An engagement party is a celebratory event held to announce an upcoming wedding. Sending out thoughtful, creative invitations is a great way to set the tone for the party. The wording you choose for an engagement party invitation will likely depend on the formality of the event, your relationship to the engaged couple, and your personal invitation style. Here are some tips on what to include – and what not to include – when writing engagement party invitations.
Essential Details to Include
Every engagement party invitation needs to clearly convey the core details so guests can plan for the event. This includes:
- Names of the engaged couple
- Date of the engagement party
- Time of the event
- Location (street address and/or venue name)
You’ll want to highlight the names of the engaged couple in a large, eye-catching font. Underneath the names, include the phrase “Please join us for an engagement party in celebration of their upcoming wedding.”
The date, time, and location details should also be prominently displayed. If applicable, provide the date and time range, such as “Saturday, March 7 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.” List the full street address or name of the venue. Include any other details guests will need, such as parking availability and accessibility information.
Invite or Welcome Wording
The main text of the invitation should make it clear guests are invited to an engagement party. Here are some wording ideas:
- Please join us to celebrate the engagement of [names]
- Let’s celebrate the newly engaged couple, [names]!
- We invite you to share in our joy as we celebrate the engagement of [names]
- Come celebrate the engagement of [names] as we toast to their future happiness
Keep the tone celebratory but avoid anything too over-the-top or gushing. The focus should stay on the engaged couple.
Additional Details to Include
Engagement party invitations can also include these optional details:
- Attire – Add a dress code if you have one, such as “semi-formal attire requested.”
- Menu details – If serving a meal, note the cuisine style or dishes so guests with restrictions can plan ahead.
- Registries – List where the couple is registered for wedding gifts, if registry information is available early enough to include.
- RSVP instructions – Provide guidance on how to RSVP, along with contact info and a deadline.
Wordings to Avoid
Some phrases are better left off engagement party invitations. Here are some things to avoid:
- Inside jokes or overly personal anecdotes – Your fond memories may not make sense to all guests.
- “No gifts please” – This can come across as rude if you’re throwing a gift-focused event.
- Mention of shower gifts – Engagement parties are about the upcoming marriage. Keep the focus off physical presents.
- Anything wedding-related – Guests may incorrectly assume they’re invited to the wedding.
Also refrain from including overly effusive language about eternal love, soulmates, or how perfect the couple is together. That level of detail is better suited for private moments between the engaged pair, not a party invitation.
Invitation Styles and Formats
When designing your engagement party invitations, consider the formality of the event and your personal invitation style. Here are some possibilities:
Paper invitations
Classic paper invitations work well for formal or black-tie engagement parties. Opt for thick, high-quality cardstock with neat typography and traditional phrasing. Include inner envelopes and mail using postage stamps.
E-vites
Online invitations are great for casual shindigs. Choose a lively, contemporary design through an e-vite service. Add fun graphics and colors, include engagement photos, and customize with your invitation text.
Handwritten notes
For an intimate gathering with close family and friends, handwritten invitations can feel meaningful. Mail personalized notes in your best penmanship. Include key details with a warm, succinct message.
Social media invites
If using an event planning site like Facebook, you can send electronic invites to those you’re connected with online. This works best for lower-key parties.
Whichever format you select, include clear invitation text that covers the key details in a warm, celebratory tone. Proper spelling and grammar are a must.
Examples and Wording Ideas
Here are some engagement party invitation examples with various styles and wording options:
Classic Formal Invitation
Request the honor of your presence at the engagement celebration of
Alicia Stanton & Mark Reed
Saturday, the seventeenth of April
Two thousand twenty-three
Six o’clock in the evening
Fairmont Hotel
420 Main Street
Seattle, Washington
Dinner & Dancing to Follow
Cocktail Attire Requested
RSVP to _________ by April 1st
Casual E-vite
You’re invited to the engagement party for
Danielle Jones & Alex Martin
Saturday, May 30 at 3pm
234 Oak Street, Portland OR
Come celebrate with the newly engaged couple! Backyard BBQ and outdoor games. Casual dress.
Please RSVP to _______ by May 25
Handwritten Note
John & I wanted to let you know that we’re engaged! We would be honored if you could attend our engagement party on August 21st at my parents’ home to celebrate with us. More details to follow soon. So excited to celebrate this new chapter with our loved ones!
– Lucy
Social Media Invitation
You’re invited! Please join us Saturday, Sept 10 at the Pine Valley Lodge to celebrate the engagement of Katie & Steven. Festivities start at 5pm. Casual attire. See you there!
RSVP on our event page – link below
Choosing Engagement Party Invitation Wording
As you write your own engagement party invitations, tailor the wording and style to suit the occasion. Here are some final tips for choosing invitation text:
- Set a celebratory but not over-the-top tone focused on the engaged couple
- Include clear event details – who, when, where
- Add supplemental information about attire, menu, etc. if needed
- Skip any registry details or wedding specifics to avoid confusion
- Make sure wording matches the formality of the party
- Review carefully to prevent any spelling or grammar errors
With thoughtful, gracious invitation text focused on the purpose of celebrating this engaged pair, you’re sure to get your engagement party off to the right start.
Engagement Party Invitation Wording Ideas
| Invitation Style | Example Wording |
|---|---|
| Classic formal | Request the pleasure of your company at the celebration of the engagement of John Smith and Jane Doe, Saturday the twenty-first of March, at half past six o’clock. Dinner and dancing to follow. Black tie. |
| Casual e-vite | You’re invited! Please join us on Saturday, August 10 at 3pm to celebrate the engagement of Amanda & Ryan. Outdoor BBQ at the couple’s home. Casual wear. |
| Handwritten note | Dearest friends, We wanted you to be among the first to hear our exciting news – we’re engaged! Please join us to celebrate on Saturday, September 30 at the Rose Inn. Cocktails at 7pm; dinner served at 8pm. |
| Social media invite | Big engagement party announcement! Andrew and Molly are getting hitched. Help them celebrate at their engagement party, May 22 at 6pm. The Woodlands Banquet Hall. See event page for more. |
Dos and Don’ts
Here is a quick summary of dos and don’ts to keep in mind when wording your engagement party invitations:
Do:
- Highlight the names of the engaged couple
- Keep the tone celebratory and positive
- Share date, time, location details prominently
- Include attire, menu, and other useful specifics (if applicable)
- Review carefully for any errors
Don’t:
- Include inside jokes or excessive personal anecdotes
- Use gushing, over-the-top wording about love or romance
- Mention registry details or wedding specifics
- Use casual wording for formal invitations (or vice versa)
Following these tips will help you craft engagement party invitations your guests will be excited to receive. Focus on the essential details and the reason for the occasion – to celebrate the newly engaged couple!
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should host the engagement party?
Traditionally, the parents of the bride host an engagement party, but it’s becoming more common for couples to host their own celebrations. Family or close friends are also perfectly appropriate engagement party hosts.
When should engagement party invitations be sent out?
Send invitations 4-8 weeks before the engagement party. This gives guests enough notice to make arrangements. Any earlier risks details changing; any later does not provide adequate RSVP time.
Can I include registry info in an engagement party invitation?
It’s best to leave registry information off engagement party invites to avoid confusion. That’s more appropriate for shower or wedding invitations. An engagement party is about celebrating the couple.
What goes on an RSVP card?
RSVP cards should include:
- Names of invitees
- Engaged couple’s names
- Party details (date, time, location)
- RSVP instructions (phone, email, deadline)
Provide checkboxes or lines for accepted/declined. Include space for guests’ contact info and any song requests or meal preferences as needed.
How do I word invitations fordestination engagement parties?
If hosting a destination engagement party, be sure to include travel and accommodation details. For example:
You’re invited to an engagement celebration for…
At [location/resort name] in [city, state or country]
[Dates of stay]
Please RSVP by [date] and see attached accommodation options
Give guests ample notice to make travel plans and properly welcome them when they arrive.
Conclusion
Engagement party invitations set the tone for celebrating an exciting milestone on the path to marriage. Include the key details, avoid unnecessary specifics about gifts or weddings, and keep the focus on the newly engaged couple with gracious, celebratory wording. With some thoughtfulness and care when designing your invitations, you can create keepsakes guests will be delighted to receive.