Engagement

My FH and I have been engaged for 5 years now, and are starting to plan our wedding. We didn’t have an engagement party at the time as we couldn’t afford it, and there was only just a wedding in the family.

So I’m asking have we missed our chance at an engagement party? Even just a big BBQ picnic with family and friends. Or is it too late?

Thanks

Hi K and C

I would still look at having one. Maybe put something on the invite along the lines of “as we haven’t had the chance to share our engagement with you, we would like to invite you to blah blah blah,..” 

We had ours 6 months after engagement

I don’t know I think 5 years is probably too large a gap for an engagement party. Basically the party is to celebrate getting engaged so it would occur around the time of the engagement. Honestly if I received an invite to your party I would be a bit miffed. It seems a little but like a gift grab (even if this isn’t the motivation for the party).

I disagree! Its never too late for a party and I’m sure everyone would be thrilled to celebrate your engagement- everyone loves a party right? Better late then never!
If you are worried about what people will say make fun of the fact that it is late. “its been a few years but we finally are ready to celebrate our engagement.”
Its your wedding, your way, your style! I dont like the wedding rules that say you cant do this, dont do that, you have to this we are all individuals- we all have different styles.
Of course you can have a late engagement party – its your wedding, forget the rules and do what you want- your way. 

Hi, I’ve never been one for tradition, and no one’s ever minded. I had my 21st birthday party a whole year later because I couldn’t afford it at the time. And now my fiance and I are having our engagement party 10 months after he proposed! I reckon just go for it! People love parties, and love a chance to celebrate something. Don’t be afraid to be a bit different

Maybe an Engagement Reminder Party, Wedding Countdown Party or Pre-Wedding Party? I must admit I’d be surprised a long way down the track to be invited to an engagement party. When is the wedding? Are you thinking of having people to the engagement party that you won’t invite to the wedding? Are you expecting gifts? (cos I think that might annoy some folk). How does the timing fit with hens night, bridal shower, bucks night, wedding, etc? Plus significant birthdays or housewarming? 
You haven’t said in your post why you want the party? You said why you didn’t have one back then, but I’m gathering it must be important if you still want it now. With a bit more info, we (your fellow knotties) might be able to help with the etiquette.