Engagement Party

[Erin]

So my brother and his fiancee (since January) live far away from us. They are coming this Thursday to my parent's house and staying until Sunday. Her parents are traveling a far distance and will be here Friday - Sunday. Thursday is also my brother's birthday. Actually, all three of us kid's birthdays are in June and July and my parent's hold an annual summer party in the backyard with their inground pool, music, grilling, alcohol, maybe karaoke, outdoor decorations. Friends of my parents, relatives and friends of ours are always welcome.

Well I got off the phone with the finacee and she was telling me about shopping for a dress for Saturday's party. My brother knows this is typcially a swimsuit/BBQ event. I'm fairly certain that they think this is an Engagement Party. Which I guess it is, but it's also many other things - like it is every year. I'm not sure whether to inquire about expectations, or to talk to my Mom about doing something special... I just don't know if they're expecting to have a Congratulations banner, or a cake or a champagne toast.

ETA: What threw me off is that she asked me to wear a dress too to ensure she wouldn't be the only one. In my mind I was thinking - I don't plan on getting out of the pool much except to eat and drink...

 

[mrscushion]

Honestly, I think that you guys probably should make a point to do something different to celebrate the newly engaged couple. I think a special toast made by one set of the parents (yours, I guess, since they are hosting) would be enough. Also, check with your parents to see whether they aren''t already planning on something like that.

At the same time, you should tell your brother to tell her that she really need not buy a new dress because you never get out of the pool anyway. It''s just a matter of expectations.

 

[SassyB]

Has she been to one of these parties before?

I agree that your brother should tell her to not buy a new dress as it''s more of a swim party. However, a special toast would go a long way to make them feel special and that the family is looking forward to their wedding.

 

[lucyandroger]

Date: 6/23/2009 5:40:12 PM
Author:Starset Princess

ETA: What threw me off is that she asked me to wear a dress too to ensure she wouldn''t be the only one. In my mind I was thinking - I don''t plan on getting out of the pool much except to eat and drink...

I would just tell her what you were thinking...it''s not that type of party. If she''s never been to one of these, she probably just doesn''t know what to expect.

Also, I agree with the ladies that a short toast or cake or something to make them feel special will go a long way.