etiquette question

lilqtny Posted: Jun 15, 2005 05:00 PM

etiquette question

My fiancee and I got engaged in August of 2003 but because of his status in the Marine Corp we have been unable to have an engagement party. We have been planning for a 2006 wedding because that is when his service to the Corp is over.

I was thinking of having a small engagement party this October to celebrate our engagement and also to celebrate his completion of the Marines. It is like the official start of our new lives together.

My question is do you think it is okay to have an engagement party so long after we've been engaged?? I really want to have one to celebrate but don't want to seem greedy. I was thinking of putting 'no gifts please' or something along those lines. I don't want gifts just the chance for our families to come together before the wedding.

Sorry so long, please help

lilqtny Posted: Jun 15, 2005 05:07 PM

Re: etiquette question

nobody has any feelings on this?

romameansamor Posted: Jun 15, 2005 05:08 PM

Re: etiquette question

What you are saying sounds GREAT.

I would somehow make the invitation so that it is one of those 'your presence - not your presents' type of thing to celebrate your 'engagement' and, as you said, the start of your lives together. anyone who is close to you knows what a hectic schedule he has b/c of the marines - so no one should be offended. just say you never got the chance to have everyone together to celbrate. there's nothing wrong with that.

tanielle5k Posted: Jun 15, 2005 05:12 PM

Re: etiquette question

I agree! It sound slike you have alot to celebrate and I think it would be totally fine. And you could find a cute creative way to say no gifts, like romameansamor suggested

mbm750 Posted: Jun 15, 2005 05:15 PM

Re: etiquette question

I think you should definitely do it. I think I've read 'your presence is your present' before to ward off gifts.

suven Posted: Jun 15, 2005 05:18 PM

Re: etiquette question

Go for it! DH's cousin got engaged in 2/04. They had their e-party in 8/04, bridal shower in 10/04 and wedding in 11/04. And, everyone seemed okay with it.

You have a good reason for a long delay in your e-party (this couple had NO reason for it)

cindyandkevin Posted: Jun 15, 2005 05:19 PM

Re: etiquette question

Sounds like a wonderful time to have a party!!! You could certainly say 'no gifts please', but there are those that wouldn't feel right and bring them anyway; that's their perrogative. You shouldn't feel bad bc you've been engaged for awhile, every one should know why you didn't have an e-party earlier, they'll understand. Just make it casual and you should be fine!!