Original content: Engagement Party Gifts That Encourage Relaxation and Romance

The answer is, well, up to you. There is no rule that you must provide engagement party gifts. It’s a personal choice. If you find yourself wanting to go that extra mile, you’re going to want some advice on what to give.
Scroll down and you’ll find it!

Frequently Asked Questions

Engagement Party Gift Etiquette

If you plan to give the couple a gift at their engagement party it should be to congratulate them, not help them build a life together. There is no rule stating that you need to provide a gift. If you do, it should be modest.

There are 2 main points of view on this topic. The first group feels that any gathering is a great excuse to give. The second feels that the gift registry and wedding shower gifts are more than enough. Both positions have merit. If you are on ‘team gift’ the best engagement party gifts congratulate the couple. A bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, or a handmade gift is the appropriate level.

A growing and the needed trend are brides and grooms specifying if gifts are permitted on their engagement party invitations. This provides some much-needed clarity in regards to what is expected.

Today’s couples are much more interested in the experience of their wedding and are asking guests not to provide gifts. If this is stated on your engagement party invitations, respect the request.

Once in a while, there will be a caveat that allows for no-cost gifts, and we love it! If you have this option, a poem or an “I’ll take care of your dogs while you’re on vacation’ coupon is a lovely surprise.

When considering what to buy for good engagement party gifts, think sweet and simple. A bottle of wine. A bouquet of flowers. A logo you make for their wedding site and embroidered towels. Whatever you choose, make sure that it comes in under $100 and make it cute.

Alternatively, there are usually some lower-cost items like books or etched mugs on the couple’s gift registry that you can take advantage of.

There’s another gift option to consider. The host of the engagement party is usually heavily involved in the wedding planning process. Instead of giving to the bride and groom, select a modest gift meant for the host and hostess! Showing the bridal or groom’s party a little love is a great way to participate in the entire wedding experience. Hopefully, you know the couple and can choose something that compliments their relationship.

Experts advise couples to think about if they want engagement gifts or not and to communicate their wishes. Placing this information clearly on the invitation avoids the awkwardness of being the only one who shows up without a gift or, equally awkward, over-gifting.

Couples are also advised to keep a record of engagement party gifts given so that they can follow up with formal thank you cards.

Engagement Party Gift Ideas

Proper engagement party gifts should be as personal as possible. Gifts should complement their personalities, apply to both the bride and groom, and celebrate your friendship with them. Here are a few ideas.

Things that prompt the couple to spend time together are always good engagement party gifts. Choose items that prompt them to go on a date, help them celebrate their relationship, or help them appreciate their home. If you know the couple well, then you can present something highly personal and meaningful. If not, you can get pretty close with some gifts that are universally appreciated. Whatever your relationship with the couple is, you can find something that checks all of the boxes for under $100.

You don’t have to be ultra-personal to deliver an outstanding engagement party gift. All it takes is a little thought and inspiration.

Stemware, glasses, or wine bottle

A custom-etched wine bottle or champagne flutes are a low-cost purchase with a major impact. Anything in this category of engagement party gift ideas will be a sentimental keepsake until they are used on a special occasion.

• Where to buy: Prosecco & red wine luxury gift hamper on Hamper.com.
  Price: $57.79
• Where to buy: Crystal champagne flutes on Amazon.
  Price: $34.99
• Where to buy: Romantic stemware glass on Amazon.
  Price: $34.95

Wedding Count Down Calendar

Helping the couple celebrate the wedding experience is always a great gift for an engagement party. A countdown calendar keeps the excitement and momentum going while they plan their way to I Do.

Where to buy: Wedding Count Down Calendar on Etsy.
Price: $20.95

Gift Box

A lot of guests will present some fantastic gifts. A custom box to keep them in will help them keep those items pristine for years!

• Where to buy: Hygge Gift Box on Eatsy.
  Price: $45.00
• Where to buy: Succulent Gift Box on Eatsy.
  Price: $34.21
• Where to buy: Chocolate gift Box on Eatsy.
  Price: $29.95

Thematic books – wedding planning, romantic or cooking

Knowledge is the best gift you can give at engagement parties. Give the couple something that they can enjoy together like a book that keeps their wedding planning organized, teaches them how to cook together, or something that ignites romance.

• Where to buy: Budget-Savvy Wedding Planner & Organizer on Amazon.
  Price: $9.69
• Where to buy: Cooking for Two Cookbook on Amazon.
  Price: $19.60
• Where to buy: The Love Hypothesis on Amazon.
  Price: $8.39

Plant Pot

Pots for plants are inexpensive, but they are one of those items that couples often overlook. Since the couple won’t buy it themselves, get it for them!

Where to buy: Pots For Plants on Eatsy.
Price: $15.40

Wish Jar

Although a wish jar costs next to nothing, what it represents is priceless. This simple engagement party gift empowers the couple to look forward to what the future holds.
Where to buy: Wish Jar on Eatsy.
Price: $29.99

Cake Serving Set