Engagement Party Gift Etiquette

Ambulance Chaser · Sep 9, 2010

I have been invited to an engagement party. It is being held by a friend of the couple and is described as a "BBQ Bash To Celebrate The Engagement Of <COUPLE>". I am former co-workers with the groom; we do not see each other regularly. The invitation does not state anything about gifts. Does etiquette dictate I bring a gift anyways? My googling indicates that traditionally guests are not required to bring gifts to such an event, but I wanted to get some additional thoughts.

Joffrey · Sep 9, 2010

Bring decent booze they can drink together or use during the BBQ.

NoNothingGuy · Sep 9, 2010

I would agree. You do not have to bring anything but if you show up with a decent bottle of wine or booze (with a nice congratulatory note), you will be forever labeled a "good guy" by the soon-to-be-bride.

If you just don't care, don't worry about it. They do not expect you to bring anything.

I typically bring a bottle of something to any function at someone's home. I figure they can either use it that night or save it for later. It is a nice thing to do.

Joffrey · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by NoNothingGuy

I typically bring a bottle of something to any function at someone's home. I figure they can either use it that night or save it for later. It is a nice thing to do.

It's a very good habit to form.

Roikins · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by Ambulance Chaser

I have been invited to an engagement party. It is being held by a friend of the couple and is described as a "BBQ Bash To Celebrate The Engagement Of <COUPLE>". I am former co-workers with the groom; we do not see each other regularly. The invitation does not state anything about gifts. Does etiquette dictate I bring a gift anyways? My googling indicates that traditionally guests are not required to bring gifts to such an event, but I wanted to get some additional thoughts.

I would bring a Vegan garden cake.

Pennglock · Sep 9, 2010

I thought it was pretty standard to put $50 to $100 in a card for engagement parties?

I had one last year, and I feel like most of our guests gave us money. Most were family, though..

Joffrey · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by Pennglock

I thought it was pretty standard to put $50 to $100 in a card for engagement parties?

According to which money grubbing scum bag?

Pennglock · Sep 9, 2010

Apparently the money-grubbing scum I associate with.

Joffrey · Sep 9, 2010

Is this what they told you? "Hey Pennglock, I'm having an engagement party next month. Last I heard $50-100 was pretty standard for gifts. Just an FYI, bud"

aragoona · Sep 9, 2010

I had an engagement party too and i received gifts of $50-200 (from family). However, majority of the gifts were picture frames, candle sticks, wine glasses.

zhouyu · Sep 9, 2010

Champagne or wine

scarphe · Sep 9, 2010

Originally Posted by Pennglock

Apparently the money-grubbing scum I associate with.

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Harold falcon · Sep 9, 2010

Bring a bottle of Glenfiddich.

Ambulance Chaser · Sep 10, 2010

Thanks for the feedback. The bride is from Texas and the groom is from somewhere in the Southeast, so I think a nice bottle of bourbon may be in order.

NoNothingGuy · Sep 10, 2010

I think some of you might be confusing a wedding gift with engagement party etiquette. In some social circles money is given as a wedding gift, but I believe the OP is simply talking about a party being given in the honor of his friend. Not the time or place to give a wedding gift.

I think a decent bottle of booze is going above and beyond. Again, attach a nice note so that they know it is from you. You don't have to spend an arm and a leg, this is just a gesture.

Engagement Party Gift Etiquette

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