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Not many social events can top a wedding, and particularly the
receptions is where the fun really begins. It would be unfortunate
to leave out the parties preceding the wedding such as: engagement,
bachelor, bachelorette, wedding shower, and rehearsal dinner are a
few. These pre wedding celebrations can be a wonderful time also.
Below is an explanation of each:
The Engagement Party
A wonderful way to formally announce the engagement of a couple is
with an engagement party. The parents of the bride generally host
this party a month or two after the couple announces their
engagement. There are no set rules for this party and it can be held
at home, a restaurant, or really anywhere the host prefers.
Engagement parties are intimate and casual in nature. It gives the
couple an opportunity to meet family members and close friends of
their partner. In cases where the bride and groom's families live a
long distant apart it is not uncommon for the groom's family to hold
an engagement party also. Gifts are generally not given and
invitations can be hand written or verbal. If food will be served an
RSVP might be a good idea.
The Bachelor/Bachelorette Party
The stereotypical bachelor party consisting of a wild party full of
drinking and strippers has recently given way to more coordinated
events. Many of these parties are being replaced by men attending
major sporting events or watching them on TV, or spending a weekend
together skiing, fishing, taking a short trip, or holding a poker
tournament. Bachelor Parties were traditionally held the night
before the wedding. In recent years this has changed and these
parties are being held weeks or months before the wedding.
For many years the wedding shower was the only party given for the
bride. Bachelorette parties have recently become popular. These
parties are coordinated by the bridal party and can be just as wild
as a bachelor party. They can also involve a simple day at the spa,
or a nice lunch with friends.
Another recent development is the couple's party. This is where the
bride and groom are given a Bachelor/Bachelorette Party together.
This type of party is a great idea because the bride can involve
male friends while the groom involves female friends. Where a
traditional party would exclude members of the opposite sex the
couple's party makes it easy for everyone to come and not feel
uncomfortable.
The Wedding Shower
Wedding showers are social events designed to shower the bride and
groom with gifts comprised of things that will be needed in the new
home together. It is also a way to add to a bride's trousseau. Many
showers are themed today, and can be anything from a recipe shower
to a camping shower. Many companies selling Kitchen ware's also
provide specific parties for Bridal Showers. Wedding showers should
be held a few weeks prior to the wedding and only people invited to
the wedding should be invited to the shower. Some couple's are lucky
enough to have multiple wedding showers.
Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner is an informal dinner held after the wedding
rehearsal. The wedding party is generally the only people invited to
this dinner. It is held early in the evening to allow for adequate
rest and is generally held at the home of the bride or groom, at a
parent's home or a restaurant.
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