DEAR MISS MANNERS: When is the appropriate time frame after a proposal to throw an engagement party?
GENTLE READER: An increasing number of gentlemen seem to think that the proposal itself should be a surprise party and make it as public as possible, rather than a private moment for the couple.
That nullifies the traditional intent of the engagement party, which is to announce an engagement. (Yes, really -- no matter how many people believe its purpose is to open a fund-raising season.)
But Miss Manners has long since lost that battle, with every step of the courtship now posted on social media. She would at least request that it be held closer to the proposal than to the wedding.
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)