[stevenking86]

This is exactly right. My wife worked in the wedding industry for a long time and so she was aware of this when we finally decided to tie the knot. For each vendor we spoke with we only told them we were having an engagement party. We got the prices and then later revealed that this was for a wedding. We advise all of our friends that are getting married to do the same. You can save a decent chunk of change.

[qzw]

I have no doubt this works, but if the majority of couples did as you suggest, I imagine the cost of "engagement parties" will rise to something similar to weddings.

[travisjungroth]

There are lots of ways to save money if you're okay with lying.

[AlexTWithBeard]

You live with wolves, you howl like one.