A lot of planning is going to go into throwing the perfect wedding. While you might be focused on getting the details of your celebration hammered out, you are going to have to make a few preliminary decisions early. When you and your partner get engaged, your family and friends may feel inclined to shower you with affection. One way people do this is by throwing an engagement party. You’ve probably attended a party or two like this in your life. Still, it doesn’t mean you know what’s involved with the planning.

Traditionally, the couple does not have anything to do with the planning phase of the engagement party. Still, you will have a say in whether or not the people closest to you host one for you. Examine some of the details related to throwing an engagement party and see if you have an easier time planning.

Who Does What? 

As mentioned, couples usually do not have much to do with the engagement party from a traditional standpoint. Still, traditions are broken all the time and this one is no different. Though the more popular choice is to have a parent throw the party, modern couples are taking matters into their own hands. Plenty of couples do not want to burden their families with throwing lavish parties. Because of this, they opt to throw their own. How you go about this is going to have a lot to do with how close you are to your family.

When people are planning the party for you, there is not going to be much for you to worry about. In many cases, these events are thrown as surprise parties or as a way of bringing together both sides of a family before the union becomes official. No matter how the party is planned, it is best to enjoy yourself to the fullest. This is one of those wedding-related events you don’t need to stress over. Indulge in that feeling while you have the chance.

The Guest List

Even though the event might be thrown by someone else and may be considered a surprise, you are probably going to be consulted on the guest list. Inviting people to an engagement party and not a wedding is considered a huge faux pas. To keep cordial relations with all of your friends and family members, have a good idea of who you are going to be inviting to celebrate your union. This information makes it easier for the person planning your engagement party to know who to invite.

While the invite list is far smaller for this type of party than for an actual wedding, it can create some specific commitments. If someone you don’t know too well is invited to your party, they will expect an invite to the wedding. Give the person planning the party a thoroughly checked list of people you would like to see at the event. This will avoid any awkward interactions or situations where you invite someone to your wedding out of guilt.

Food and Drink

Though you might not be planning your own party, it can still prove useful to know what to expect in regard to food and drink. For the most part, engagement events do not involve large or lavish feasts. Instead, guests will be given appetizers and maybe an entree depending on the size of the party and when it takes place. Most people will be mixing, mingling, and toasting to the happy couple, so there is not a lot of time for a full meal.

With so much involved with planning for your future wedding, it can feel nice to learn that some aspects of the process have nothing to do with you. Explore how engagement parties work and what is expected from you to ensure you are ready for whatever is in store.