How to write an engagement party invitation
First things first, congratulations are in order for the engaged couple. And since so many friends and family members want to help congratulate the couple, why not throw an engagement party? After all, getting engaged really deserves its own celebration, and the engagement party deserves its own invitation.
They decided to put a ring on it, so now you have to decide what to write in your engagement party invitations. Whether you’re sending out invitations for your engagement party or planning one for a daughter, son, or loved one, we’ll help you nail down the specifics and get a little creative with your engagement invitation wording.
What should be on an engagement party invitation?
As with the rehearsal dinner or the wedding shower, the engagement party invitation wording should include all the important details to make sure guests know what to expect. Being thorough with your invitation wording will make the planning process much smoother for you and your guests. Plus, it will save you from last minute calls if all the FAQs are on the invite.
Date and time
Of course, you’ll want to include the engagement party’s date so guests can mark their calendars. You’ll also want to let guests know what time to arrive, and include an end time if you’ve booked your venue for a specific window or simply don’t want the party to go too late.
Venue location and address
Make sure to include your engagement celebration location, whether it’s your home or local event space. Include the full address as well for guests who might now be familiar with the venue. Including the location makes it easy for guests to reference the invitation when planning their commute, drive, or hotel stay for out-of-town guests.
“Pompas Bouquet” by Paperless Post.
The names of the happy couple
Because you might be inviting guests (such as colleagues and close friends of the couple) who don’t know you personally, make sure to include the bride’s name and the groom’s name so they know who’s party they’re attending.
Who is hosting the party
It’s always nice to let guests know who is hosting the party. Especially if you are sending the invitation, but joint hosting with someone else. For example, if the bride’s parents are hosting with the groom’s parents, make sure everyone’s names are listed on the invitation as a courtesy. This also lets guests know who to reach out to if they have any questions surrounding the engagement party directly.
RSVP details
Make sure guests know how and when to RSVP. If you’re sending printed invitations, let them know who to call to RSVP, or if you are requesting regrets only. If you are sending online invitations through Paperless Post, the RSVP button is included with each invitation. For both online and print invitations, make sure also to set an RSVP deadline to ensure you have the final headcount in time for the party.
Parking information
If you’re hosting in a car-friendly city, it’s a kind gesture to include a line about parking so guests can plan. For example, “free parking available” or “complimentary valet parking.”
How do you address an engagement party invitation?
With engagement invites, you don’t have to follow the strict formal wedding invitations etiquette. Instead, address all the guests you’re inviting to the engagement party as you would for another celebration like a dinner party, housewarming party, or a bridal shower.
You can also let the formality of your party dictate the formalness of your invitation. If you’re hosting a more formal cocktail party, use full titles with first and last names. For example, “Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Jane Smith.” If you’re hosting a more casual get-together, use just first and last names. For example, “Tom and Jane Smith.”
“Bubbly Photo” by Paperless Post.
Engagement invitation wording tips
Unlike a formal wedding invite, you’re allowed to have a little fun with your engagement invitation card wording. Don’t stress over the perfect invitation. Instead of formal phrases you’d typically find on wedding stationery, use copy that plays up your theme or design. For example, “We’re tying the knot” for a nautical themed or beach party, or “Pop the Champagne” to tie together a gold theme.
Don’t be afraid to acknowledge gifts on your engagement party invitation wording. Though other pre-wedding parties like bridal showers often include registry information, gifts aren’t traditionally given at an engagement party. You may want to add a simple phrase such as “no gifts please” to your invitation.
“Smash Cut” by Paperless Post.
If you’re at a loss for words, consider choosing a photo invitation with minimal wording and using these templates from Paperless Post. You can upload a photo of the engaged couple, and the picture will take up most of the real estate on the invitation, leaving you with very little wording to edit or fill out yourself.
Engagement invitation wording examples
The tone of your invitation will vary dramatically depending on what kind of party you’re throwing. The wording you use for a formal cocktail party will be very different from the wording for a backyard barbecue. You can use the engagement invitation ideas themselves to spark wording as well. Keep that in mind, as you read some of our favorite engagement party invitation wording examples to get your wheels turning:
If you’re hosting your own engagement party
It’s your party; you can send the invitation if you want to! Feel free to get a little more personal or sappy with your wording, than someone hosting for you could.
We’re engaged!
She said yes
He said yes
We’re getting married
We’re tying the knot
Cheers to our forever
Our greatest adventure yet
Celebrate with us!
Joining hands, joining hearts
We’re going to the chapel
It’s bliss
“Opulent” by Schumacher for Paperless Post.
If you’re hosting in honor of the engaged couple
When in doubt, keep it short and sweet. If the couple didn’t send an engagement announcement, some guests might be finding out the couple is engaged with this invitation—so use a celebratory tone!
They’re engaged
Let’s celebrate
It’s time for a celebration
Join us to celebrate [Name] and [Name]
It’s official! [Name] and [Name] are engaged
[Name] and [Name] are getting married
[Name] and [Name] are tying the knot
The best is yet to come
[Name] asked, [Name] said yes
Wedding bells will soon be ringing
First comes love
Hooray
Formal engagement party invitation wording
If you’re hosting a formal affair, make sure the tone of your invitation wording reflects that.
Please join us to celebrate the engagement of [Name] and [Name]
Join us for an engagement party celebrating [Name] and [Name]
With love and much joy [Name] and [Name] invite you to celebrate their engagement
Join us to celebrate the future Mr. and Mrs. [Last Name]
“Uncorked” by Mr. Boddington’s Studio for Paperless Post.
Cocktail engagement party invitation wording
If you’re hosting a boozy soiree or cocktail hour, give guests a hint with these drink-themed phrases.
It’s time for a toast
Raise your glass
This calls for Champagne
Pop, Fizz, Clink!
Cheers to [Name] and [Name]
Cheers to the hoppy couple
He popped the question, let’s pop the cork
Themed engagement party invitation wording
Get guests excited about your party theme with unique and creative wording.
Join us for an “I Do” barbecue
Brunch and bubbly for the happy couple
Let’s taco ‘bout love
Taco ‘bout an engagement party
Let’s fall in love
You’re my lobster
Funny engagement party invitation wording
Marriage is all about making each other laugh, right? Kick-off their engagement with a bang and a line that’s sure to make your guests smile.
Yes, there will be an open bar
We’re doing the damn thing
This just got real
She said yaaas
He said yaaas
Cheers to the love birds
He put a ring on it
She put a ring on it
We’re getting hitched
Eat, drink, and soon to be married
OMG, we’re engaged
Surprise engagement party invitation wording
Are you hosting an engagement party right after the proposal? Surprising the couple with a party? Make sure your wording is crystal clear, so guests know to keep mum.
It’s a surprise!
Can you keep a secret?
Shhh! [Name] and [Name] are getting engaged
Shhh! [Name]’s getting engaged
Once you’ve picked the perfect phrase for your invitations, it’s time to brush up on your engagement party etiquette. The engagement party is the first celebration of the couple’s wedding, so make sure things go smoothly with our master guide.
Browse Engagement Party Invitations
Ready to start on your engagement party invitations? Paperless Post has a wide selection of customizable invitation designs that you can edit in minutes. Use the example copy, or personalize the template with your own wording if you’re feeling inspired. Looking for more inspiration on what type of party to throw? Find our guide to engagement party ideas you’ll fall in love with.
Hero image: “Champagne Frame” by Paperless Post.