Family Meeting

My fiance and I did not have a formal engagement party. For our family, both families went out to dinner at a family-style restaurant, which was nice because it was less formal and gave both sides a chance to meet each other. Also, our friends threw us a surprise engagement party at one of their houses. Both of them were very special.

What about a Champagne Toast? This is not a real engagement party, but still announces your upcoming wedding and gives both families an opportunity to meet one another. You can invite just family and the bridal party. Have plenty of Sparkling Juices, Champagne, and finger foods. Max it at about three hours long. This way it gives your guests time to meet, talk, etc.

My fiance and I live in Brooklyn, and the restaurant is there. Let me know if you want the name of the restaurant.

I just wanted to check in and report to all those who helped me plan...

The Metropolitan was AMAZING!!!! The food was excellent, the amount of food was insane, the cake was terrible, the cookies and the chocolate covered strawberries made up for that though. The maitre de, Anthony, was so nice and accommodating. I never walked anywhere without a drink in my hand. He was watching me and my husband like a hawk to make sure we were taken care of at all times.

All the suggestions sounds great! I think that the more casual the event, the less stress will be on you and your fi. At least, that is how it was for me. My parents live in CA and his live in MA, so when my parents were out here (In NY)for another wedding in September, we met my fi's parents half way in the state of NY (where we actually got engaged) for brunch and hiking. It was a great way for them to meet, and we all love hiking, so it made it much less stressful.

Whatever you decide to do, it will be special.