Engagement Party vs. Proposal Party: What's the Difference?

When you're planning a party to celebrate your new engagement, you might come across two terms: "engagement party" and "proposal party." While they might sound similar, they have different meanings and purposes. Let's break down the differences between engagement party vs. proposal party and walk through which party you should have.

Engagement Party

• Purpose: An engagement party is a celebration held a few months after a couple gets engaged to officially announce their engagement to friends and family. It's a chance to share the happy news and celebrate the couple's love with loved ones.

• Timing: Typically held a a few months after the proposal.

• Who attends: Friends, family members, coworkers, family friends

• Activities: Usually involves socializing, eating, drinking, and exchanging well wishes for the couple's future. There might be speeches, games, or other entertainment.

Proposal Party

• Purpose: A proposal party happens immediately after the actual proposal. However, it is planned a couple months prior to proposing, by the proposer. It's typically a surprise party organized by one partner to celebrate the engagement.

• Timing: Held immediately after the proposal

• Who attends: Usually close friends and family

• Activities: Often involves a surprise element. Usually the proposer will pretend they are going to a meal after to celebrate and they might walk into a larger group!

Key Differences - Engagement Party vs. Proposal Party

Type of Party	Engagement Party	Proposal Party
Timing	A few months after the proposal	Immediately after the proposal
Purpose	To celebrate your recent engagement with a larger group of people	To immediately celebrate with family and friends and announce your engagement
Attendees	Friends and family, maybe a larger than a proposal party	Close friends and family
Atmosphere	Celebratory and joyful	Surprising and exciting

Which One Should You Choose?

The choice between an engagement party vs. proposal party depends on your preferences and your relationship. If you want to surprise your partner (and they like to be surprised) with a memorable proposal, a proposal party is a great way to set the stage. If you prefer to celebrate your engagement with a larger group of people a few months after the proposal, an engagement party is the way to go. An engagement party also allows your partner to help you plan the party and invite people you might not have thought of. This might be best for the type A bride who might want a little bit more of control over the process.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to choose a celebration that reflects your unique style and makes you and your partner happy. Whether you opt for a traditional engagement party or a surprise proposal party, the goal is to create lasting memories with your loved ones and make your partner happy.

Not sure how to plan a proposal party? Head to my blog: Planning a Proposal Party. Yay or Nay? to learn the 5 important steps you should take when planning a proposal party and to further break down if it is the right choice for you!

Overwhelmed by the proposal planning process entirely? Reach out to the experts at Ali-Pop Events and we can help you with everything from coming up with an idea to planning the proposal and the proposal party! Good luck!