Should I bring a gift to an engagement party?
In the past, engagement gifts were not obligatory or expected, but it has now become the custom in many parts of the country to bring a gift to an engagement party. Close friends and family usually do give the couple an engagement gift, either when the engagement is announced or at the engagement party itself. An engagement gift is really a goodhearted gesture of affection, and it need not be expensive or elaborate. Something simple such as a cookbook, picture frame, or a good bottle of wine - intended to help the couple establish a collection - makes a great engagement gift.
Couples who are conscious of taxing their friends' budgets may ask the host to pass the word to guests not to bring presents. As a guest, if you really aren't sure what to do, call the host and ask. Ultimately, your decision whether to give an engagement gift depends on your relationship to the couple, your budget, and local custom.
Have you just heard the happy news that your best friend is engaged? Let the rejoicing begin! The engagement party is the first event on the social calendar before the wedding. Wedding celebrations, including engagement parties, can differ greatly across couples. Whether it's a black-tie affair or a casual get-together, it can be difficult to know if you're expected to bring a present to the celebration. The fact that it might be anything from a casual drink at a pub to a formal cocktail affair with servers in white gloves further adds to the chaos.
For the engaged couple and their families, the time between "Yes" and "I do" is filled with excitement and joy, but for everyone else, it's frequently fraught with questions: What is the protocol for this? Should They enquire if it's okay to wear that? Do you need my assistance, or would you like my input on this matter? Even while there are a number of predetermined steps that must be taken before the big day arrives, the etiquette surrounding certain aspects of the wedding season is less clear, and may become even less so as customs shift and couples adjust.
Guests are expected to provide gifts at weddings according to custom. There are a number of factors to consider, including the event's level of formality, the host's status, the location, the time of day, the presence or absence of any other events, and the couple's personal tastes. You'd have to try really hard not to. Let's take a look at some examples to help you determine if you should buy a present or whether something more personal (and possibly free) would be more fitting.
If you've recently received an invitation to an engagement party, you may have some questions. The first question is whether or not a present is expected. Do you anticipate a bridal shower and wedding gifts if this is the case? If you want to bring a present, what should it be?
To put it briefly, the decision is entirely yours to make. Don't show up empty-handed; bring something, no matter how small. Unfortunately, that's not required.
Table of Contents
- 1 Should I Bring A Present To A Wedding Reception?
- 2 What’s Proper
- 3 Honour The Wishes Of The Couple
- 4 Appropriate Presents
- 4.1 The Following Are Some Ideas For Engagement Party Gifts:
- 4.2 Couples’ Cooking Class
- 4.3 Membership In A Wine Club
- 4.4 Spa Gift Certificate
- 4.5 Gift Certificate For Dinner For Two
- 4.6 A Wedding Organiser Or Planner
- 4.7 A Bridal Magazine Subscription
- 4.8 Something Old, Something Blue…
- 5 FAQs About Engagement Gift
- 6 Do You Bring A Gift To An Engagement Party?
- 7 How Much Should You Spend On An Engagement Gift?
- 8 What Is The Best Engagement Gift?
- 9 What Are The Best Gift Ideas For Couples On A Budget?
- 10 Is It Ok To Give Money As An Engagement Gift?
- 11 Gift For The Host And Hostess
- 11.1 Here are some more suggestions for host and hostess gifts:
- 12 Recommendations For The Engaged Couple
- 13 Attending An Engagement Party
- 14 When You Want To Congratulate Someone In Person
- 14.1 When A Thousand Gifts Are Worth A Thousand Words
- 15 Make It Personal
- 16 Conclusion
- 17 Content Summary
Should I Bring A Present To A Wedding Reception?
To the contrary, engagement parties are solemn events that mark the beginning of the wedding planning process for the happy couple. In most cases, these events occur so far in the future that the couple has not even begun their registry.
A small token of your appreciation might be appreciated if you feel moved to bring something (though that decision rests solely with you and how close you are to the couple). They'd love a bottle of wine, a gift ticket to their favourite restaurant, or perhaps a personalised Christmas ornament commemorating their engagement.
This is a topic with two competing theories: There are two schools of thought on this issue: those who think a wedding and/or a shower should be plenty, and those who think buying gifts for any occasion is always a good time. These two points of view are both valid. As of right now, there are no hard and fast rules about what to give as engagement party gifts. You shouldn't feel pressured to buy a huge purchase just for this occasion.
Honour The Wishes Of The Couple
When they announce their engagement, many couples ask that guests not bring presents. Nobody cares about material things more than they care about having you there. Don't bring a gift if they ask you not to. The hosts and other visitors could be embarrassed if you act inappropriately. Bring a present for the host or hostess if you really must bring something. It is always appropriate to provide a special treat for the hosts to enjoy at their leisure.
Even if you can't afford to buy someone a present, it's still considerate to do something thoughtful for them. You may compose a touching or humorous poetry about the two of them, or jot down a few lines about your friendship with the happy couple. In addition, you can give them a coupon book with thoughtful offers like house sitting while they're away on their honeymoon, a romantic meal cooked and delivered upon their return, or even babysitting if they have young children.
Appropriate Presents
Gifts are optional if not specified on the invitation. Avoid going into debt by spending too much on the engagement present; you'll also need to buy presents for the wedding and potentially a shower.
A couple that has recently become engaged probably hasn't had time to go gift registering yet. On the other hand, if they have, you may want to choose something from the sale section. At the very least, you'll get confirmation that it's a desirable item.
The Following Are Some Ideas For Engagement Party Gifts:
- Framed artwork, whether or not it contains a portrait of the happy couple
- Instances of a Photographic Album for Wedding and Engagement Pictures
- Stemware - engraved wine glasses personalised for the happy couple
- Mugs of coffee or tea, with a lovely message that is fitting for the couple.
- A set of coasters that complements their furniture or showcases their hobbies and passions
- vase for the inevitable bouquet of anniversary roses
- The written word, be it a collection of love poetry, a novel, a wedding guide, or an engagement ebook
Couples’ Cooking Class
An engaged couple (or newlyweds) could enjoy this. They can strengthen their relationship by taking a cooking class together, and they'll walk away from the experience with some great new ideas for meal preparation and hostessing. In most cases, you'll learn how to prepare a whole dinner from scratch and even get to eat what you've prepared.
Discover a local restaurant or resort that provides culinary classes if you think this might be a fun activity for the engaged pair. You may also try your luck at a cooking or kitchen supply store in your area; many of them, including national brands like Williams Sonoma and Sur La Table, offer classes.
Due to the high cost of culinary lessons, you might want to consider splitting the cost with your bridesmaids, groomsmen, siblings, or coworkers.
Membership In A Wine Club
A membership to a wine club is a thoughtful and useful gift for the wine-loving couple in their early months of marriage (especially when combined with a gift of cookery lessons).
Most wine clubs have monthly membership fees, so pick one that works for you. Wine.com gives you the option to sign up for 3, 6, or 12 months of wine delivery at varying costs.
Spa Gift Certificate
Men are just as entitled as women to a day at the spa. A newly engaged couple might need a day of rest and relaxation to take their minds off the many details that must be attended to before their big day.
It is common for couples to be given their own private suite after a massage, equipped with a fireplace, steam shower, and comfortable seating.
As a couple's massage might cost anywhere from $200 and above, it may be more cost-effective to pool resources with others and give the present as a group.
Gift Certificate For Dinner For Two
Find a secluded, candlelit restaurant serving exquisite meals by inquiring about the couple's go-to spot or perusing local restaurant reviews. Make sure the certificate's value covers at least an appetiser, a main course, a dessert, and a bottle of wine for the happy couple.
If you want to impress your date at dinner, hire a pianist to play softly in the background and set the table with a bouquet of fresh flowers.
A Wedding Organiser Or Planner
A bride-to-be would greatly benefit from a book that helps her stay organised as she prepares for her wedding. Get a wedding planner or calendar or build your own dividers to keep track of everything.
A Bridal Magazine Subscription
One idea is to get the bride a subscription to a bridal magazine if their engagement will last a year or longer.
She'll enjoy reading about the experiences of other brides-to-be, and the magazine will provide her with useful information for planning a memorable ceremony.
Something Old, Something Blue…
Ideas for engagement presents can be found in the traditional wedding saying, "Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue."
These are great options for the bride and groom's parents or grandparents, and provide a wonderful chance to pass on a cherished heirloom.
A pearl necklace or pair of diamond earrings passed down through the years would make a lovely gift, as would an antique clutch that would look lovely with the bride's attire.