Engagement parties date back to ancient Greece, when betrothal was a contractual meeting between men. A potential bride’s father and future husband would meet to establish and iron out the details of the marriage. This tradition was certainly a step up from the caveman who established that love connection independently and simply hauled a new bride home with the trip back to the cave being the engagement.
Although today’s weddings are still contractual, we have grounded this institution into a loving partnership. Today, this bond is consensual, intimate and deep-rooted, yet shared with family and close friends. Modern day engagement parties begin to establish this bond with the couple and their closest circle of family and friends by celebrating and congratulating the couple’s decision to wed.