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Engagement parties often serve
an important function. It is a convenient way for parents to introduce their
child's fiancé to family and friends. And of course some parents find this party
an enjoyable way to get to know their child's fiancé better as well.
Showers
Traditionally, showers are given for the bride, but today it is not unusual to
find the groom at these lively functions as they are now generally more involved
in the wedding planning than in the past.
Showers are given by any friend or relative who wants to do something special
for the couple. Customarily, members of the immediate family of the bride and
groom do not host a shower, however that is changing in recent years and is now
more acceptable. Every bride is entitled to at least one shower--the laws of
etiquette are there to help, not hinder, the effort. Often, it is the honor
attendant with the help of the maids, who volunteers to host a shower. Since the
shower is always given by someone other than the bride, this is one instance
when registry information can be included with the invitation.
The Bachelor and Bachelorette Party
Today both bachelor and bachelorette parties are equally popular. These types of
parties are generally very casual and emphasize having fun, unwinding and
celebrating the wedding. The party may or may not include a dinner and takes
place in a home, a club or the private dining room of a restaurant. These
celebrations often incorporate a theme and can include attending a sporting
event, going to a comedy club or on a shopping excursion. Some enjoy activities
such as laser tag, paintball, gambling, golfing, bowling or even camping.
Getting there can be half the fun when you hire a limousine, bus or other
transportation service to take partygoers from one destination to another. This
also alleviates the responsibility of designated drivers, allowing everyone the
opportunity to celebrate.
If alcoholic beverages are served, the party should be a minimum of several days
before the wedding, if not a few weeks prior. No one will want to look less than
his/her best for the day of the wedding.
The Rehearsal Dinner
The rehearsal dinner, held immediately after the rehearsal, can be as simple or
elaborate as the host wishes. However, it should never upstage the wedding
itself. It is best to go to a restaurant or club. This eliminates anyone in the
immediate family having to deal with entertaining and clean-up the night before
the wedding.
Traditionally, the groom's parents are responsible for the cost of the rehearsal
dinner. If they are from out of town, they may ask the mother of the bride to
help with reservations. But it is perfectly acceptable to have a godparent,
friend or member of the bride's family do the honor of hosting this function.
The guest list will include the attendants, the bride and groom's immediate
family, the ceremony official (and spouse, if any), plus any out-of-town guests,
family or friends the couple or the host wishes to invite. If it has not already
been done, the attendants' gifts may be distributed at this occasion. All will
fare better if they make it an early evening. The best party--the wedding --is
yet to happen!
Gift Opening Party
Nowadays many couples plan gift opening parties. This small gathering usually
only includes the bride and groom's families and members of the bridal party.
More often than not, gifts are opened the day after the wedding or soon after
the newlyweds return from their honeymoon.
When held the day after the wedding, the gift-opening party is often planned
around a meal. Snacks and refreshments left over from the reception may also be
served.
But the purpose of the party, of course, is to open the wedding gifts. A few
moments of planning will save headaches later, therefore a careful record of who
sent what is a necessity. A guest book with a gift record section, available
from stationers, book stores and bridal shops, is recommended.
About the Author:
Rebecca Sherman is an editor at ModernWeddingPlanner.com
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