We could use some help on appropriate wedding and/or religious music though!
Hill-Billy..of course..I will see what I can dig up OPPPPPPPPsssssssss there I go again:>)
Engagement Parties
The parents of the bride-to-be usually gives an engagement party just before the newspaper announcement is made. This is to inform those closest to the couple, the relatives and friends of both the bride and the groom, of the engagement and give everyone a chance to meet and congratulate the prospective new members of their families. (How many close, personal friends do you think will get invited? I bet over 1000.)
Anyone, however, may host pre-wedding parties in honor of the couple. (Horrors! An unending stream of party/fundraisers!) Unless the couple is throwing the party for themselves, they should remember that they are the guests of honor and take no active part in planning or hosting the parties. (As if they would get one word to say, anyway.) They have no say over the arrangements (Cash and prizes alert!!!)and they have the sole duty of attending and being good guests. They send a written thank you note to the host and hostess, even if the party is hosted by the parents, and they send written thank you notes for any gifts received. (And I am certain Terry McAuliffe is sending suitable dollar amounts right now.
Gifts are not usually given at an engagement party (Ha!), but some people may still provide a gift for the couple.
A toast to the couple often serves the purpose of the formal announcement of the engagement. It is usually proposed by the father of the bride-to-be. (This will be a long, long, long toast!) Your fiancé can then return a toast to you and your family. Then everyone can join in wishing you well.