Engagement party etiquette

INmommy871278

I have never been to an engagement party, but my friend is having one next week and I'm not sure what to wear. Is there a dress code for these things? It's going to be a bonfire at her parents house so is jeans and a nice top ok or are you supposed to dress up? Also, do you bring a gift or no? Also, what is the appropriate amount of time to stay; it's an hour and a half drive one way and starts at 7pm so I don't want to be there too late but I also don't want to head out too soon?

littlemissmarla

If it's a bonfire, I feel like jeans/nice top would be appropriate but could you just check with your friend or someone else you know who's going to make sure that's good. I wouldn't want to show up in jeans when every one else is all dressed up (but I doubt that is the case). As for gift, I usually bring a nice frame from the Hallmark store or some cutesy wedding thing. If your a close friend you could get her a subscription to a wedding magazine or a wedding planner binder. There's ton's of cute wedding planning stuff. 

glitterclaws

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bewilderingstar

Jeans and a nice top definitely. A cute jacket with some nice non - heeled boots would be nice too.

I appreciated an engagement card. Gifts were a plus!

Nichole8787

I would wear jeans, boots and a pretty sweater. For a gift give a bottle of champagne and some chocolate. 

Prncesta

I agree that jeans and a nice top will be fine with some cute boots or flats. If it's a bonfire, I doubt it's an affair where you have to dress up. You can stay as long as you want. It seems pretty casual so I'm sure a few hours would be fine. For a gift, where I'm from we give money. When I had my engagement party, I didn't receive any actual gifts, just cards. I do know that in other areas though that people do gifts instead of cash. I would think something sentimental would be nice. Maybe a pair of champagne flutes or wine glasses monogrammed.

Have fun!

jensavicci

Jeans and a top are good. If you want to be a little cuter, you could still wear jeans, a cuter top and perhaps cute and casual shoes. Or you could just style yourself up with accessories. There's always that person who still wants to be cute even if it's a bonfire type of affair lol.

A nice card wishing them well is perfectly acceptable.

Stay as late as you can honestly. If it's a surprise and she's getting engaged at the party, stay until after the proposal, if they're already engaged and the party is a surprise, stay until the surprise is over. If it's not a surprise, just stay as long as you can. They can't force you to stay. The good thing is that you came and celebrated with them and I'm sure that'll be all that matters.

INmommy871278

Thank you everyone for the advice. It's not a surprise at all and legit invites were not sent just a fb invite which seemed a bit tacky to me but what do I know lol.

Salsera29

I agree with jeans and a cute top. I also agree that a small gift would be nice but isn't "required."

kellbell440

I bought my friend a book called the anti bride wedding planner (she was totally never going to get married, so she thought), and some wedding magazines. For the groom, I bought one of those funny how to be a groom books.

dobbyisfree

DHs aunt threw us a small one (parents, siblings, grandparents) and I remember calling my mom, shocked. 'Someone bought us a gift?!? I wasnt expecting that, but there are things off the registry!'


They were from my mom. *facepalm*