The Engagement Party
This Party serves as the official announcement
of the engagement. When extending invitations to guests, it is not necessary to
state purpose of the party (i.e. the engagement), as no gifts are to be
expected, and it is often nice to make the announcement a surprise. This party can be hosted by either the bride or
groom's family. It is the host's responsibility to announce the engagement with
a toast. The form of this party can range from a formal
sit-down dinner to a more casual summer barbecue, or even a cocktail party. The
formality of this event should be established by the bride and groom as well as
the host, as this party sets the tone for the rest of the engagement.
The Bridal Shower
The first party held in the bride's honor, is
the bridal shower. This gathering is most often given by the maid of honor, but
may also be given by other members of the bridal party, close friends, or even
by some colleagues. The shower itself can take several forms and
range in its formality with everything from a casual lunch to a formal seven
course meal. Invite any female
who is on the guest list for the wedding may be invited, however to keep the
party more intimate; invite only those who are closest to the bride. If you
want to host a more contemporary event, you may also wish to include male
guests. Due to the busy
schedule of the bride, it is best to hold this event 1 - 2 months before the
wedding date.
The Bridesmaids
Luncheon
This is the bride's opportunity to thank her
attendants for their involvement and help with her wedding. This luncheon can
be scheduled for the same day as the final fittings of the bridesmaids'
dresses, making this day more of an event, as well as reducing the necessity to
schedule multiple group meetings during a hectic pre-wedding schedule.
Traditionally a pink cake with a trinket or charm baked inside is served.
According to legend, the bridesmaid who receives the trinket will be the next
to be wed.
Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner, which follows
immediately after the wedding rehearsal, is meant to be an ice breaker for all
those involved with the wedding, their spouses and dates, as well as the bride
and groom's immediate family. This dinner should be fun and lively, but should
not be intended to upstage the wedding itself. Popular options for the
rehearsal are at-home dinner parties, which can be home cooked or catered, or
the dinner may be held at a restaurant with a private room. This event is most
often hosted by the groom's parents, and the choice is ultimately left up to
their discretion. At the end of the evening the bride and the
groom part separately, not to see each other again until they arrive at the
ceremony.
The Bachelor Party
Brides are often anxious about sending their
bridegrooms off to a bachelor party because they've heard the ritual is
associated with "temptation" and have listened to horror stories
about wild drinking, gambling or partying with strippers or prostitutes. The
truth is most bachelor parties involve a men's-night-out game, tickets to a
football game or visits to bars or burlesque shows and a time for old friends
to gather, reminisce and wish the groom good luck. If you are still nervous about the bachelor party,
make a point of discussing your fears and concerns openly with your fiancé.
The Bachelorette Party
These days the bride and her friends are
passing by the quiet tea party and opting for a night on the town including
dinner, drinks and dancing. In fact, some bachelorette parties are making those
bachelor parties look tame. Try a poker party or even a weekend trip to Vegas!
The Bridesmaids
Luncheon
