Planned Parties
Who, What, When, Where, and Is a Gift Required?
Planned events from the engagement party to the belated reception
| Type of Party | Who Hosts | Who Attends | When to Invite | Gift? | Note/Tip |
| Engagement |
Bride's parents, groom's parents, bride & groom or friends |
Anyone being invited to the wedding | 3 to 6 weeks in advance | Optional depending on regional custom | Only invite those who will be invited to the wedding |
| Bridal Shower | Friends or family of the bride or groom | Friends, family & future in-laws | 4 weeks in advance | Yes (if unable to attend no gift required) |
OK to include registry information with invitation if on a separate insert |
| Bachelorette | Maid of honor, bridesmaid(s), close friend or the bride | Friends, bridesmaids, & relatives that the bride wishes to have with her | 1 to 3 months in advance | None required | Keep budgets, schedules & the bride's tastes in mind |
| Bridal Luncheon | Bride and/or her mother or the bridal party | Bridal party, bride & mother of the bride | 2 to 4 weeks in advance | Good opportunity for bride to give gifts to bridesmaids | Luncheon, dinner or time spent getting ready before the ceremony |
| Rehearsal Dinner | Either set of parents or the couple | Immediate family, grandparents, bridal party & their dates & officiant | 4 to 6 weeks in advance | No gifts | Out of town guests don't have to be included |
| Belated Reception | Either one of or both set of parents or the couple | Anyone the bride & groom wish to have | 4 to 6 weeks in advance | Optional | May be lavish or simple & the bride may wear her dress again |
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