Getting engaged is a very exciting time for many different reasons. You are officially engaged and immediately start thinking about planning the exciting events that go with getting married. There are a few different events that happen prior to the big day. Engagement parties and bridal showers are a great opportunity to celebrate the happy couple with the people they are closest with. In this article, we discuss tips to help you distinguish the differences between an engagement party vs a bridal shower.
Engagement Party vs Bridal Shower
What is an engagement party?
An engagement party is the first celebration that takes place directly after or soon after the engagement. This pre-wedding party is mainly for close friends and family. Engagement parties honor and congratulate the newly engaged couple on their upcoming journey together. This is especially important for a couple that has out-of-town family or friends. While engagement parties can certainly be kept on the smaller side, you should avoid inviting anyone who you don’t plan on inviting to the wedding. Feel free to cast a smaller net with your invite list, and celebrate this special day in an intimate setting. Your engagement party doesn’t have to be elaborate or expensive. After all, the main purpose of an engagement party is to share your joy and excitement with the people who matter the most in your life.
What is a bridal shower?
A bridal shower is a party that celebrates the bride before the wedding, of course! This event traditionally includes showering the bride with thoughtful gifts. If you’re planning to host a bridal shower, the guest list will likely only have bridesmaids, close female friends, and female members of both families. Because bridal showers are typically women-focused, this gives lots of time for girl talk and sharing stories about the bride-to-be.
However, if you’re a couple who wants to host a wedding shower instead, feel free to include other couples, family members, and future wedding guests. This version of the shower gives everyone an opportunity to celebrate together instead of just on the wedding day.
Which Should You Celebrate?
If your schedule is quickly filling up and you’re worried that you have too much on your plate, it is time to take a deep breath. Although wedding planning can be stressful, it is important that you maintain your focus on yourself and your fiancé.
Are you having to choose between an engagement party and a bridal shower? If so, most couples choose to have an engagement party. This allows for close friends and family to get together and have a mini celebration before wedding planning takes over.
If you choose to forgo a wedding shower or bridal shower, make sure you complete your wedding registry ahead of your engagement party. We suggest placing the wedding registry URL directly on your engagement party invitations. Or, you can provide guests with directions to reach your official wedding website and a link to your registry. A wedding registry gives guests the chance to choose a thoughtful gift that the bride and groom will both enjoy.
Tips for Planning an Engagement Party or Bridal Shower
As you’re considering whether to host an engagement party or bridal shower, here are some fresh tips to help you organize a memorable celebration:
- Choose a meaningful venue: Whether it’s a cozy venue for an intimate engagement party or a larger space for a bridal shower, the location sets the tone for the event. Consider a place that reflects the couple’s style or a favorite spot that has personal significance.
- Personalize the experience: Adding a personal touch to the event—such as custom decor, a special video, or a heartfelt speech—can make the gathering more memorable. Think about what would make the couple feel truly celebrated.
- Engagement party favors: Giving small engagement party favors that tie into the theme or are simply thoughtful gestures is a great way to show appreciation to guests. This could include custom keepsakes or unique gifts.
- Incorporate activities and games: Consider adding fun games or activities to the mix. For instance, you could have a wedding trivia game at the engagement party or a “Guess the Future” game for guests to share their predictions about the couple. It adds an interactive layer to the celebration.
- Consider guest list dynamics: Since engagement parties are typically more relaxed and informal, feel free to extend the invite to friends and family who may not be invited to the wedding. It’s a great opportunity to let everyone involved in your journey celebrate with you.
Take Time to Enjoy the Process
It is crucial to not let planning pre-wedding events make you hate the wedding planning process. If you are helping the couple plan either a bridal shower or engagement party, stay true to the things that matter to the bride and groom. Too many people get lost in all of the details of every event. This is a no-no! While planning the events can be stressful, it is important for the newly engaged couple to enjoy the wedding celebrations. Let people shower you with gifts and celebrate you both as a couple. Take time to enjoy this process with your fiancé, this is the start of your new journey.
Additional Reading: Engagement Party Games and Activities Your Guests Will Love
Andre’s Banquet & Catering | St. Louis, MO
At Andre’s, we are a full-service catering company. We provide the meal, 4-hour open bar, china dinnerware, linen tablecloths, chair covers, the personnel, as well as an onsite coordinator. We are a one-stop-shop facility that can offer guidance in planning and organizing your day. Andre’s coordinates with several different vendors to make your planning process painless! Andre’s we take the tangle out of tying the knot!!! Contact us today for any questions or reservations.