Welcome back to Martini Mondays — except, plot twist, it’s not Monday… and we’re not drinking martinis.
It’s Wednesday. We’re drinking hot buttered rum. And honestly? No regrets.
Because if there’s one thing we stand by around here, it’s that Martini Mondays isn’t about a day of the week — it’s a vibe.
Let’s Start With the Drink 🍹 (Because Priorities)
This week’s drink of choice is hot buttered rum, and if you’ve never had it, consider this your sign.
It’s rich. It’s cozy. It’s wildly indulgent. And yes, it’s basically butter and sugar pretending to be a beverage — but that’s winter.
The recipe is simple:
- A pound of butter
- A full bag of dark brown sugar
- A tablespoon of cinnamon
Whip it together (yes, like you’re baking), store it in the fridge, and when you’re ready, drop a tablespoon into a mug of hot water and add a shot of rum. Add a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy. Drink it by the fire… or without one. Either way, it’s perfection.
Is it 9,000 calories? Probably.
Is it delicious? Absolutely.
Are Engagement Parties… Dead?
This episode got passionate & personal (as they always do), as we got deep in a conversation about engagement parties — and whether they’ve quietly disappeared over the last decade.
Spoiler alert: we kind of think they have.
Back in the day — especially in the ’80s — engagement parties were a thing. Big guest lists. Banquet rooms. Bands. Gifts. Traditions. The whole production. And in many cultures (Greek, Italian, Indian, deeply religious families), they may still be.
In Greek tradition especially, engagement parties often included:
- A priest blessing the couple and the ring
- Jewelry gifted to the bride
- Lingerie (yes, lingerie — we’ll get to that)
Which brings us to…
The Lingerie Tradition (and Why It’s Weird Now)
Historically, lingerie was gifted to symbolize the bride’s transition into marriage and intimacy — part of the French trousseau tradition. Romantic? Maybe. Relevant today? Not really.
Let’s be honest: modern couples are usually living together long before the wedding. The symbolism doesn’t hit the same. Lingerie now feels much more appropriate for a bachelorette party, not something your aunt hands you with a smile.
That tradition? We’re calling it officially retired.
What Engagements Look Like Now
Instead of big formal parties, today’s engagements often look like this:
- A meaningful proposal
- A small group of close family or friends waiting nearby
- A celebratory drink at a bar or restaurant afterward
Intimate. Low-pressure. Fun.
And interestingly, gifts still show up — not because people feel obligated, but because they want to celebrate you. Think:
No registry. No expectations. Just kindness.
Who’s Paying for All This Anyway?
Another big shift? Couples are paying for their own weddings more than ever.
When you’re funding your own wedding, engagement parties quickly fall to the bottom of the priority list — especially when you’re already budgeting for:
- The wedding itself
- Showers
- Bachelor / bachelorette parties
- Rehearsal dinners
It makes sense. If money’s being spent, many couples would rather:
- Take a trip
- Put it toward the wedding
- Keep things simple
If You Do Want an Engagement Party…
It doesn’t have to be massive or expensive. The best options today feel more like:
- A cocktail-style gathering
- Passed apps, drinks, good music
- No formal sit-down dinner
Homes, patios, private dining rooms, brunches, or even a great bar can all work beautifully. Keep it relaxed. Keep it social. Keep it fun.
Because remember — you’re celebrating an engagement, not hosting a wedding before the wedding.
The Real Takeaway
Engagement parties aren’t gone — they’ve just evolved.
They’re smaller. More personal. Less traditional. More reflective of how couples actually live now.
And Martini Mondays?
Also evolved.
It’s not about Monday.
It’s not even about martinis.
It’s about conversation, celebration, opinions, stories, and whatever you happen to be drinking that day — whether that’s a dirty martini, a glass of wine, or hot buttered rum on a Wednesday.
So cheers to doing things your own way.
We’ll talk next week. 🥂
