Have you just heard the happy news that your best friend is engaged? The engagement party is the first event on the social calendar before the wedding. Wedding celebrations, including engagement parties, can differ greatly across couples. Whether it’s a black-tie affair or a casual get-together, it can be difficult to know if you’re expected to bring a present to the celebration. The fact that it might be anything from a casual drink at a pub to a formal cocktail affair with servers in white gloves further adds to the chaos.
This blog aims in providing you with insights and ideas to help you navigate this thoughtful tradition. We’ll explore the significance of engagement gifts, consider the key factors in choosing the right present, and offer a range of traditional and modern gift suggestions. Whether you’re looking for something personalised, practical, or unique, this guide will ensure you find a gift that resonates with the couple’s personality and preferences.
Summary
When attending an engagement party, it’s thoughtful to consider bringing a gift, though it’s not strictly required. The type of gift can vary based on the formality of the event and your relationship with the couple. Options include personalised items like engraved stemware, practical gifts like a wedding planner, or experiences like cooking classes. When choosing a gift, consider the couple’s tastes, your budget, and the practicality of the item. Even simple gestures, like a heartfelt note or a small token, can be meaningful and appreciated.
Should You Bring a Gift to the Engagement Party?
Guests are expected to provide gifts at weddings according to custom. There are a number of factors to consider, including the event’s level of formality, the host’s status, the location, the time of day, the presence or absence of any other events, and the couple’s personal tastes. You’d have to try really hard not to. Let’s take a look at some examples to help you determine if you should buy a present or whether something more personal (and possibly free) would be more fitting.
If you’ve recently received an invitation to an engagement party, you may have some questions. The first question is whether or not a present is expected. Do you anticipate a bridal shower and wedding gifts if this is the case? If you want to bring a present, what should it be?
To put it briefly, the decision is entirely yours to make. Don’t show up empty-handed; bring something, no matter how small. Unfortunately, that’s not required.
Engagement Gift Ideas
1. Framed Artwork or Photos
Framed artwork, whether or not it contains a portrait of the happy couple, makes a wonderful engagement gift. It is personal, meaningful, and something they can treasure forever.
2. Wedding and Engagement Photo Albums
Consider giving a photographic album for wedding and engagement pictures. This will help the couple store and cherish their memories from these special events.
3. Personalised Stemware
Engraved wine glasses personalised for the happy couple can be a unique and useful gift. These can be used during their engagement parties and other celebrations.
4. Customised Mugs
Coffee or tea mugs with a lovely message fitting for the couple can be a daily reminder of their love and your best wishes.
5. Decorative Coasters
A set of coasters that complements their furniture or showcases their hobbies and passions is a thoughtful and practical gift.
6. For Flowers
A vase for the inevitable bouquet of anniversary roses is a gift that can be used immediately and for years to come.
7. Books and Literature
The written word, be it a collection of love poetry, a novel, a wedding guide, or an engagement ebook, can provide inspiration and joy to the couple.
8. Cooking Classes
An engaged couple could enjoy a cooking class together. They can strengthen their relationship by taking a cooking class together, and they’ll walk away from the experience with some great new ideas for meal preparation and hosting.
9. Club Membership
A membership to a wine club is a thoughtful and useful gift for the wine-loving couple in their early months of marriage. It provides them with a regular treat to enjoy together.
10. Spa Gift Certificate
Men are just as entitled as women to a day at the spa. A newly engaged couple might need a day of rest and relaxation to take their minds off the many details that must be attended to before their big day.
11. Dinner for Two Gift Certificate
Find a secluded, candlelit restaurant serving exquisite meals by inquiring about the couple’s go-to spot or perusing local restaurant reviews. A gift certificate for a dinner for two ensures they have a romantic evening to remember.
12. Wedding Planner or Organiser
A bride-to-be would greatly benefit from a book that helps her stay organised as she prepares for her wedding. Get a wedding planner or calendar or build your own dividers to keep track of everything.
13. Bridal Magazine Subscription
A subscription to a bridal magazine can be a great gift if their engagement will last a year or longer. The bride will enjoy reading about the experiences of other brides-to-be and get useful tips for planning her own wedding.
14. Something Old, Something Blue
Ideas for engagement presents can be found in the traditional wedding saying, “Something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue.” These can include family heirlooms or items that hold sentimental value.
15. Handwritten Messages
A beautiful card with a heartfelt handwritten note of congratulations could mean the world to a deserving couple. It gives them something tangible to keep and cherish forever.
16. Personalised Gifts
Consider a custom-labeled bottle of wine, a set of his and hers coffee mugs, or a holiday ornament engraved with the couple’s engagement (or wedding) date. Personalised gifts are always special and appreciated.
What Factors Should You Consider When Choosing an Engagement Gift?
Choosing the perfect engagement gift involves a thoughtful consideration of various factors to ensure that your gesture is both meaningful and appreciated. Here are some key aspects to keep in mind:
Relationship with the Couple
The nature of your relationship with the couple is a primary factor in deciding on an appropriate engagement gift. If you are a close family member or a best friend, you might opt for something more personal or substantial. These relationships often call for gifts that carry significant sentimental value or contribute meaningfully to the couple’s new life together, such as family heirlooms, bespoke items, or even financial contributions towards their wedding or home.
Couple’s Personalities, Tastes, and Preferences
Understanding the couple’s personalities, tastes, and preferences is crucial in selecting a gift that resonates with them. Think about what they enjoy doing together, their hobbies, and their lifestyle. Are they adventure seekers, homebodies, or culture enthusiasts? Tailoring your gift to their interests shows that you put thought into your choice and that you know and appreciate their unique bond.
Practicality and Usefulness of the Gift
Think about items that can help them set up their home or make their everyday life more enjoyable. Kitchen gadgets, quality linens, home decor, or even subscription services like meal kits or streaming services can be both thoughtful and practical.
When considering practicality, it’s also helpful to think about the couple’s current situation. Are they moving into a new home? Are they frequent travellers? Choosing gifts that align with their immediate needs and future plans can make your gift especially useful and valued.
Budget Considerations
Your budget is another important factor to consider. Engagement gifts don’t need to be extravagant or expensive to be meaningful. Set a budget that feels comfortable for you and stick to it. It’s the thought and effort behind the gift that count the most, not the price tag.
There are plenty of meaningful gifts at every price point. If you’re on a tight budget, consider DIY gifts or pooling resources with other friends or family members to give a more substantial present. Sometimes, a heartfelt handwritten letter or a small but thoughtful gesture can be just as impactful as a more expensive gift.
Conclusion
The engagement party kicks off the social season leading up to the wedding. It’s not always obvious whether or not you’re asked to bring a gift to a party. Don’t just show up; bring a gift, no matter how tiny. You’d have to make an effort to avoid doing so. The regulations for engagement party gifts are not set in stone. Do not feel like you have to make a major purchase in honour of this holiday.Engagement gifts are not mandatory, but a thoughtful token, whether big or small, can show your appreciation and joy for the couple. Personalised and meaningful gifts are always well-received and can help create lasting memories for the engaged couple.
FAQs About Engagement Gift
Do You Bring A Gift To An Engagement Party?
Attendees don’t need to bring engagement gifts to a celebration or send something sweet to the happy couple when they announce their news of engagement; nonetheless, it is a lovely gesture for people to do so.
Gifts can be sent to the happy couple when they announce their news. It’s possible that they have not yet created their wedding registry, and if that’s the case, sending them money as a wedding gift feels a little odd.
How Much Should You Spend On An Engagement Gift?
A fine bottle of wine or champagne, possibly with two glasses or flutes for toasting, is a typical gift choice and can serve as a reference for providing cash as an engagement present. It would be best if you aimed for the engagement party gift to be between a quarter and a third of the wedding gift cost. It’s best if this is the largest present possible.
If you have a total of $200 to spend, split it as follows: $100 for the wedding, $50 for the engagement, and $50 for the hen’s night. Your friend may or may not be having an engagement party or hens, so you may choose to include the money in their wedding gift.
What Is The Best Engagement Gift?
Champagne is a traditional and memorable engagement gift, but it’s gone forever once the bottle is opened. However, the party never stops when you light this champagne-scented candle from Homesick. Reviewers have commented that the candle “smells fantastic” and isn’t too overbearing, despite having notes of citrus, pineapple, apple, and champagne grapes.
What Are The Best Gift Ideas For Couples On A Budget?
The ideal present for strengthening a couple’s connection is a personalised dessert box together with some unusual wine. Prepare a nighttime snack basket for them that includes their favourite chocolate bars, glazed doughnuts, sandwiches, cupcakes, cheese, and more.
Is It Ok To Give Money As An Engagement Gift?
There is a catch, but in general, it is a perfectly fine present. Donate exclusively by check and be specific about how you want to utilise the funds, even if they are not earmarked for a specific purpose. That makes it easier for the pair to accept.
