Popping the question is always a life-changing moment. Getting married is one of the largest milestone moments in life, and it is well worth celebrating when your partner says yes. Traditionally an engagement party is then thrown to not only make the announcement, but also so that the wedding guests have a chance to get to meet each other before the big event.
The Importance of Engagement Parties
You can see this reflected in the history of engagement events through the centuries. In ancient Greece it was a commercial arrangement between the groom and the bride’s father. Ashkenazi Jewish traditions call the engagement party a vort and have a tradition of breaking a ceramic plate during the event (reflecting the breaking of a glass at the actual wedding). In Scottish Gaelic there is the rèiteach, a betrothal ritual ending in a community wide dance party. As you can see, humans have a long-standing tradition of celebrating romantic unions.
In the social media age, people consistently vie for the most impressive or creative setting possible for these events. What could be better than a party on a luxury yacht while you cruise past the most iconic landmarks of New York City? Featuring both enclosed climate-controlled spaces and outdoor viewing areas on every level, all your guests will be treated to one of the most spectacular views available.
Are Engagement Parties Still a Thing?
In modern day America, engagement parties still exist and are considered fairly common. This is especially true in the Northeast portion of the country. Traditionally hosted and paid for by the bride’s family, those traditions have become more fluid in current times. It is no longer unusual to see the groom’s parents hosting and paying, or even a collaboration between both sets of parents.
While not as common as in the Northeast, engagement parties can be found all over the United States. The Internet is full of bridal websites offering planning tips and etiquette advice for those planning one.
Engagement parties have especially become popular with people planning a small wedding or a travel wedding. The engagement party is also a way to celebrate with folks that will not be at the actual wedding.
Who Do You Usually Invite to an Engagement Party?
If you are going to be traditional about things, you should invite the same people who will be attending your actual wedding. Friends and family from both sides of the aisle, as well as any members of your extensive social circles that might attend. But it’s also very common today to have people at the engagement party who won’t be at the wedding. This may be due to costs, travel distances for the wedding venue, scheduling discrepancies, if it is a small courthouse wedding, and so forth.
Choose Skyline Cruises For a Legendary Engagement
Let the NYC skyline provide the backdrop for a celebration you will never forget! Magnificent food, a truly unique setting, and the most amazing backdrops your Instagram account could ask for! Contact Skyline Cruises today and let’s start planning your engagement party cruise. From small intimate dinner cruises to full ship rental party cruises, the Skyline Princess always delivers a premium experience.
