Before you dive into the wonderful world of wedding planning, you are likely to want to plan your engagement party.
But don’t be alarmed. Throwing an engagement party can be easy – as long as you plan. Here are our top tips and guide to throwing the ultimate engagement party.
1. Figure out who will host and the venue
Traditionally, the bride’s parents host an engagement party, but nowadays it’s normal for anybody to host – whether that be a best friend or group of friends or family members. Next, you need to decide on the location – this could be a family home, lowkey restaurant or a large hall. Remember, this will set the tone for your wedding too – so have this in mind when picking an engagement party venue. Deciding on a venue will also help you to plan the guest list size, and style of your party, and transportation methods for those nearest and dearest but are further away.
2. Set a Date
Engagement parties may be thrown soon after the proposal, or 6 months before the wedding – it’s completely up to you! Don’t forget to give yourself some time to relish in your newly engaged status before jumping into planning your first party.
3. Determine the Budget
You are going to need to set a budget for your wedding, but don’t forget that it’s also recommended to set a budget for your engagement party too. You’ll want to make sense of what is realistic to spend, which will help to narrow down venue ideas and deciding the number of guests.
4. Decide on Guest List
When creating your guest list for your engagement party you need to keep in mind two things – budget, and the rule that any guest who is invited to your engagement party is also invited to the wedding. If you’re not sure on who you will be inviting to your wedding yet, it’s a good idea to keep your engagement party small.
The Fun Stuff!
5. Send Out Invites
Sending out invites may simply be a quick text or email, or you may send out paper invites with a full design that will match your wedding. Remember to send out your invites with plenty of time for guests to get back to you and arrange transport.
6. Think About Decor
This will depend on your venue, but the likelihood is that you will want to decorate your engagement party venue. This doesn’t have to match the wedding theme that you want to go for, but you can add small touches of decoration – such as flowers or table decoration.
7. Dress the Part
This prestigious occasion deserves a special outfit, so when shopping for something to wear, keep in mind the party setting and venue.
8. Arrange a Photographer
Having a photographer at your engagement party is a great way to capture the moment, and to keep for memories. These are also great to add to your wedding website, which guests can view and will also help to build excitement for the big day.
Whether you plan to have a short engagement, or are planning to have your wedding in 5 years time, and engagement party is a great excuse to get together with friends and family to celebrate. However, don’t let the worry of planning the whole thing scare you, you can also get a wedding planner in for the special day to put your mind at ease.