Engagement parties

[Charlene1]

Does anyone have these any more? Do people spend less/same/more than on a wedding reception?
Is it just confined to celebs/aristocracy?
My cousin (not posh) had one years ago and spent a fortune. Everyone gave them loads of presents. My uncle refused to get them a present as he said that people who had these won't "last" - they split up soon after. I think it was coincidence, but wondered about other people's thoughts - do people have them as a matter of course, or are they seen as a jinx? I had one (definitely not posh!!)and never made it up the aisle, but mine consisted of announcing my engagement in the pub and getting wasted on "disco night".

I think it varies with families. i've never known anyone in my family to have one, although we did take dh's parents out to full-on afternoon tea in a hotel to tell them we were engaged.

i would assume if i gave an engagement present that i wouldn't give a wedding present, but i've never given an engagement present!

seemed very popular within my aunts and uncles. Been to three in my lifetime - all got down the aisle - 2 divorced at 10yrs and 1 still going strong at 22yrs in sept.

my mum sends presents on engagements now - family and close friends only and still buys wedding presents.