Engagement Party vs Bridal Shower in Austin, TX

Engagement Party vs Bridal Shower

What’s the difference?

Let’s first define the actual differences between engagement parties and bridal showers are. An engagement party will be celebrating the couple, while a bridal shower will only be celebrating the soon-to-be bride. Some people choose between one or the other, while others go with both. It’s all personal preference. Both celebrations are family and friends-focused and prepare guests for the night of the big wedding day. They both share similarities and differences that we will now dive into.

Engagement party

The engagement party is typically the first celebration after the big question has been popped. This event focuses equally on the bride and groom, bringing family and friends from both sides together to celebrate the couple’s exciting new chapter. Engagement parties are usually held a few months after the engagement, once the initial excitement has settled and planning has begun.

Why Host an Engagement Party?

• Introduce friends and family who haven’t met before.
• Share the excitement of the engagement with loved ones.
• Allow those unable to attend the wedding an opportunity to celebrate with you.

Engagement Party Themes & Activities

Engagement parties are casual yet meaningful. Some popular themes include cocktail parties, outdoor barbecues, or a chic evening gathering. Activities may include toasts, photo booths, or light games celebrating the couple.

Here are a few venues in the Austin, TX area to have the best Engagement Party:

• Zilker Park Clubhouse
• Peached Social House
• Lake Austin Riverboat
• The Marvelous Vintage Tea Party Co.

Bridal Showers

A bridal shower is exactly what it sounds like, a shower for the bride-to-be. Since this party will be entirely focused on the bride, it’s typically an all-female gathering. It’s a time to eat, drink, and play your typical bridal shower games. There’s no exact formula on when a bridal shower should take place. However, it’s typically a bit later in the planning process. It would typically be later than the engagement party if you’re choosing to have both. Everlastingoccasion.com suggests that it’s best to have it anywhere from three weeks to three months before the wedding. It’s usually one of the last events before the couple says “I do”.

There are two options to choose from when it comes to showers; the traditional way and the “Jack and Jill” way. The traditional way will consist of an all-female list with the bride’s friends and family and the in-laws. With the “Jack and Jill” method, the gifts will be for the couple (not just the bride). This will be more like an engagement party as both men and women will be present and it will be focused on the couple as a whole.

Here are a few venues in the Austin, TX area to have the best Bridal Shower:

• Any kind of Country Clubhouse
• Zilker Botanical Garden
• Victoria’s House & Garden
• The Marvelous Vintage Tea Party Co.

Similarities & differences

Both parties will be family and friends-focused and will require a certain level of detail and planning. Both parties will typically involve food, beverages, and games. What separates them is the timing of each party, the intentions, and the guest list. The engagement party is usually a bit relaxed without gifts, while the bridal shower or “Jack and Jill” event is usually more of an intimate celebration of the couple starting a life together and may involve a registry.

Which one should you throw?

Deciding on which party to throw is entirely up to you. Some couples opt for one or the other, while others throw both. If you’re more traditional in your values, you may want to shoot for an engagement party initially and a bridal shower down the line. If you’re unconventional, you may throw a casual engagement party with no shower or perhaps a “Jack and Jill” event. Either way, this is a beautiful time for you and your partner and it’s your time to call the shots!

Complete Weddings + Events in Austin, TX

Planning a wedding is an exciting time in your life, but when it starts to become overwhelming, know there are experts who are happy to help! Contact Complete Weddings + Event for advice or to set up a consultation for your Austin, TX event! Contact us today to bring your vision to life and create a celebration you’ll cherish forever!