Most of us don’t need a reason to have a party, but celebrating an engagement is an especially fine idea.

Some wedding etiquette books dictate that whomever is invited to a formal engagement party are also invited to the wedding. (Unless you elope!) These resources insist that if you are not going to invite everyone to your wedding that attends the engagement party, make sure to tell guests that you are having a very small and private wedding.

But, sometimes the Bride’s family lives in Washington State and the Groom’s family lives in West Virginia. So, what is wrong with having an engagement party in West Virginia and a wedding in Washington State? Anything that makes it possible for everyone to celebrate is a good idea!

A traditional engagement party is usually hosted by the bride’s family, and is an opportunity for both families to get to know each other before all the wedding plans are determined. But these are non-traditional times and often couples will throw their own party, so that they can make a lot of noise.

Sometimes family and friends bring gifts. But, it is acceptable to print on the invitation, "No gifts please." Do not print on the invitations where you are registered, that information needs to spread by word of mouth. The only time it is correct to discuss gifts in an invitation is to request donations to a charity in lieu of gifts.

Engagement parties can be fancy sit down dinners to pizza, deli sandwiches and potlucks.