You got engaged — congratulations! With so many friends and family members wanting to wish you well, why not throw an engagement party where you can see all your loved ones at once? It’s also a great opportunity to introduce your friends and families to each other if they’ve not already met. Are you ready to start planning? Here are some simple tips for throwing the perfect party.
Decide who’s going to host
As a newly engaged couple, you may well be excited to host your engagement party yourselves. Remember, though, that you have a wedding to plan too. If that isn’t a problem, go right ahead! However, you might find that family or friends volunteer to arrange the event for you, or will be willing to do so if you ask them. Tradition states that the bride’s parents host the engagement party, but that doesn’t have to be the case nowadays — just do what feels right.
Pick a date
The date of your engagement party will ideally be shortly after your engagement, and generally guests will expect to receive an invitation around one month before the event. This will also increase the chance of everyone being able to make it on that date. However, if you are already planning on having a long engagement, it is acceptable to be a little more flexible on when you throw your party.
Decide on the guest list
As this celebration is a precursor to your wedding, it is best to only invite people who you intend to invite as guests for your wedding — this avoids any confusion or disappointment further down the line. If someone else is hosting the party on your behalf, supply them with a guest list before they start contacting people.
An engaged couple at their wedding party
Choose the venue
An engagement party can be as formal or informal as you wish, so decide exactly how you’d like to celebrate this occasion; whether that’s through a ceremonious sit-down meal with close friends and family only, or a relaxed summer BBQ at home with everyone you know. If someone is hosting the party for you, let them know your expectations before they begin the planning process.
Arrange the menu
Based on your venue and the vibe you are going for, choosing food options should be fairly simple. If you and your fiancé/e are well known amongst loved ones for cooking a certain cuisine, it would be nice to feature that in your celebration. If not, just match your menu to the venue — whether that means a full meal, nibbles, home-cooked food, or a BBQ.
Send the invites
If you have the time and money and are hosting a seated dinner, printed invitations would add an elegant touch to the event. If you’re having a more laid-back party, opt for e-invites instead. Don’t want to deal with the RSVPs? Ask a friend or family member to send the invites out for you and deal with the responses.
Everyone will want to see ‘the ring’ at your engagement party
Choose your outfits
An engagement party is an opportunity for the bride-to-be to wear white if she wishes. If you don’t feel a full white outfit would be right for you, feel free to opt for pale colours instead or a white floral design. However, you really can wear what you like. The groom-to-be is best dressing both for the occasion, whether formal or casual or somewhere in-between, and also to complement his fiancée’s outfit.
