While engagement parties are by no means necessary, they’re a brilliant way to get all your friends and family together, show off that gorgeous sapphire engagement ring, and start off celebrations so you can tell everyone of your engagement. It’s the best time to share your happiness with your family and friends without being burdened by the stresses of planning a wedding.
Not sure where to begin and what to include in your upcoming party? We’ll help you with a few suggestions on what every memorable engagement party needs:
1. Perfect timing
You don’t need to rush and plan your engagement party straight away. Enjoy your moments as a newly-engaged couple and take a few weeks before you start getting caught up in the party planning. Most engagement celebrations happen between 2 and 4 months after the proposal, depending on your desired wedding date.
2. Ideal host
It’s a tradition for the bride’s parents to host the party, but there’s no set rule and anyone can be the party host. Today, it’s more common for the engaged couple to host the event as it isn’t generally considered good etiquette to ask the maid of honor or best man, especially if they’re responsible for other celebrations leading up to the big wedding day.
3. Established Budget
There are no fixed rules to an engagement party budget as it all depends on the size and formality of the event. However, it’s still ideal to have a set budget right from the start, taking into account all aspects of the party—including food and drinks, invitations, entertainment, decor, engagement party favors, etc.
4. Guest Checklist
Engagement celebrations are usually intimate affairs between friends and family. Also, it’s considered inappropriate to invite people you’re not planning on inviting to the actual wedding. For the initial engagement party, it isn’t necessary to include acquaintances or work colleagues on the guest list. However, you do have the option of throwing an additional party for people outside of your intimate circle.
5. Suitable venue
Once you’ve established the size of your checklist and range of your budget, you’ll have a better idea of where you should hold the party. Also, depending on the formality of the party, there are various options for a venue, such as a restaurant, pub, favorite bar, beach, park, or even your parents’ backyard,
6. Gift registry
Even though gifts aren’t usually expected at engagement parties, it might be a good idea to have a gift registry prepared so guests have an easier time selecting gifts you are sure to appreciate. If, however, you and your partner decide that you don’t want gifts, just include a small note on the invitations that say so.
7. Good photographer
Capturing memories of your engagement celebration isn’t just fun, it’s also very important. And some couples prefer to hire a professional photographer for the momentous occasion. If you’re considering getting a photographer, it’s best to get to know them and their photography style before the big day.
8. Appropriate outfits
As with any other event, your outfit will depend on the context of the party. If you’re going with a photographer for the party, you might consider wearing something special. In any case, keep it simple enough that you don’t outdo your wedding look.
9. Food and drinks
No matter where you decide to host the party, think about how you’re going to cater to all of your guests. While engagement parties are more about drinks and toasting, having food options is a must. Pubs, bars, and restaurants should be able to provide several different options for you. However, if you’re hosting the engagement party at home, you might consider preparing finger food and buffets.
Having a Memorable Engagement Party can be a Breeze
Planning your engagement party can be fun, especially because it may help you come up with even better ideas for your big wedding event. No matter if you plan to have a big party or a small one, formal or informal, don’t forget that this isn’t the wedding party yet, so take it easy and don’t forget to enjoy yourself while organizing the event.
