guest can go on it
to see your story and where you are registerd, they also
send you e-mails of bridal shows and trunk shows. its kool.
good luck!
Lisa -- Monday, November 29 2004, 11:20 am My mom wants to host an engagement party for me and my
fiancee, however, we wont be getting married until October
of 2009 (Thats right 2009) because I promised my dad I would
finish college before I got married. When would the right
time be to have the engagement party?
Martha -- Wednesday, December 1 2004, 11:56 am I was recently engaged (last wednesday) to my boyfriend of
almost 1 1/2 yrs. The day was of course the happipest day
of my life. I was wondering if it would be a common thing
to do for me to give him a gift. As a thank you for the
ring and the wonderful day? and if so...can you give me some
ideas? Please email with advice...it will be greatly
appreciated martha923@nycmail.com
Thanks!
Amanda -- Sunday, December 19 2004, 02:27 am Lisa: I was told that you should have your engagement party
6 months to a year before your wedding. But I didn't do
that, I had mine this past october and we are getting
married next May. If you want to wait you could just send
out announcements to out of town guests or everyone. you
could put an ad in the paper of your engagement. Mostly the
engagement party is to announce your wedding date and the
wedding party.
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nikki -- Saturday, December 25 2004, 09:49 am I am a brides maid in my friends wedding and she is having
her engagement party in January. I have never been to an
engagement party before and have no idea what to get as a
gift. any ideas?
Tonya -- Saturday, December 25 2004, 03:52 pm Just a fast question
When do you think it is appropiate to through a engagment
party for a newly engaged couple???
Thanks
Amber -- Monday, December 27 2004, 06:12 pm Nikki-The only engagement party I went to we got the bride
and groom stuff to help them plan a wedding, and stuff to
help them relax. In fact, I got them a DVD player with
dvd's like The Wedding Planner, etc...
Tonya- I got engaged about 2 weeks ago, we are having
ours in March, so we have time to plan it, and we are
getting married in Sept. 05. Hope this helps!
June -- Thursday, December 30 2004, 01:11 am Try a personalized "engagement party photo poster"
announcing the happy couple. Available at
www.bannergrams.com in the "wedding section".
Amanda - Australia -- Friday, December 31 2004, 02:41 am Hi,
I really like the different ideas that are on here.
I have only been engaged for 2 days (after dating with my
now fiance for 3 weeks), but would like to start planning my
engagement party as it is going to be at the end of
Feb/beginning of March 05. We are not planning to get
married for at least another year after the engagement
party, but I would like the engagement party to be a little
different.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Also how do you decide who to chose as bridesmaids,
especially if there are a few people that you would like to
ask??
Amanda - Australia -- Friday, December 31 2004, 02:45 am Hi,
I really like the different ideas that are on here.
I have only been engaged for 2 days (after dating with my
now fiance for 3 weeks), but would like to start planning my
engagement party as it is going to be at the end of
Feb/beginning of March 05. We are not planning to get
married for at least another year after the engagement
party, but I would like the engagement party to be a little
different.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Also how do you decide who to chose as bridesmaids,
especially if there are a few people that you would like to
ask??
Amanda - Australia -- Friday, December 31 2004, 03:27 am Hi,
I really like the different ideas that are on here.
I have only been engaged for 2 days (after dating with my
now fiance for 3 weeks), but would like to start planning my
engagement party as it is going to be at the end of
Feb/beginning of March 05. We are not planning to get
married for at least another year after the engagement
party, but I would like the engagement party to be a little
different.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
Also how do you decide who to chose as bridesmaids,
especially if there are a few people that you would like to
ask??
Amanda- New York -- Sunday, January 9 2005, 02:15 pm Hi Amanda,
I had a really hard time picking who would be in my bridal
party. So I asked everyone of my closest friends, and my two
sisters. All-in-all, I have 7 bridesmaids and my fiance' has
8. If you have more then that to choose from, or u just want
to keep it small, I'm sure your friends would understand.
There are plenty of other things that they can help out
with. you can have a couple of them host the wedding,
meaning to make sure the guests are happy and going to the
right places. This is a new trend now I guess. The guys that
you don't ask to be in the bridal party, could usher the
guests to their seats if the groomsmen are busy. Some
friends could be asked to make the cake or help make the
favors. this way everyone feels like they have a party in
their friends big day. Hope this helps! Congrates!!
Amanda - New York -- Sunday, January 9 2005, 02:17 pm I meant to say "part in their friends big day">
-- Tuesday, January 11 2005, 07:16 pm srtynerfdsdsfyughf
Jackie - North Carolina -- Wednesday, January 12 2005, 03:10 pm I am having an engagement party for my brother and his
fiance, who was my maid of honor a few months ago. I would
like someone to give me some ideas. I already know where I
am having it. Immediate family and wedding party are
invited. I want it to be special and different. I'm just a
little stumped.
Nancy -- Wednesday, January 12 2005, 05:09 pm My niece is having an engagement party. I will not be going
because I live too far. If I get an invitation, does that
mean I have to send her a gift? Also, my mother has never
been to an engagement party so she doesn't know what to get
her. Any ideas??? My mom does not have much money.
Shauna -- Thursday, January 13 2005, 01:24 am Fellow Brides to Be,
We are having an engagement party in a few weeks & I
found some wonderful ideas on here! Thanks!
It's important to remember that you are celebrating your
love & happiness...so try not to feel obligated to make it a
fabulous affair.
I know it's hard to control the urge (I reality check myself
5 times per day =)...but don't blow the bank. Save it to buy
that designer gown.
Also, please IGNORE the outdated etiquette quotes on
here. Many things (like engagement gifts) depend on many
factors, such as where in the country you live. Hey, it's
your party and you can cry (or register) if you want to!
Happy Planning!
D.A. -- Tuesday, January 18 2005, 04:57 pm Miss Manners always points out that one is never obligated
to give a gift. Most people I know give small sentimental
gifts that the bride and groom might appreciate - now this
can range in expense, of course, from tickets to a play,
bottle of wine, etc. From my own experience, cocktails and
finger foods are adequate - a limited budget might allow for
just wine and cheese - a larger budget might allow for a
sit-down dinner. I would never plan an event which required
guests to pay for dinner (unless maybe you have a close-knit
group of friends who might expect this arrangement). If you
can't afford to pay for dinner for everyone, then scale it
down. I have to admit that I like parties with themes. You
can draw from hobbies and interests of the bride and groom
or even interesting events that may be around the date of
the party like cinco de mayo, the Oscars, local music
festivals, mardi gras, etc. Like some of the earlier posts,
I think the favors should be simple and incorporate the date
of the wedding somehow.
Good Luck and have fun.
Emma -- Wednesday, January 19 2005, 02:11 am Just a couple more ideas o get they party mingling. These
are probably not knew as I just adapted them from Teaching
activities I have done in the classroom.
* Blindfold the bride and groom to be and have them draw a
picture of how they imaginge their fiancee will look on
their big day. These can then be displayed for the guests to
have a giggle at later in the night.
* Give each guest a sheet with statements such as someone
with there anniversary in June and Sister of someone in the
bridal party etc (Limit to about 10 things) then have your
guests find someone to sign the appropriate box as true.The
winner is the first one to have there sheet all filled up
with names. You can only use the same name on your card
once. This way your guests have to get chatting and have got
something to start off the conversation.
Aishe' -- Wednesday, January 19 2005, 09:12 pm My fianace and I are inviting our family and some close
friends to what they think is an engagement party but it is
actually our wedding. Does anyone have any ideas on plannig
without giving away the surprise.
Amanda ~ New York -- Thursday, January 20 2005, 01:36 am Oh My God!! I love it. I wanted to do that at mine but I
knew my mom would kill me. are you going to tell anyone?
bridesmaids, close friends? If a couple people are going to
know then they can help you. (You could also higher someone
to do it for u). To make it look like its just an engagement
party, u could still ask family and friends to help with
things. Then they won't think something is up. Give them
small tasks to do while you are really doing the bigger
things to get ready. When is your wedding? where will it be?
congrates!!
MOTB -- Thursday, January 20 2005, 01:45 pm As a MOTB (mother-of-the-bride) to be, I am so happy to have
found this website! All the brides to be have wonderful
ideas for engagement party's that I am in the beginning
stages of planning for my beautiful daughter and future
son-in-law. My daughter Shanna and her fiance Max, got
engaged 1/15/05 and are planning a wedding in 5/06. My
family is a very close family and his family is
non-committal, so how do I bridge the gap so they would
attend the engagement party I am planning for our children??
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thanks and keep
the helpful, positive comments flowing. An engagement and
wedding are very happy positive events for most families, so
let's not ruin it with bad-will for others, as some notes
indicate.
Aishe' -- Tuesday, January 25 2005, 01:17 pm Amanda- No one knows anything except my maid of honor and my
sister. My fiance's mom is helping with the planning but she
thinks it's just an engagement party. It's really hard
trying to keep it from everyone especially since there is
going to be at least 100 people there(we both have big
families). The engagement party/wedding is going to be in
May in Virginia at my mother's house.
auntie- January 25, 2005 -- Tuesday, January 25 2005, 02:44 pm hosting an engagement party for my niece next month.
Sent out invite's I made from photos of the couple
with a front page that said " the most precious moment of
her life... ken ask kara to be his wife."
we are having it in a function hall and providing, dinner,
dancing (dj) and drinks for about 100. made hurricane candle
with flowered rings center pieces ( to match her colors she
wants in her wedding)also rose peddle to sprinkle on the
tables. favors will be small white candy bags filled with
hersy kisses finished with ribbon that matches and lable
that reads keep the date march06 their big day this just a
year away. the last thing is to find good " getting to know
you games " which I' m sure I'll find on the net. I've spent
about 150.00 so far on the invites, center pieces, favors.
the hall and food, drinks & dj will be about 25.00 a head.
included in with the invites I put direction to hall and
also included a information sheet, about gifts and dress. I
started by writting " traditionally, engagement party gifts
are not expected, For guests that are inclined to bring a
gift. a monitary gift would be most appreciated" I also
mentioned that informal but yet special night for the
couple. I felt it was important to include this. in this
area you always bring a gift to an engagement party whether
its expected or not, I've seen anything from picture frames
and vases to dom pieron and toasting glasses. I rather have
guest who are going to give, give wisely. as you all Know by
now getting married is expensive before during and after the
vows. I used the word informal because I wanted people to
dress to their comfort level. We are hoping this will be a
fun evening of meetings and greetings one my neice and
nephew in-law to be will cherrish. I wish you luck with your
plans and congrats to you all.
Adrienne -- Friday, January 28 2005, 04:45 pm Ok, I have one (perhaps silly) question. What is the
etiquette on engagement parties as far as who throws them?
Does the newly engaged couple throw their own, or does
someone close to them opt to throw it for them? Does anyone
know the right way this should be done? I am the maid of
honor for my sister who just got engaged, and we don't know
if her and the fiancee should throw it or if I or another
friend should. HELP!!
Natalie from Australia -- Monday, January 31 2005, 11:48 pm Hi MOTB. I have just had my engagement party and I was in
the same predicament as you are. My fiance and his family
aren't exactly the most social people in the world and
although I invited all of my fiances friends and family,
none of his family wanted to come. My family drove for 4
hours to be there along with 70 of my friends, but his
entire family who only live five minutes up the road
couldn't be bothered to come. I know I did the right thing
by inviting them, and I consider it to be their problem that
they didn't come. They are a family who don't have any
friends and rarely leave their house except to go to work
(his dad) and to buy groceries (his mum).
As long as you invite them, you know you are doing the right
thing, so don't worry. If they don't come, it will be their
fault, not yours.
Leanna -- Wednesday, February 2 2005, 02:35 pm I am the maid of honor in my friends wedding and I want to
throw them an engagement/house warming party together. They
got engaged in November and are planning on having the
wedding at the beach this summer.Since we live in Oklahoma
and they are getting married in Florida it is only going to
be close friends and family invited to the wedding. Some of
the people that I want to invite to the party will not be
attending the wedding. They just bought a house and moved in
together. Does anybody have ideas for throwing the
engagement and housewarming party together? Should they
register for gifts? Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.
Amanda- New York -- Thursday, February 3 2005, 12:45 am Leanna- I don't know about registering for gifts for the
engagement party. My parents and my fiance's parents threw
ours and when I asked if we were supposed to register yet,
our mom's almost had a heart attack. They said it is only
for the bridal shower and the wedding. I'm sure they could
register if they wanted, my parents are jsut very old
fashion.
if it is a house warming party too, I would guess it would
be held at their house so the guests can see it. So that's
good, you have a place to have it.
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TERMS OF PAYMENT - 15% Negotiable.
PACKAGING - In Metal Boxes
POINT OF DELIVERY At Buyer's Choice of Refinery on an
Agreed Airline
At Any Date.
DOCUMENTATION Seller Takes Responsibility of Processing
All The
Documents Needed Including Insurance,
Government Taxes and Fright.
VALIDITY This Offer Is Restricted To Only the Terms And
Condition Sets Above and Lasts For Only 22
Working Days.
A legal contract will be prepared and duly signed to
cover all corporate transaction of this transaction.
Full Banking details to be provided after the official
acceptance of this generous offer
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MINING SITE AND
TAKE SAMPLE FROM THE SITE FOR SGS TESTING. BUYER IS
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INSPECTION FEE, UPON THE BUYERS SATISFACTION FROM THE
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Catherine - Phoenix -- Tuesday, February 15 2005, 04:16 pm I would like to encourage all brides-to-be to purchase Emily
Post's Etiquette by Peggy Post. It answers a lot of the
questions I have been reading on this site, including how to
handle difficult situations (estranged families, etc.) If
you know a newly engaged couple, this would make a nice
engagement party gift (which is not required or expected,
per the author) since it covers so many topics. It might be
a good idea to jot a little note in the cover that you are
not suggesting they need help with their manners, but that
you thought it would come in handy with all the upcoming
events. Congrats and best wishes to you and your fiances!
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Aunt of the Bride -- Friday, February 18 2005, 05:18 pm I think it is very very very very tacky for the couple to
throw themselves an engagement party
That is for the Bride or grooms parents to do that.
My niece wanted money to buy something for her fiances
truck. I think no gifts should be asked for what so ever. We
will get sucked dry with just all the bridal showers and
wedding gifts do you all think everyone is made of money?
Lily -- Monday, February 21 2005, 10:45 pm Why would anyone suggest embarrasing pictures of the bride
and groom? (And to be made into poster size yet!) Who would
do such a thing to family or special friends?
Caroline -- Thursday, February 24 2005, 12:15 am My best friend just got engaged and I am the maid of honor.
I would like to throw her an engagement party (her parents
live in Jamaica) I have been reading that traditionally the
bride's parents throw the engagement party. Because of her
situation, would it be appropriate for me to call her mother
and discuss my plans or should I even just ask my friend if
she wants a party in the first place? I was thinking an
engagement party would be helpful because they have planned
a short engagement (date is Aug. 27) and it would be great
to give favors w/ "save the dates". I see that this site is
about 95% QUESTIONS and hardly any answers but please if you
are reading this and have an answer, write me back .Much
appreciated!!!
Cassie -- Thursday, February 24 2005, 07:12 pm CAROLINE- She is your best friend and It sounds like a great
idea to kick off there engagement with giving away save the
date cards. Plus, every couple/Bride deserves an egagement
party. As for calling her mother go ahead but keep it on the
low. Don't let your girlfriend know you called her mom and
than have her mom send a special congrats via letter or
video. That would be a wonderful treat and a great way to do
your part as the maid of honor. Good Luck! Have fun with
it.(remember it dosn't have to be a big event either. Keep
it simple and stress free for right now!)
Caroline -- Friday, February 25 2005, 02:39 pm CASSIE- Thank you so much for getting back to me so quickly
and for the great advice! Have a wonderful weekend!
marge -- Monday, February 28 2005, 08:41 am this is great so many ideas, i am planning an engagement
party for my daughter and her iance here is an idea for
favors you wrap a small box 3x2 inches tie with curling
ribbon you out a small rose on then a tag with this saying
This is a very special gift
that you can never see
the reason its so special is
Its just for you from me.
If ever your lonely
Or even feeling blue
marge -- Monday, February 28 2005, 08:50 am I am giving an engegement party for my daughter and her
fiance here is an idea for a favor.
You take a small box about 3x2 wrap it in gift paoer and tie
with curling ribbon and you can add a rose or flower int the
middle then you add a tag with this on it.
This is a very special gift
That you can never see
The reason its so special is
Its just for you from me
If ever you are lonely,
Or even feeling blue,
you only have to hold this gift
To knoe I thin of you
You never can unerap it,
Please leave the ribbon tied,Just hold the box close to you
heart
Its filled with thanks and Love inside.
I hope this is helpful to someone its a relly cute idea,
make one and you can embellish as you like
ann -- Thursday, March 3 2005, 10:25 pm My engagemnt party is going to be about 135 people at the
end of April. As center pieces we are using flower pots
with balloons around it. They will be less expensive after
Easter. As favors i am giving two candlesticks with
beautiful wrapping and a tie that says "What a pair." I got
the idea online but it had a candle of a pear with the tie
around it. I couldn't get enough pear candles so i modified
it a bit. I am also giving out Hershey's candy bars. The
wrapper will be our names and the wedding date. With a
corney little saying like "They are so sweet!" Home these
ideas are helpful.
ann -- Thursday, March 3 2005, 10:25 pm My engagemnt party is going to be about 135 people at the
end of April. As center pieces we are using flower pots
with balloons around it. They will be less expensive after
Easter. As favors i am giving two candlesticks with
beautiful wrapping and a tie that says "What a pair." I got
the idea online but it had a candle of a pear with the tie
around it. I couldn't get enough pear candles so i modified
it a bit. I am also giving out Hershey's candy bars. The
wrapper will be our names and the wedding date. With a
corney little saying like "They are so sweet!" Home these
ideas are helpful.
Nicole -- Wednesday, March 9 2005, 12:08 pm My parents are throwing my fiance and I an engagement party
in the beginning of April. I am going to put save the date
magnets in an envelope and use them as favors and as
placecards. I thought that would be a great idea! I got my
save the date magnets from the Favor Lady
(www.favorlady.com). She was great....quick and affordable.
They came out so great! I love them.
Amanda -- Thursday, March 10 2005, 03:31 am We are using magnets for our save the date too! We made them
ourselve's for about $30 for 150. I thought of it when I was
sitting in traffic one day, looking at the back of a car
that had one of those "support the troops" ribbons on it. I
thought that would be a good way for people to not loose the
save the date notices.
We also incuded the link to our wedding web site on it, the
web site has all the information on it for our big day. Does
anyone else have a wedding web site? Ours is on The Knot. It
is free, and you can update it any time you want. You can
even have your guests RSVP to your wedding right on your
site. You can post pics and your registry too.
www.theknot.com
Leanna -- Thursday, March 10 2005, 04:05 pm I am getting married in November and the area that we are
having the reception at charges per person. We don't want
alot of children there but don't know a polite way to
exclude the kids from the ceremony. If you have any ideas of
a polite way to put this on our invitations please let me
know. Thank You
marlene --moore, oklahoma -- Saturday, March 12 2005, 08:28 pm i am throwing my son and his bride to an engagement party.
they wanted to get married at the beach but wont beable to
too many familt to travel so far. so i thought i would
surprze the with bring the beach to them. all guest are
asked to come in hawian shirts and dresses there will be a
loads of sand brought in and a live band. i really want this
to be special because the brides mother decided she wants no
part in it.. ooh well it is her loss.. i want this to be
bigger that the reciption incase her mom changes her mind
.. Hope this is a good idea what do you think.. we will
serve all kinds of finger foods lots of fruit and smoke bbq
out on the grill do you think i am over doing it a little
??? please if you have any other idea let me know.. thank
you ilove your web site..
krissy -- Monday, March 14 2005, 01:10 am i am throwing an engagement party for my sister and her
fiance. there will be about 50 of their closests friends and
family. It is going to start at six and were having finger
foods. I am clueless about what an engagment party is about.
Both of the families know each other so the initial
"icebreaker" thing is out of the question. Can you please
give me some ideas on how to make it as cost effective and
entertaing as possible. thanks for your help. kmooyman78@aol.com
kristen -- Saturday, March 19 2005, 02:29 am for our engagement party, my fiance and i have invited 30 of
our closest family and friends to sunday brunch at a local
inn. it's not going to be a big production number (no
favors, no dj, no games), but it should be hilarious
(knowing my family and friends). i'm looking forward to
hanging out with our bridal party, drinking some mimosas,
and taking advice from family members.
on the subject of gifts: while it isn't the point of
throwing the shindig (the shindig is the point of the
shindig in my book) well-meaning family members have been
asking my mother where we're registered. they are looking
for direction even though they have been told repeatedly
that gifts aren't necessary. in a situation such as this, i
think it's okay to register for some small stuff (as long as
you don't go overboard, put it on your invites, or tell
everyone you know). as long as you don't open gifts in front
of guests and show true gratitude, then i don't think
receiving gifts or registering for a few items is a huge
deal. just my two cents :)
Susan -- Saturday, March 19 2005, 06:45 pm I'm seriously thinking when the day comes to be married, to
just simply do the unepected. I'm already 42, lived in the
jungle for 10 years as a missionary,etc. I'm thinking when
the right one comes we won't be waiting a year or so to plan
for things, but we will be ready to go forward with life.
Anyone have fun ideas or have heard of an engagment party
and surprise wedding at the sametime? I think I've heard of
something similar, but then again I've just returned to the
states! I'm definitely not going to be into all the glamour
of a huge epensive wedding...it's the marriage that really
counts.
Susan -- Saturday, March 19 2005, 10:42 pm Well I've answered my own question above and looked online
under "surprise weddings"! You can still give me your
thoughts and the fact that I can't seem to press the X key
for unexpected and expensive means nothing! May you all
have a great celebration be it at the engagement party or
the wedding itself!
Melissa S. -- Tuesday, March 22 2005, 11:47 pm You all are soooo creative! My best friend just got engaged
and I can't wait to start planning her engagement party. I
NEED SOME HELP THOUGH!! Her degree is in Graphic Design and
she's always got the greatest ideas. I was hoping to make an
invitation to the party that would be personal to her and
her beau - any ideas for a classy yet simple invitation that
she will adore???? Thanks and congrats to you all!!!!
Tennille -- Friday, March 25 2005, 12:10 pm This has given me some GREAT ideas! My best friend got
engaged in December, just days before her mother passed
away. I am throwing an egagement party for her and have
invited about 50 of their friends (so a good young group-
mostly married late 20's/early 30's) as well as her sister
and husband and the groom's parents. (Mine will be there as
well for them to hang out with.) I am having it at my
boyfriends house which is a cabin on 4 acres. My friend
knows very little detail, other than we are doing beer and
pork bbq and we made the party an "entertainment" party so
that guests can bring something for them to entertain with!
I have had kuzzies made (to put the beers in!) that are lime
green with hot pink writing that says Cheers to (and then
their names). I wish i had thought of the wedding date! Her
colors are pink and green and she is obsessed with
monogramming so I am having a great baker I know make a
bunch of cupcakes (found a GREAT cupcake tree to hold them)
with white icing with her new initials on them - some in
pink and some in green. I like the idea of blowing up a
picture of them, also having people write
comments/advice/well wishes on something (may try to get
monogrammed notecards for that). I also have a polaroid
camera and thought people could take pics throughout the
evening and then i could make her an album later with those
pictures and the comments spread throughout. Do you guys
have ANY ideas on how to incorporate a poster sized picture
and anything else? I feel like I have a good theme started
but need help tieing it all together! Oh, there are decks on
the front and back of house and just not sure WHERE i should
try to keep people (in or out/ on decks or the lawn). Still
trying to figure out how i could get music to play in ALL
areas! Sorry so long - but any advice would be fantastic.
Thanks
P.S. I am having this at 4pm on a Saturday in April so that
it doesn't seem a "late night" affair and don't have to
worry about people from out of town staying over.
Tennille -- Friday, March 25 2005, 01:17 pm This has given me some GREAT ideas! My best friend got
engaged in December, just days before her mother passed
away. I am throwing an egagement party for her and have
invited about 50 of their friends (so a good young group-
mostly married late 20's/early 30's) as well as her sister
and husband and the groom's parents. (Mine will be there as
well for them to hang out with.) I am having it at my
boyfriends house which is a cabin on 4 acres. My friend
knows very little detail, other than we are doing beer and
pork bbq and we made the party an "entertainment" party so
that guests can bring something for them to entertain with!
I have had kuzzies made (to put the beers in!) that are lime
green with hot pink writing that says Cheers to (and then
their names). I wish i had thought of the wedding date! Her
colors are pink and green and she is obsessed with
monogramming so I am having a great baker I know make a
bunch of cupcakes (found a GREAT cupcake tree to hold them)
with white icing with her new initials on them - some in
pink and some in green. I like the idea of blowing up a
picture of them, also having people write
comments/advice/well wishes on something (may try to get
monogrammed notecards for that). I also have a polaroid
camera and thought people could take pics throughout the
evening and then i could make her an album later with those
pictures and the comments spread throughout. Do you guys
have ANY ideas on how to incorporate a poster sized picture
and anything else? I feel like I have a good theme started
but need help tieing it all together! Oh, there are decks on
the front and back of house and just not sure WHERE i should
try to keep people (in or out/ on decks or the lawn). Still
trying to figure out how i could get music to play in ALL
areas! Sorry so long - but any advice would be fantastic.
Thanks
P.S. I am having this at 4pm on a Saturday in April so that
it doesn't seem a "late night" affair and don't have to
worry about people from out of town staying over.
Tennille -- Friday, March 25 2005, 01:26 pm This has given me some GREAT ideas! My best friend got
engaged in December, just days before her mother passed
away. I am throwing an egagement party for her and have
invited about 50 of their friends (so a good young group-
mostly married late 20's/early 30's) as well as her sister
and husband and the groom's parents. (Mine will be there as
well for them to hang out with.) I am having it at my
boyfriends house which is a cabin on 4 acres. My friend
knows very little detail, other than we are doing beer and
pork bbq and we made the party an "entertainment" party so
that guests can bring something for them to entertain with!
I have had kuzzies made (to put the beers in!) that are lime
green with hot pink writing that says Cheers to (and then
their names). I wish i had thought of the wedding date! Her
colors are pink and green and she is obsessed with
monogramming so I am having a great baker I know make a
bunch of cupcakes (found a GREAT cupcake tree to hold them)
with white icing with her new initials on them - some in
pink and some in green. I like the idea of blowing up a
picture of them, also having people write
comments/advice/well wishes on something (may try to get
monogrammed notecards for that). I also have a polaroid
camera and thought people could take pics throughout the
evening and then i could make her an album later with those
pictures and the comments spread throughout. Do you guys
have ANY ideas on how to incorporate a poster sized picture
and anything else? I feel like I have a good theme started
but need help tieing it all together! Oh, there are decks on
the front and back of house and just not sure WHERE i should
try to keep people (in or out/ on decks or the lawn). Still
trying to figure out how i could get music to play in ALL
areas! Sorry so long - but any advice would be fantastic.
Thanks
P.S. I am having this at 4pm on a Saturday in April so that
it doesn't seem a "late night" affair and don't have to
worry about people from out of town staying over.
Amanda -- Tuesday, March 29 2005, 05:21 pm Melissa S.~ For my engagement invitations my dad scanned a
picture of my ring, it was taken right after my fiance'
proposed. He enlarged it and made it black and white. Then
we bought velum, you can buy any craft store, and wrote all
the info of the party on it. Then we tied the velum and the
picture with a satin bow at the top. With the velum on top
of the picture you could see the picture through it. The
picture and velum were 1/2 of a regular size sheet of paper.
We also stuck a small RSVP card in it, because it is much
easier to keep track of who is coming and who isn't. We told
everyone, on the invite, no gifts. But we got tons of gifts.
We felt so guilty. We just wanted to announce to everyone
our good news. And everyone wanted us to open their gifts,
but we told everyone that we weren't expecting any gifts so
we would do it later, but we were made to do it infront of
everyone by all the guests. We didn't want to hurt peoples
feelings so we did. We got things like dance lessons, bridal
magazines and organizers for the big day, frames, cook
books, money, and cards. I still feel really bad about it
though, and it was a few months ago.
We are also making our own wedding invitations, to save
money. We are designing our momograms and printing it on
card stock paper and then writing the formal invite over the
monograms. Very simple and easy, then we will carry out the
monograms through out the wedding day. Hope this helps!
Barbara -- Wednesday, March 30 2005, 03:27 pm What's the answer? Is it cash or gifts for an engagement
Party? It's costing us over $120. per couple and that's the
cheapest we could find in New York. The couple has now been
asked where they're registered now that the invitations have
been sent. They had hoped for cash gifts since they are not
living together and have nowhere to store gifts. We are,
afterall, giving a great dinner with live music and a D.J.
(small price in comparison to hall and dinner.) //We tried
Knights of Columbus and VFW; it was the same price as a
regular hall. I think more is expected in New York.Should
we register or will this encourage gifts, not cash.
Rene' -- Sunday, April 3 2005, 07:24 pm I am throughing an engagement party for my only daughter and
future son in-law, I didn't know that you did things for the
engagement party! The ideas here are great!!!
The couple took a picture of themselves with the ring pops
in their mouths a few months ago, so the ring pop is a great
idea for decorations! I love the idea about the black and
white picture of the ring, but I think I will take a picture
of my daughter's hand with the ring on her finger, and the
whole theme can be rings!
If anyone has any more good ideas for ring things that I can
use they would be greatly appreciated!
Ashley -- Friday, April 8 2005, 06:42 pm My Fiancee and I are having an engagement party at my
parent's house in a month. Informal, only about 30 people.
His family is kind of shy so one idea I had to get people
mingling is to make cards that have 5-6 things about each
person on them but not their name. We will pass them out at
the party when guests arrive and by the end of the party you
have to guess who your card is describing. If you guess
correct you get a prize..I was thinking simple things like a
bottle of wine,a candle, picture frame etc. I thought this
was a great idea, hope someone else can find this helpful
!!!!
Melissa S -- Wednesday, April 13 2005, 08:52 pm Amanda - Thank you sooo much for the ring engagement
invitation idea! That is awesome. I got married in April
last year and I know what you mean about all of the gifts.
Even though you feel a bit guilty about all of them, isn't
it a wonderful feeling to know that so many people care
about the two of you! I remember not being able to express
my gratitude for everything people did along the way. We
must have sent out a million thank you cards. Anyway, thanks
again for the idea and congratulations on your big day!!
Sincere best wishes for a lifetime of happiness!
melissa s -- Wednesday, April 13 2005, 08:59 pm Susan - How wonderful that you've had the opportunity to
have such an unique experience. I don't have any ideas for
you but I just wanted to let you know that I totally agree
with you about the marriage being the most important part.
It's certainly easy to get wrapped up in the glamour of
putting together a wedding. Best luck to you in creating a
spectacular, unique wedding!
Amanda -- Thursday, April 14 2005, 03:12 am Mellissa S ~ I'm glad you liked my suggestion. I am in the
middle of planning my wedding now but love to come back here
to see what people have posted. It is not easy to plan this
big event. I am going to school and working full time. I
wanted everything to be really simple, the planning and the
wedding. But its really hard to make it simple because there
are soooo many details to think about. Also we got a low
budget to work with, which is fine with us its just that
everything now a days costs sooooo much. but we r, so far,
$3000.00 under budget working with $13000.00 for everything.
We just have to make everything and make deals with people.
Its who ya know! We are getting married next year on
Memorial weekend and it is going to be awhole weekend
get-away for all the guests in our home town. Thankfully we
know the people so we are getting to rent the entire resort
for almost nothing. My point is to be resourceful and look
around, don't tell people your budget then u might get a
better deal on things, and don't be afraid to make things
yourself.
Dawn -- Thursday, April 14 2005, 01:07 pm This comment is for Jean and also for the grooms mother that
was worried about asking people to pay for their own meals
at the engagement party at the resteraunt;
First of all Jean, I see where you are coming from and to
many people get caught up in trying to outdo the last
wedding they attended, BUT some peoples definition of
special is very different than yours and you should reallly
respect that. Some woman dream of this day since they were
little. Anyways, for all your negativness, I am sure glad
you are not related to me! It is hard to be in a
relationship and make it last so I suggest to whoever you
know........they surround themselves with positive,
encouraging people instead of you. To the grooms mother, Do
what you can afford and if people can't respect that, then
they don't have to be included!
Kelly -- Friday, April 22 2005, 08:51 pm Great suggestions Ladies! I became engaged in December 2004
and my fiance wasn't available for a party until the summer,
SO we are having our engagement party in July 2005 which is
6 months from when we got engaged. I think you should plan
your egagement party when it is most convenient for you as a
couple. The only reason you should hurry in having the EP
is if you plan to get married sooner rather than later so
that the EP, shower and bachelor parties aren't so close
together. Instead of having a DJ we plan to hook up our
iPod to their stereo system and play a playlist of
background music. I also plan on having a cupcake tier
(tier from www.cupcaketree.com) stacked with cupcakes with
our initials and date of the wedding on top. My soon to be
mother in law and my real father both want me to put no
gifts please on the invitations. I think I will say no
gifts expected, but print my wedding website address onthe
invitation as well so that those who wish to still give
gifts can do so through our registry. CONGRATS and happy
planning.
Jessica S. -- Friday, April 22 2005, 09:29 pm I am sure I am not alone in saying I am scared! This is
scarier than I thought it was going to be! I just got
engaged 9 days ago and am freaking out! But I am trying to
tackle one part at a time. That said the engagement
party....I am so unsure of what to do. I am 26 yrs old I
live with my sister and am currently in grad school. My mom
died last June from Pancreatic cancer and my dad bailed when
I was 4 yrs old. So, its just me from the brides side. I
must say I am on a short budget.....ANY ideas would be
wonderful.
Cathy -- Wednesday, April 27 2005, 02:01 pm Jessica S.... I too recently got engaged. Don't be scared -
just take a breath and regroup. Take some time to enjoy
being engaged before delving into party planning. Short on
budget- well I think we can all relate :) When you are
ready, make a list of close family and friends that you
definitely want at the engagement party (dont go overboard).
Then talk to your fiance about a venue -perhaps a
restaurant you two frequent often. Go to a few places,
price around - see what they offer, and then make a
decision. Try to do a Sunday afternoon party - less
expensive than Saturday evening.
Cathy -- Wednesday, April 27 2005, 02:04 pm Jessica S.... I too recently got engaged. Don't be scared -
just take a breath and regroup. Take some time to enjoy
being engaged before delving into party planning. Short on
budget- well I think we can all relate :) When you are
ready, make a list of close family and friends that you
definitely want at the engagement party (dont go overboard).
Then talk to your fiance about a venue -perhaps a
restaurant you two frequent often. Go to a few places,
price around - see what they offer, and then make a
decision. Try to do a Sunday afternoon party - less
expensive than Saturday evening.
Cathy -- Wednesday, April 27 2005, 02:12 pm Jessica S.... I too recently got engaged. Don't be scared -
just take a breath and regroup. Take some time to enjoy
being engaged before delving into party planning. Short on
budget- well I think we can all relate :) When you are
ready, make a list of close family and friends that you
definitely want at the engagement party (dont go overboard).
Then talk to your fiance about a venue -perhaps a
restaurant you two frequent often. Go to a few places,
price around - see what they offer, and then make a
decision. Try to do a Sunday afternoon party - less
expensive than Saturday evening.
Georgette to be CUELLAR -- Monday, May 2 2005, 11:12 pm I have been looking every where for a certain humor
keep sake of my wedding that is to take place in january
2006. The item I am searching for is a BALL
and CHAIN (like prisioners)so I can get them personalized
with our name on one ball and our wedding date on the other.
If anyone could help me
out with this it would help me a great deal.My Email
is gette74@msn.com, Thank YOU!
Sincerly,
Georgette
Lau -- Wednesday, May 4 2005, 10:33 am YEY I just got engaged and wanted to tell the world!!
toni -- Saturday, May 7 2005, 11:44 pm I just want to say congraulations to all the brides to be,
Last night my boyfriend propose to me:)and I feel like the
luckest woman alive!!!
Shona -- Tuesday, May 10 2005, 02:50 am There is absolutely nothing tacky about the B & G to be,
hosting their own engagement party.
Both of my parents are extremely busy working, and are not
of great health and my Fiance does not have a father,... to
take the burden off them, we feel more comfortable throwing
our own party with EXCITEMENT. its the year 2005! there are
no rules to throwing a party. Its all common sense... Spend
what you can afford. And dont try and impress 100 guests.
Save that for the reception. The tradition of an engagement
party is for both immediate families and the bridal party to
come together and celebrate. Not your next door neighbour,
dogs, aunties, uncles, cats, football coach and school
teachers. You get the drift! If you go overboard, you will
look like a FOOL with too much cash to burn!
Daniela -- Tuesday, May 10 2005, 04:59 am My boyfriend and I have decided to throw a party in October
to announce our engagement to our friends. We've decided to
get engaged but we are going to spend some time getting to
know each other's families first and moving in together
before we make it official. We are going to pretend that the
party is a house warming party and then surprise everyone
once they get there. It will be only cocktails and finger
food and we will be having it at our apartment as we have a
huge terrace which will be perfect for a summer evening.
Shona I agree with you 100% - in this day and age parents
shouldn't be expected to pay for parties or even full
weddings. If a couple is old enough to get married and share
a life together - they should be able to arrange these
things on their own. Its nice if the parents can help out
but I don't think they should feel taht its their
responsibility - that's soooo passe.
Engagement parties should be fun! Ours will be strictly
friends so that everyone is in the same age-group (roughly)
and our friends can get to know eachother. Most family
members would prefer something less noisy and crowded
anyway.
Congratualtions and Good luck everybody!!!!!!!!!
Janet -- Wednesday, May 11 2005, 10:43 am My daughter and her fiance are getting married in Oct. 2006.
His mom and I are hosting the engagement party at the end
of June of this year. I've read alot about etiquette and
engagement parties; the purpose is for the families and
close friends to meet, to introduce the members of the
wedding party, and of course to make the "official"
engagement announcement. We added "No gifts please" to the
invitation, primarily because those attending will be
invited to the showers and the wedding as well where gifts
are expected. We have incorporated many of the ideas
offered here, so thanks to all of you. We're keeping the
affair very simple; in our home, 30-40 guests, finger
sandwiches, champagne toast by my husband (but also open to
others who wish to offer their blessings), cake, balloons,
personalized M&M's, save-the-date magnets, etc. Hope this
helps, and best wishes and much happiness to all the brides
and grooms!
DANA -- Wednesday, May 11 2005, 03:32 pm I AM THE MAID OF HONOR IN MY SISTERS WEDDING. THE ENGAGEMNET
PARTY IS AT THE END OF JUNE AT A REALY FANCY CATEREERS,
WHICH WAS SUGGESTED BY THE MOTHER IN LAW TO BE SINCE THEY
HAVE MONEY. MY SISTER HAS NO IDEA ON WHEN SHE WANTS TO GET
GET MARRIED BUT IS SHOOTING FOR A SEPT. 2006 WEDDING. IS IT
OK TO PUT sEPT 2006 ON THE SAVE THE DATE CARDS OR SHOULD
IT BE THE EXACT DATE. I ALSO WOULD LIKE SOME IDEAS AS FAR AS
FAVORS (NICE BUT CHEAP) THE GROOM'S FAMILY IS RICH AND MY
SISTER WANTS TO IMPRESS THEM, BUT MY FAMILY DOESNT REALLY
HAVE THE MONEY.
Monica -- Wednesday, May 11 2005, 09:45 pm I got engaged two weeks ago on our two year anniversary. He
gave me the ring during a sunrise kayaking trip. (We met on
a kayaking trip). We are artists and we want everything to
reflect our artistic, creative, unique and fun view on life.
Two days ago, in front of twenty family members, the groom's
mother announced she has arranged the engagement party. The
location is very inconvinient/far for me, my family and
friends, the food is catered tubs of lasagne, salad and
bottles of Budweiser/Coors (I had planned on morrocan/neuvo
french food with cocktails and wine), decorations are not my
style at all, etc. She is spending lots of money on this
and will not accept any input from me or the groom. She has
already picked a date, but my mother will be vacationing in
Europe then. She never bothered to ask.
I am worried that she will next arrange the wedding, without
our input. The groom says he loves his family and feels she
is being generous.
Am I over-reacting? Should I just be thankful of her
generousity and go along? Any ideas on how to salvage my
engagement party? Or just show up (without family and
friends) and smile?
Rebecca - Friday, May 13 2005 -- Friday, May 13 2005, 07:26 am I just got engaged a week ago can't still quite beleive it.
We want to enjoy this time of letting family and friends
know but my family are already planning the engagement party
for 6 weeks time. We haven't even decided on a wedding
date, it just becoming a blur. I am really happy both
families are over the moon but I can't even think straight
at the moment. I am a profressional wedding planner and
have planned hundreds of weddings but it is totally
different when it comes to your own, everyone expects this
amazing engagement party and wedding because of my business,
but at the moment I just want to run and hide and take in
the moment.
Some positive advice would be great
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T -- Tuesday, May 17 2005, 04:28 pm My boyfriend and I are wanting to throw an "engagement
party" for our immediate family and closest friends, about
30 people max. We are renting 6 2 bdrm condos at the lake
and are inviting them. We do not even have an engagement
ring. We are going to throw a surprise wedding for
ourselves. No fuss from others. They won't know until they
show up the morning after check-in for an "engagement"
brunch. We are spending most of our budget on getting our
families together and paying for their lodging. We want a
breakfast style brunch with a angelfood cake w/strawberries
and whipped cream. Any ideas on how to accomplish this or
menu or anything would be greatly appreciated. Thanks....T
Jules - Australia -- Monday, May 23 2005, 01:12 am I just got engaged to my boy three days ago. We are looking
at having the engagement party in July. We aren't looking at
having anything too fancy and we don't want to have a party
at our house. We will probably have about 30 people
attending. Does anyone have any ideas for a reasonably
priced, intimate but fun setting?
Fran NYC -- Thursday, May 26 2005, 02:29 pm Monica, I would not even show up. It is your celebration,
not hers. Put your foot down now, you have alot of years
ahead of you with this woman...
JDylan -- Saturday, May 28 2005, 03:05 am Here are some ideas: My fiance and I are having our
engagement party two days from now at my parents house.
They live out in the country and have a nice yard with a
creek. they also have a screened in porch, a deck, an
awesome grill, and hot -tub. So we thought it would be a
perfect place to have an indoor/outdoor celebration / party!
For fun I'm putting in a horse shoe pit...it's super easy to
do. (Just buy a little sand, 4X4's, and a horse shoe kit
from bi mart for $12. ) I'm also setting up a net to play
volley ball and/or badmitton. We're getting some balloons
and going to put them at the mailbox to help the guests find
the place. We're going to play all kinds of music..some
classical, rock, country, reggae. you name it. We'll have a
microphone hooked up for announcements and toasts and karoke
if anybody dares. speakers inside and out. Lots of wine,
beer, etc. Thought about a keg but passed up the idea. and
a lot of great food. We have lots of flowers to decorate
the place up but passed on streamers, ruffled paper and
stuff as it seems tacky. I also bought some teeche sp?
torches for when it get's dark. My friend is bringing his
nice poker chip set for later in the evening--it;s such a
popular game to play now I think a lot of people will pitch
in $5 or $ 10 for a nice size game but nothing to serious.
What else? Lots of coolers with ice for drinks, umbrellas
for rain and or shade. And ,oh yeah, pumped up the tires on
some old bikes so that the kids or anybody can go on a ride
if they want to escaoe th ecrowd for a little bit. the
highlight of th enight will be centered around the food and
a CHAMPAIGNE TOAST. So we have lots of Champaigne. I may
also place the ring on my fiancee's finger in front of
everybody but maybe not she might get to embarrrased. Well
hope some of these ideas help.
Anna -- Sunday, May 29 2005, 07:29 pm I just got engaged a week ago and am planning a double
engagement party with my soon to be sister in law. It is
going to be a very casual summer Luau by the pool and on the
lake. Any ideas how to word the invitations for a Double
Engagement Party???
JDylan (Jace Cook) -- Wednesday, June 1 2005, 02:54 am Our engagemnt party was a hit!! Other things we included in
our party that I don't think I mentioned in my recent
submition :
We bought some very cool and festive lights and hung them
up outside. We had it catered and hired a few people to
help serve so my parents could enjoy the party. We had a
Piniata sp? for the children. We set up music speakers
outside...a big bonus for getting people to enjoy themselves
outside and to participate in some of the fun yard games we
had. We bought fireworks!!!! (legal of course but still
fun) unfortunatly in all the excitement we forgot to set
them off! The biggest and best part was the champaigne
toast which took a lot of planning since it was to involve
all 40+ plus people at the party. That meant 40+ champaigne
glasses!! And someone who could talk in front of a crowd
without going into vapor lock! it was well worth it. My
uncle Charlie (the best story teller and toughest son of a
bitch I've ever known) started off the toast-to my grand
parents because it was also there 69th wedding anniversary!!
He did it by telling a short but moving and funny story
about when and how they met, and how if it wasn't for there
union none of us would have been there. Then he told of how
I met Jane--and how I knew she was a keeper and that that's
what everybody is trying to find these days. etc. etc. you
get the idea...but it was so magical! And then I announced
a toast in recognition of Jane's brother for graduating
college the week prior, and then for my best man, who was
there with his new fiancee, and there recent engagement and
so then we all finally lifted our champaigne glasses and
toasted at once. Anyway the idea was to include guest into
our celebration and it was a very passionate moment for
everyone there. This was simple and beautiful ( a great
combination). At the end of the party it was just us and
some of our close friends--we shared stories, played some
personalized JENGA which is a lot of fun, and got a little
silly.
Hope this gives somebody out there an idea or two.
Jace
Daniela -- Friday, June 17 2005, 07:19 am Monica... I have to agree with Fran. You need to put your
foot down now. Before you confront her though you need to
speak to you fiance and get him to understand how you feel.
Its important that you are in agreement when it comes to
these issues. Also point out that neither one of them is
respecting your wishes or opinion and while you appreciate
the gesture - you would rather plan your own engagement
party.
Whatever you do... don't invite your friends and family to
it!
Daniela -- Friday, June 17 2005, 07:47 am I was just reading through everything thats been written so
far on this page and it made me giggle. I mean, obviously we
all want to please our guests and make sure that everything
we do or plan is in good taste and proper etiquette... BUT
these things are all relative. I do not live in the USA but
I am familiar with the way things are done there. I am Greek
and where I live it is impossible to have intimate
gatherings. Families are huge and friends of the family are
even move. An average wedding guest list here is about 2000
people. Almost all guest bring cash gifts.
Slowly things are starting to change as couples try to
shorten guest lists (the guests are usually friends of the
parents - not of the couple) but it will take at least
another decade before we see a wedding guest list of 200 or
even 300 people.
What I am trying to say is - don't get caught up in how
things "should be done". Try to please the people who are
close to you and important to you and don't worry so much
about the rest. Remember this is about you and your fiance
so don't let anyone spoil it for you by making you stressed
out with dos and donts.
Once again... good luck to all!
sandi -- Sunday, June 26 2005, 09:51 am I am hosting an engagement party for very a close family
friend. The idea is to have fun!! I do not want to have
guests feel l ike oh no another present- I would love to
find the right wording to have people contribute to a fun
getawayfor the couple. What do you think? Times are so
different that old time ettiquette just doesn't seem to work
yet I don't want it to appear pushy or tacky! Also want to
distinquish this joyous celebratiuon froma shower!! You
input please!!!!
-- Tuesday, July 5 2005, 10:46 pm xhdhdj
Jolene -- Friday, July 8 2005, 01:50 pm This may seem wired but my fututre-husband-to-be is
currently in-carserated and will soon be getting out (no big
deal- just in for for months)My question is can I have a
engagement party and welcome home party at the same time? I
really like some of the themes that people has put up on
here so i was thinking of maybe doing a party at the bar we
goto and haveing like a "Bar Theme"? Also, is it okay just
to call people to invite them? And also, is it ok for my
mom to bring her husband if he doesnt get along good with my
real dad?
Thanks!!!@!
Carmen -- Friday, July 8 2005, 02:20 pm This is four Jolene. I think you can definitly have a
welcome home and engagement party at the same time.
Havening a bar theme is good too - especally if you are
having it at a bar. Probly you can just call people to
invite them, but that seems kinda lazy. Maybe you can leave
a 40 on everyones portch with a note to tell them where to
be and when. That way they can pre-party! I would
definitly NOT tell your mom to invite her husband if your
real pops will be there. It would not be very classy if
they got in a bar fight at your party.
Carmen -- Friday, July 8 2005, 02:23 pm This is four Jolene. I think you can definitly have a
welcome home and engagement party at the same time.
Havening a bar theme is good too - especally if you are
having it at a bar. Probly you can just call people to
invite them, but that seems kinda lazy. Maybe you can leave
a 40 on everyones portch with a note to tell them where to
be and when. That way they can pre-party! I would
definitly NOT tell your mom to invite her husband if your
real pops will be there. It would not be very classy if
they got in a bar fight at your party.
Carmen -- Friday, July 8 2005, 02:30 pm This is four Jolene. I think you can definitly have a
welcome home and engagement party at the same time.
Havening a bar theme is good too - especally if you are
having it at a bar. Probly you can just call people to
invite them, but that seems kinda lazy. Maybe you can leave
a 40 on everyones portch with a note to tell them where to
be and when. That way they can pre-party! I would
definitly NOT tell your mom to invite her husband if your
real pops will be there. It would not be very classy if
they got in a bar fight at your party.
Jolene -- Friday, July 8 2005, 03:24 pm This may seem wired but my fututre-husband-to-be is
currently in-carserated and will soon be getting out (no big
deal- just in for for months)My question is can I have a
engagement party and welcome home party at the same time? I
really like some of the themes that people has put up on
here so i was thinking of maybe doing a party at the bar we
goto and haveing like a "Bar Theme"? Also, is it okay just
to call people to invite them? And also, is it ok for my
mom to bring her husband if he doesnt get along good with my
real dad?
Thanks!!!@!
Jolene -- Friday, July 8 2005, 03:43 pm This may seem wired but my fututre-husband-to-be is
currently in-carserated and will soon be getting out (no big
deal- just in for for months)My question is can I have a
engagement party and welcome home party at the same time? I
really like some of the themes that people has put up on
here so i was thinking of maybe doing a party at the bar we
goto and haveing like a "Bar Theme"? Also, is it okay just
to call people to invite them? And also, is it ok for my
mom to bring her husband if he doesnt get along good with my
real dad?
Thanks!!!@!
Lou - lcb@gamewood.net -- Sunday, July 17 2005, 02:32 pm Does anyone have ideas on a Mexican theme? My son gave
his girlfriend a diamond in Cancun, we have a limited
budget and small area to work with. Maybe a outside.....
Thanks
Misty Ann -- Tuesday, July 19 2005, 02:55 pm My name is: Misty and I just woundering if you ldon't mind
about Engagement Party List for me and
My fiance'e "KeKoa MaClean" ?
Belle -- Sunday, July 24 2005, 08:09 am Hi, I am British and I have been looking for ideas for my
Engagement Party everywhere. I am so glad I found this site
as you girls have some wonderful ideas.
Here are a few of my idea's. I have purchased little organza
bags and put gold heart shaped chocolates inside them ,with
a few gold sparkly sprinkles I tried a few colours and
decided that light colours look the best ie.white,cream,pink
etc.I have attached little white tags that have our wedding
date on them. They look lovely. Being British we are having
a garden party with tea,wine, and a selection of canapes and
cakes before 5pm (both sets of parents are paying for
this,we couldnt stop them lol). All my candles,napkins will
be matching in colour and I am going to put English country
garden flower in beautiful painted jugs.In the evening we
are having an oriental buffet in the garden (that Scott and
I are paying for) with music and fun stuff for the younger
crowd.So we hope all generations will have a fun time ,as it
is about family, love and having fun.
My mom says it is often the details that are crucial to
setting the scence. Dont let anyone tell you to keep it
simple, if that is not your wish. Our families are with us
100% So we are going a little ott.
Good luck girls and I hope you all have wonderful weddings
xxxxx
P.s I love you mom, thank you for you support.
Amanda -- Saturday, August 6 2005, 02:27 am We are having our engagement party next weekend. We invited
parents, siblings, grandparents, godparents, and all of our
attendents. The engagement party is being help at a local
park with a swimming lake. We decided to go with a tiki
theme, so i spent $35 on decorations- go to the dollar
stores (the ones where everything actually costs $1). I got
adorable plastic table cloths for $1 each! For center
pieces, I got large clear votive candle holders from target
(50 cents each!). I'm going to fill them with sand and put
drink umbrellas in them to continue the beach feeling.
We're going to have a table dedicated to us, with pictures
from the last two years and a drawing we had done at a theme
park. We're also going to have two poster boards for the
guests to write down marriage advice on- one for the ladies,
one for the men. We are also planning on posting these at
the wedding reception. Food will be BBQ style. We're
providing most of the food and drinks, but some family
offered to help out, which is a relief. Hope some of
these ideas help!
Annie -- Wednesday, August 10 2005, 05:19 pm We are having an engagement party next weekend,although
everyone thinks that they are coming to my 30th Birthday
party .I am very nervous but sure it will be fun.
We have planned the party around a Morrocan theme so
satin cushions on the floor ,glass lanterns and we have even
hired a bellydancer.Cant wait to see my dads face .
Lizzie , London England-- Friday 12th August -- Friday, August 12 2005, 09:03 am I am getting married in Florida in December, and are having
approx 25 guests join us from the UK.
My fiancee and i are having trouble deciding what to do
about throwing a party for all the guests who couldn't make
it out to Florida when we get back.
We want it to be a casual party and don't want to spend huge
amounts of money seeing as by the time we get back we will
be right on top of Xmas.
We were thinking of doing a drinks only type event, but is
it rude not to provide buffet/ snacks?
Any ideas on a theme or venue would be most welcome!!
Shez, Baltimore MD -- Wednesday, August 17 2005, 02:05 pm My boyfriend just proposed to me at Shenandoah Valley in
Virginia after we trespassed into a beautiful lake after
hours! =) The only problem is we are both different
religions and from different cultures! I am from Pakistan
and my parents want a Muslim wedding, while he is
half-Caucasian half-Cuban and is of Methodist faith. I'm so
nervous because I think I'll have to end up planning two
different weddings!!! Plus I'm not sure who should pay for
what because I feel it might be too much for my family if
they have to pay for both events! My Pakistani style wedding
might actually be back home in Pakistan! Any ideas, advice
would be appreciated!!! :)
KT, Scottsdale -- Friday, August 19 2005, 06:01 am Shez, Try and combine the two religions into one ceremony.
A large city like Baltimore is sure to have many wedding
officiants to choose from, and many specialize in cross
denominational ceremonies. Both your parents should
understand that your marriage is going to be a fusion of
your lives, backgrounds, families and, of course, religions,
therefore, so should your wedding.
Robyn -- Tuesday, August 30 2005, 11:15 pm I just got engaged about a month ago and we are now planning
the engagement party. We went through the list and it seemed
to keep growing to over 50 people because we didn't want
anyone to feel hurt by not being invited. So we decided to
plan a very small immediate family dinner. With only his
immediate family and my immediate family. I am excited
because I feel that though it is small, only about 14 of us
total, it is more personal. When there is a huge event the
two families don't even get to really converse. This way we
can spend a nice evening together and begin discussing the
wedding. So, I don't think that brides out there have to
worry or stress about the perfect engagement party. Remember
that there is still showers, the rehearsal dinner, and the
wedding. The point of the engagement party is for your
families to meet- so it is okay to just keep it to only your
immediate family. It will be more personal and you don't
have to worry about hurt feelings. But, it is an only once
in a lifetime event- so if you want a huge event by all
means go for it! Just remember it is all about you and the
groom and what would make you happiest! Good luck ladies,
and don't stress- the key thing is that you and your soon to
be hubby have a wonderful time (because it is about your
union and not making everyone else happy)!
And I would love any ideas on having a small intimate
engagement party. Either decorations or games or things we
could do. Anything would be helpful. Thanks :)
Casey- Lakeland, FL -- Wednesday, September 7 2005, 02:43 pm Hi every one! My best friend is getting married on April
15th of next year. I am so excited for her and I've been
asked to help put together her engagment party. She's been
through so much and this time she found a really great guy
and I want this day to be very special for them. And guess
what... I HAVE NO IDEA'S. Any help???? E-mail me at caseylbryant@hotmail.com!!! Thanks A LOT!
JW -- Wednesday, September 7 2005, 03:55 pm Please tell me if you are invited to an engagement party
should you expect to be invited to the wedding?
Suggestion -- Wednesday, September 7 2005, 06:06 pm Shez,
Just like you I am going to get married back home, so we
have decided to just have reception in the US instead of
another wedding ceremony. So instead of spending on two
weddings you can have one wedding and a nice lavish
reception. As it is receptions are fairly expensive atleast
$60-70 per head in nice waterfront hotel. Hope this helps.
Celeste from Adelaide Australia -- Sunday, September 11 2005, 08:08 am In response to JW - no, just because you invite someone to
the engagement party doesn't mean they expect to be invited
to the wedding! Jarrod and I are having our engagement party
next month and plan on hosting about 100-150 people, mostly
friends and close family. Our thoughts are to then have
family and close friends only at the wedding (approx 1/2 the
no. of people at the cocktail party) Goodluck with your
plans!
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