E-Party this weekend - need help

patti08 Posted: Feb 05, 2004 10:41 AM

E-Party this weekend - need help

Our e-party is this Sunday at a restuarant with a private room, about 40 people. Close family and the bridal party. My Mom took care of most of the arrangements and all we are doing is providing some backround music with an ipod and speakers.

We have never been to an e-party except one that was bigger and fancier than our wedding will be. Is there anything we need to know or do besides being gracious and grateful?

and finally here is the big dilemma...
My Mom and his Mom want us to open the gifts during the party. They think the guests will want to see us open them. We think that people shouldn't feel obligated to bring a gift and we might make people uncomfortable by opening during the party.

Are we supposed to open during the party in front of people?

Thanks,
Patti

monters Posted: Feb 05, 2004 10:43 AM

Re: E-Party this weekend - need help

most e-parties I have been to have been mostly envelopes with money. However if there are gifts, they should be opened at home not at the party..I think thats proper etiquette..but let's see what everyone else says on this...

ladies?

jenny2penny Posted: Feb 05, 2004 10:44 AM

.

bridget&jimmy Posted: Feb 05, 2004 10:44 AM

Re: E-Party this weekend - need help

No you only open presents infront of the guests at the shower, because that is what a shower is about showering the bride with gifts. But for the eparty gifts are not required. Just make sure at the eparty that you make everyone feel comfortable and that you mingle with both sides of the family and introduce the families to each other, so that it will take a little tension off for the wedding. And everyone can ge to know each other.

Bridget

Lorena Posted: Feb 05, 2004 10:57 AM

Re: E-Party this weekend - need help

I definitely agree with the others, opening gifts at the eparty would be awkward.

drewsgirl Posted: Feb 05, 2004 10:59 AM

Re: E-Party this weekend - need help

I agree too with the others. I opened any presents I got from my e-party at home afterwards.

SReidy Posted: Feb 05, 2004 11:11 AM

Re: E-Party this weekend - need help

I got a lot of gifts at our engagements- GIFTS not $. IMO it's tacky to sit there and open ALL of your gifts in front of everyone- it's not supposed to be like a shower- it's an engagement PARTY. I didn't want to open any gifts until everyone left and I was forced by my relatives that really DID want to see us open the gifts at the end of the night- I don't think even 8 ppl stuck around to watch- and they were all MY family. You want to enjoy everyone's company while they're there.

patti08 Posted: Feb 05, 2004 12:32 PM

Re: E-Party this weekend - need help

Thanks to all, I am going to print this thread and show it to our Mom's.

neesiepie Posted: Feb 05, 2004 02:12 PM

Re: E-Party this weekend - need help

i am having an engagement party in April and Im not opening my gifts there either

DecBride04 Posted: Feb 05, 2004 02:29 PM

Re: E-Party this weekend - need help

I had my E-party back almost one yr ago.
It was private at this awesome resteruant.
My mom and aunt wanted us to open our gifts, but FH & I felt it was tacky. We didn't want to hurt anyones feelings, based on the type or price of a
gift anyone gave us. So we didn't open gifts and were able to spend more time with our family
and friends during the party. We opened at home and invited anyone who wished to come back to the house to watch. I think this is the most appropriate way to do it.