Post content has been hidden

To unblock this content, please click here

Master August 2013

NWR: Open House / Engagement Party Etiquette

Amanda, on March 11, 2013 at 8:27 AM Posted in Etiquette and Advice 0 8

Saved

Flag
Hide content

I've mentioned before that FH and I bought our first home a few months ago, back in October 2012. Our lender and real estate agent are absolutely amazing and as a congratulations gift, offered to throw FH and I a housewarming party! Because of the crappy fall/winter weather, getting our puppy, getting engaged, and wanting to complete a few minor house renos, we decided to wait until this April to have our party.

But now I have two internal dilemmas. First, is 6 months after move-in too late to have a housewarming/open house? Obviously our immediate family and close friends have been to our house, but I was looking forward to hosting my cousins and other relatives that haven't been over yet. Second: We've thought about just calling it an open house/engagement party, but is it in poor taste to host your own engagement party? Thoughts on what we should do?

Flag
Hide content

8 Comments

Latest activity by Mrs. S™, on March 11, 2013 at 9:07 AM

VIP September 2013
Beth · on March 11, 2013 at 8:34 AM
Flag

Hide content
I think the engagement party is the one you can host yourself. haha. Especially because gifts aren't expected.

Sounds like fun - I would go for it.
- Reply
VIP September 2013
Tatiana · on March 11, 2013 at 8:35 AM
Flag

Hide content
Engagement parties are but typically gift giving events, so you could host it. I also don't think 6 months in is too late to host a house warming party, but that does sound like a gift giving event. Maybe just do the engagement party, host at your house so all your extended family can come see it?

Also, your last 6 months have been strangely similar to mine ( bought a home end of August, adopted a puppy around the same time).
- Reply
Master June 2015
RayRay · on March 11, 2013 at 8:37 AM
Flag

Hide content
That sounds like fun!! I don't think it's too late, most people realize it takes a while to get settled into a new home.

I think you could do it as a combined engagement party, I wouldn't think anthing of it personally. I realize you're not supposed to ask for gifts for yourself, but how rad would it be to host a stock the bar/pantry party maybe people will bring you something anyway! hehe
- Reply
Master August 2013
Amanda · on March 11, 2013 at 8:41 AM
Flag

Hide content
Thanks for the feedback! I think most people would understand needing to wait a few months - puppy completely owns the dining room right now, haha! Plus while our house is pretty awesome, the yard and outdoor space is my favorite part. Hopefully we get some nice weather next month!

ETA: I just remembered my THIRD dilemma (sometimes I overthink things). We were planning on inviting a few of our coworkers to our nebulous party next month, who at this time cannot be invited to the wedding due to space constraints. Would it be better to simply call it an open house, then?
- Reply
Master June 2015
RayRay · on March 11, 2013 at 8:52 AM
Flag

Hide content
^^^ yes! Far as I know, engagement parties are like a shower in that you can only invite wedding guests. But to be honest, I'm not sure. We didn't have an engagement party.
- Reply
Master October 2011
Mrs. S™ · on March 11, 2013 at 8:54 AM
Flag

Hide content
In that case I would just call it a housewarming party. And no, it's not too late.
- Reply
Master August 2013
Amanda · on March 11, 2013 at 9:01 AM
Flag

Hide content
Thanks Mrs S and RayRay Housewarming/open house it is. Unless "nebulous party" starts catching on.
- Reply

Master October 2011
Mrs. S™ · on March 11, 2013 at 9:07 AM
Flag

Hide content
Yes, I'm not sure if that's some serious etiquette blunder, but I think it's pretty common to invite the same people to engagement party and the wedding. So just to be safe, keep it in some general nebulous realm :-)
- Reply