Engagement Party vs. Bridal Shower

Correction *Tie*

No, definitely not necessary to have both. Not necessary to have either if you don't want.

Engagement party = friends and family are invited to a party hosted (usually) by the parents of the couple. People mingle and eat. No games and usually no gifts.

Shower = ladies only play games and give gifts. ETA: Usually hosted by moms and bridesmaids.

Okay so I don't have to do that.. yes! But if my bridesmaid or maid of honor decides they want to throw me one, is it possible to do it the night before my wedding?

Bad idea. Don't schedule anything the night before the wedding except for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner.

So not a good idea?

Instead of having a Bachelorette party I can't do that?

We didn't have an engagement party. Not necessary. I'm having two showers thrown for me. Ones April 26th ones May 3rd. I've been to showers that were the latest one week before the wedding just to accommodate out of town guests more

I am having a hard time understanding what you are asking.

I think you might be asking if instead of a bachelorette party the night before the wedding you have a shower? And I think the best answer to that is- don't do your bachelorette the night before the wedding. Sleep the night before your wedding.

We are having our shower at the end of May. We didn't want it during summer since people tend to go on vacation and we are anticipating being very busy come August and September with preparations. Our parents are hosting the shower. His parents hosted an engagement party for us right after we got engaged last year. I would also agree---nothing except the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner the night before. The day of is going to be long and exciting and I'm guessing sleep will be needed.

An engagement party is typically held right after the couple becomes engaged as a small celebration. Typically, no gifts are involved.

A bridal shower is typically a female only (on occasion co-ed) gift giving party held a few months before the actual wedding in order to receive gifts for the home.

Doing any large event the night before your wedding is going to bring a lot of stress, which you really don't need the day before your wedding. I also think it's safe to assume that your guests might be a little stressed with having to handle 2 big events in 2 days. If you do decide to go this route I wouldn't expect for the party to go late or for people to give you a gift since the wedding day is less than 24 hrs later.

Having an engagement party the night before your wedding seems counterproductive.

Having a shower before your wedding will likely have a really low turnout considering people will be at your wedding the next day.

Most people are steering away from bachelor/bachelorette parties the night before because of rehearsals, and who wants to be tired and hungover on their wedding day?

Briggitte nailed it. Showers are typically 4 weeks-3 months before your wedding in physical gifts.

The night before your wedding really should be focused on rehearsing to make sure things go smoothly the day of, and your rehearsal dinner where you/parents often give speeches to thank everyone for all that they have done for you, often exchange gifts with your BP, etc.