Engagement Party Timing

When is too soon--or too late--to hold an engagement party? Who hosts the engagement party?

Engagement parties are most often held soon after the couple becomes engaged. They are a chance for the families to announce the happy news and for relatives and friends to meet and congratulate the couple. Traditionally, the bride's parents host the party, where they tell all assembled about the upcoming nuptials; the announcement is a surprise to the guests. But these days engagements are often not kept as a surprise, and the party can occur whenever the hosts prefer. Your future in-laws have made a kind gesture and obviously want to introduce you to their friends and share the news. Thank them, and encourage them to hold the party whenever they like.