What is the proper engagement party gift etiquette? Should you bring a gift to an engagement party? If so, what kind of present is proper etiquette? We’ll answer all of that and more! Be sure to join our list for the latest to your inbox, FREE!
If you’ve been invited to an engagement party, you may be wondering whether or not you’re supposed to bring a gift. Does it matter? What should you bring? Ah, so many questions.
This was inspired by a question from Laura, who wrote us in our Ask Emmaline inbox last week. She writes,
“Dear Emmaline, I’m invited to my friend’s engagement party and I’m wondering if I need to bring a gift to it. What is the proper engagement party gift etiquette? I’ve never been to one before.”
Great question, Laura! Don’t fret: many people have the very same question as you.
Are engagement gifts required?
As a rule of thumb, you do not have to bring a gift to an engagement party, as it is not required. Your presence at the party is enough! :)
As with most parties, though, it is fun to bring a little something to celebrate the couple, and if you wish to do so, it is a nice gesture sure to be appreciated by the couple.
With that being said, there are a few guidelines when it comes to engagement party gifting etiquette and it’s pretty straightforward. Let’s begin!
What kind of gift should you bring to an engagement party?
If you wish to bring an engagement present, it needn’t be extravagant. It should be a small token of your excitement for the soon-to-be weds and can be as simple as an engagement party gift card (like this) expressing your joy to a bottle of their favorite wine. There is no set price you need to spend on a gift, as it’s optional. Most engagement gift ideas tend to range in the $20 to $50 range on average.
Engagement Party Gift Ideas
If you need some engagement party gift ideas, here are some of our favorites. These even make great last-minute engagement party gifts (quick delivery!)
Ring Dish
Engagement Candle
Bottle of Their Favorite Wine
Place it in a fun wine bags:
Rocks Glasses
Celebrate the change of status!
Set of Fun Glassware
Wedding Countdown
Wine Cork Holder with their Monogram
Wedding Planning Book / Organizer
You can also consider:
• Engagement Gifts for the Home
Should you buy an engagement gift from the registry?
And last but not least, here’s a question you may be wondering: do you have to buy an engagement gift for the party from the registry?
Nope! There’s a big difference between engagement gifts vs wedding gifts. Engagement gifts are small, simpler presents to celebrate the occasion and typically do not come from a registry.
After all, most couples don’t have one set up yet; if they do, you needn’t purchase a gift from the registry for the engagement party. Wedding gifts are typically ordered from the registry.
If you happen to find a gift you think they’ll love from the registry, you can of course go for it. According to proper engagement party gift etiquette, it is acceptable, although not required.
And that wraps it up! Now that you know the proper gifting etiquette for the engagement party, on to you: are you giving a gift to your friends and, if so, what gift will you be bringing to the party? Let us know in the comment box below!
Thanks so much for writing, Laura, and I hope it helps!
Happy Planning!
xo
Emma
