It’s Party Time – Engagement Party

It’s official, you’re engaged! Now it’s time to share your excitement and happiness with those you care about most. So before you get knee-deep in planning a wedding, you want to throw an engagement party that will be the talk of the town. Engagement parties generally take place 1-4 months following the proposal, depending on how long the engagement period will be. If the wedding date is a year or more in the future, 3-4 months is ideal. But if the wedding will take place in less than a year, throw the party within a month or two. There are tons of party options to consider from formal to relaxed, expensive to practical. You want your party to truly be a reflection of you and your fiance, no matter who is hosting.
For the relaxed or outdoorsy couple, a backyard bbq or park picnic (weather permitting) is a great engagement party option. If money is tight, ask guests to bring their favorite dish potluck style. Tables can be decorated simply with balloons, streamers, or printed tablecloths. If there will be kids in attendance, have simple yard games to play. During cold or rainy months, check out local restaurants. Many restaurants have banquet rooms that can be reserved for special occasions. Find out beforehand if decorations or outside food are allowed.
But if the couple is more reserved or conservative, simplicity and elegance are key. A semi-formal party held in a hotel or on a large estate is a perfect option. Decide catering dish options and have custom menus printed that include the name of the couple and the important details of the wedding at the top. Keep décor simple and sophisticated. Flowers and candles are great table centerpiece ideas. If all guests are over 21, consider an evening cocktail party or wine tasting.
For the artistic couple who thinks outside the box and prefers to go against the grain, consider a themed party. Having a theme doesn’t mean there is a costume requirement, but costumes are a fun way to add to the light-hearted party atmosphere. And prizes can be awarded for the best costumes. If the engaged couple knows where they are going for their honeymoon, have a party centered on that – a beach theme for those traveling to beach destinations, a Paris theme for those headed to Europe, etc. Themed parties can be held at almost any location, depending on budget and time of year.
Once you’ve decided a theme, venue and date, it’s time to send out event invitations. If you’ve had an engagement photo shoot done, add your favorite photo to the invite. Be sure to send them out a few weeks before the party, so that guests can plan ahead. There are a few additional considerations to be made during the planning phases to ensure everything at the party runs smoothly. Generally everyone who is invited to the engagement party will be invited to the wedding. So be sure to make your guest list for the engagement party with that in mind, that way no one ends up with hurt feelings when it’s time for the wedding. Whoever hosts the party should be prepared to give a toast thanking party guests and offering well wishes for the happy couple.
The wedding planning will likely bring on more than enough stress, so be sure not to stress too much about the engagement party. It should be an enjoyable celebration, not something that is dreaded. The engaged couple should be the center of the party, regardless of the location or type of party. Make it a day that will be forever remembered with many fond memories.