I had one in MD where I'm from. Parent's friends and bridalparty (who all live in NYC) were invited. I didn't expect presents but I wld've been surprised if ppl didn't bring. I was just as happy with flowers as w/a vase or registry something. Actually did quite well off the registry from the Eng parties. Mostly got Crate and barrel stuff and smaller things from other registries...glasses, mugs, etc...nothing like china or major things.
I had another in NY where my husband's(!!) parents live and that was for their family (all 10 of them) and all of our friends. we had more friends there than they had family. we got $ from his family and gifts from friends. some friends chiped in and got stuff. people that had given us things when we got engaged didn't give anything else at the party and we were glad.
I thought ppl would get littler things off our registry if anything. His family doens't know how to use a computer and gave us checks.
best gifts we got actually were not from the party, but 2 of my BFF's from college and law school who were bridesmaids gave us tickets to Avenue Q in NYC. It was perfect and his BFF's and groomsmen gave us 6 months to a wine club so each month we got 1 red and 1 white. it was awesome and fun to keep getting presents. I guess the ppl closest to you know you best.
please forgive the typos. we really need spell check on this thing!
we had a small engagement party last summer...just immediate family and bridal pary and very close friends...I did not really expect any presents, but we did get some...Kitcheen tools, pasta strainer, stationary...some fun trinkets...we had not registered yet, so people just got us what they thought we would like or need.
Not engaged, but whenever my bf and I go to an E party we bring a bottle of Moet and Chandon in the Collector's Box and it is always appreciated. It is a nice (inexpensive) gift that the couple can really enjoy together, after all, they have plenty of occassions to get housewares later on!
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My mom is planning one for my October 15. My FMIL has not said anything but once she sees what my mom has done she will want to do one too. She is just that way. I am not expecting gifts but they would be a welcome surprise since we have nothing.
Yes, my fiances parents threw one..... Can you believe the guests went through 60 bottles of wine!!!?? The invitations said gifts were unnecessary but we got many gifts...only a few from our registry as many people did not know it existed. We recieved many things for the home, a framed engagment party invitation, a victoria's secret gift card, and even some cash ! It was just a wide variety of things.