Invited to an engagement party but not sure what to bring? We’ve gathered a few ideal gifts for the happy couple-to-be.
Somehow, it’s wedding season again. Your Facebook feed is littered with “We’re engaged!” and “She said yes!” type updates and the first few carefully monogrammed engagement party invitations have found their way into your letterbox.
Once the excitement over receiving mail that isn’t a bill subsides, you can start to turn to panic. Are you supposed to get the happy couple a gift? And if so, what?
While it’s not mandatory to turn up to an engagement party present in hand, it is a nice gesture and one that many people will get behind.
A few things to consider when buying an engagement gift:
- Are you likely to be attending the wedding as well? Remember, not all engagement party invitees will also swing an invitation to the wedding. If you think you’ll be going to both, you might want to set aside some funds for a second present (not to mention what you’ll be wearing). If you are invited to the wedding, but know you can’t make it, it’s a nice idea to go a little larger with the engagement gift.
- How many weddings are you going to this year? Sometime in your mid-twenties it starts to feel like everyone around you is getting hitched. If you have five other couples to buy gifts for this month alone, it’s okay not to splurge on each one.
- How long have you known the happy couple? This is a no brainer. Your best friend from high school will instantly get bumped further up the gift food chain than your work colleague you’ve only known for six months.
- How long till payday? No, really. If a gift will leave you struggling to make rent this month, it’s not worth all-out splurging. No one wants to leave you eating two-minute noodles for the rest of the month just so they can have designer candlesticks.
Top gift ideas to buy your newly engaged friends
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How to choose the best present for an engagement party
Choosing the perfect engagement party gift can be stressful. Keep it easy by following these simple guidelines and you can spend less time worrying about what to bring and more time actually enjoying yourself at the party.
Keep it simple and to the point: It doesn’t have to be expensive. Something simple and personalised will be just as welcomed by the happy couple as anything else. Think of an engagement gift as a entree and the wedding gift as the main meal. Don’t go overboard, or you won’t have room for the main event.
Think of a group gift: Have a great idea for something, but can’t quite afford it? Gather your mates and pool your funds together. Bonus points: they’ll be extra grateful that you took the lead on this.
Inject some creativity: There’s nothing wrong with going off the registry if you have an amazing idea for a more personal gift. If you’ve been friends with someone for years, chances are you’ve thought of something they’ll love that’s never even crossed their minds!
Engagement party gifts etiquette: Like everything else surrounding weddings, there’s a certain etiquette involved. Whether or not you follow it is up to you, but our advice is to judge it based on how traditional the couple is.
- Maintain simplicity. This is an engagement gift, not a wedding gift. You don’t have to go over the top – a nice bunch of flowers goes a long way.
- Ask for a registry. It’s not uncommon for couples to have a registry for their engagement party, as well as their wedding. Registries might feel impersonal, but at least you know you’re giving the happy couple exactly what they want!
- Maintain a positive attitude. Even if you’re the only person bringing the happy couple an engagement gift, don’t feel embarrassed! You’ll be their favourite guest by far and you’ll definitely score an invite to the wedding. Thoughtfulness never goes unappreciated.
Can you recommend engagement party venues in Brisbane? One of my close friends suggested Factory 51 because of the place’s rustic look and amazing ambiance but I’m still looking for other suggestions. Thanks!
Hi Sophia,
Thanks for your question.
Brisbane has a number of great engagement party venues. Our favourite picks include:
-Hatch & Co.
-Loft West End
-The Fox
-Bitter Suite
-Woolly Mammoth
-Stock Exchange Hotel
Hope that helps!
Stephanie