Hi all! : )
I live in Pennsylvania and I'd say about half the engaged couples I know have Engagement Parties. I'd really, really like to have one (just a small low key thing) since my fiance and I aren't getting married for awhile. My mother and I talked about it and she's totally on board (she'd never heard of one, since it's a fairly new tradition, but I've been to a few and thought they were nice). We are planning something at her home or possibly at a small hall. We're planning on keeping things cheap (pasta bar we make ourselves,homemade mason jar favors, etc.) I'm footing a good portion of the (very small) bill myself with my fiance. So... what's the problem?
That's what I'm wondering! Some of my family, one of my aunts and her daughters in particular, are making me feel really bad about it. Every time the party is mentioned, they wrinkle their noses and say "What is that?" or "Do you really NEED that?" I know they don't really realize they're being rude, but they've started to make me feel guilty. I think they think I'm trying to gift gauge or shower myself with attention (Even though I've explained to them repeatedly Engagement parties aren't traditionally gift giving events). I think a lot of their comments are fueled by envy, since I'm the youngest of all the grandchildren in the family but I'm the first to be married. I know their comments may seem small and inconsequential, and in reality they are, but I still don't know how to take their comments.
I guess I'm really just looking for people's opinions on Engagement parties. Is it normal to have one? Are they "too much"? And what would you guys say is a good response to my aunt and her family's somewhat rude comments in a way that will let them know it's none of their business while still being nice?
Thanks!