Getting engaged is a special and exciting time in a couple’s life, and celebrating this milestone with an engagement party is a great way to share the joy with friends and family. Whether you are an engaged couple or a loved one looking to plan the perfect celebration, throwing an engagement party requires careful planning and preparation.
This article will cover everything you need to know to organise an outstanding engagement party from sending out engagement invitations to deciding on decoration.
Planning and Preparation
Engagement parties are traditionally held within a few months of the proposal, but there is no hard and fast rule. You should also consider the availability of the couple and their guests when choosing a date.
Once you have a date, it’s time to start planning the party. Decide on a budget and start brainstorming ideas for the party. Will it be a formal affair or a more casual gathering? Will it be a daytime or evening event? What kind of theme, if any, do you want to incorporate? Make a tabulation of everything you need to get done and when they need to be addressed to stay organised.
Guest List and Invitations
The guest list should include the engaged couple’s close family members and friends and anyone else they would like to celebrate with. Remember that this is a celebration of the engagement, not the wedding, so keeping the guest list relatively small is okay.
Once you have your guest list tally, it’s time to send out the engagement invitations. Ensure to include all the essential details, such as the date, time, location, dress code (if any), and other special instructions.
Venue and Decorations
A backyard or living room can be an excellent option for a casual gathering, while a restaurant or event space may be better for a more significant, formal affair. Remember to consider the weather and season when choosing a venue.
Once you have a venue, it’s time to think about decorations. The decor should reflect the couple’s personality and style. Flowers, balloons, and streamers can all add a festive touch to the party. Remember to decorate the entrance and other areas where guests will spend time.
Food and Drinks
The type of food you serve will depend on the time of day and the style of the party. A brunch or afternoon tea party may include finger sandwiches, pastries, and tea, while a dinner party may include a full meal.
Consider serving a signature cocktail or mocktail that reflects the couple’s drink tastes. Wine and beer are also good options, but make sure to have non-alcoholic options.
Entertainment and Activities
While the party focuses on the engaged couple, it’s important to keep guests entertained and engaged. Consider hiring a DJ or band to provide music or set up a playlist of the couple’s favourite songs. You could also plan fun activities, such as a photo booth or trivia game.
Etiquette and Gift Giving
As the host, you must ensure that guests feel comfortable and welcomed. Make sure to introduce guests to each other, and encourage everyone to mingle and socialise.
When it comes to gift giving, it’s customary for guests to bring a small gift to the engagement party. This can be simple as a bottle of wine or a bouquet. Bringing a big or expensive gift is unnecessary, as the engagement party is just the beginning of the wedding celebrations.
Conclusion
Throwing an engagement party is a fun and exciting way to celebrate the start of a couple’s journey towards marriage. By following these tips and guidelines, you can ensure that the party succeeds and that everyone has a great time. Remember to stay organised, considerate of your guests, and, most importantly, have fun!
