To Engagement Party or Not to Engagement Party...That Is the Question

I know, I know, it’s a cheesy cliché.  I just couldn’t resist.  I am a fan of cheesy clichés.  And puns.  But, that’s for another post.

Anyway, whether or not to have an engagement party depends on several things.  From an etiquette perspective, an engagement party is optional.  There are a few reasons to have one and a few reasons not to.

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First, the reasons to have one.

1. Making a surprise engagement announcement at a party can be really cool.  If your families and friends have been waiting for the announcement, springing it on everyone at a party could be a great idea.
2. Celebrating your good news with your family and friends can also be really cool.  This depends on your family dynamics, of course, and the geographical limitations.
3. Bringing both families together to begin the bonding process is sometimes accomplished by an engagement party.

Second, the reasons not to have one.

1. If your family is highly dysfunctional, any party can be a disaster.  You know your family best.
2. If your families are scattered throughout the country, they may not travel for the party anyway.
3. If the two families are so different there’s no chance of them bonding, a party could be a big mistake.  Use your best judgment.

In short, whether you have an engagement party or not is completely up to you.  Not having one does not lessen your good news.  Having one doesn’t make your news any bigger.  If an engagement party will enhance the wedding planning process, go for it.  If, on the other hand, a party might spark World War 3 with your collective families, you may want to skip it.