Showers & Parties Etiquette
- Question:
- Do we have to have an engagement party? Our parents are insisting!
- Answer:
You aren't required to have an engagement party, but it isn't a bad idea. Often it's the perfect opportunity to introduce parents and attendants to each other before the wedding. And don't think you're doomed to a stuffy cocktail party. Anything goes when it comes to engagement parties—from backyard barbecues to clam bakes, so make it as laid-back as you want.
- This content originally appeared in Modern Bride magazine.
- Can I invite the same friends to more than one shower?
- Should my sisters plan my shower?
- Can the groom's dad attend the bachelor party?
- Should we invite out-of-town family to the shower?
- Can I invite male friends to my bridal shower?
- Can I ask the best man to organize a bachelor party for my fiancé?
- Do I have to open gifts at the shower?
- Can I ask my best friend to change the plans for my bachelorette party?
- Should all of the bridesmaids attend the bachelorette party?
- When should I host my bridesmaids' lunch?
- Should we have an engagement party?
- How formal is rehearsal dinner dress?
- Can a mother-in-law host a shower?
- Are rehearsal dinners mandatory?
Submit Your Own Etiquette Question
Have an etiquette question you'd like our editors to answer?
- Who pays for the shower?
- Do guests expect a morning-after brunch?
- Can I ask shower guests to write their names and addresses down to help me write the thank-you notes?
- Must grandparents be invited to the rehearsal dinner?
- Can I invite friends to a shower but not the wedding?
- Should my fiancé treat his groomsmen to a pre-wedding baseball game and dinner?
- How do I tell my fiancé that I'm unhappy with his bachelor party plans?
- Can I plan my own bachelorette party?
- Must my shower include the groom's sisters and mother?
- What's a bridal luncheon?
- Can I host my own shower?
- How can I convince my bridesmaids to pay for a bachelorette weekend?
- Must all female guests get shower invites?
- Is a bridesmaids' luncheon a must?
- Who pays for the bachelorette party?
- Do we have to invite my sister's boyfriend to the rehearsal dinner?
- Should I invite my bridesmaids to all of my showers?
