You’re engagement. Now what? The celebrations begin, with loved ones congratulating you and asking when the wedding is and whether you’ll have a sit-down meal. It’s a lot to think about, but before you even consider the wedding, you have to plan a beautiful engagement party.
How do you and your S.O. even start the planning process, though?
Decide who is the host
Traditionally, it is the bride’s parents who host the engagement party. There is no hard-and-fast rule, however, so if you and your S.O. want to host your own party, feel free to do just that. Speak to your families and be clear as to who is hosting the celebration.
Pick a date
Be sure to choose date that works for those you definitely want to attend. Remember that an engagement party is to happen shortly after the proposal.
The guest list
Sit down with your partner and create a rough list of who is to attend – typically, those who are invited to the engagement party will be invited to the wedding, so if someone else is hosting the party on your behalf, you will need them to run the guest list past you before they send out the invites.
If you are unsure about whether you want certain people to attend your wedding, keep the engagement party intimate.
Select a venue
Your engagement party can be big or small, informal, or formal. The choice is yours. There are many venue types to consider, from a cute country house to a lavish hotel or even a backyard that is beautifully done up and decorated.
Decide on the food or drink
You will want to serve some sort of food, whether it be finger food or a proper sit-down meal. Be sure to ask for dietary requirements. For drink, bringing in a bartender from a company like Event Bartenders can add flair to your party.
Send out the invites
Allow plenty of time so that more people can attend. This also means people with children can sort out arrangements if kids are not allowed. Your invite should include the date, time, location, dress code, and any useful, additional information.
Register for gifts
While gifts are not expected, if a guest wishes to give you one, having a gift registry already set up for your wedding can be the best way to point out what you and are partner would like. Gifts should not be too pricy, and if you do not want gifts at all, add this to the invite.
Set the scene
Decorate the venue to your taste. You should have a color theme (one that may be the same for your wedding), floral details, and if it is a romantic, evening affair, some candles.
Decide on what to wear
The bride to be may wish to wear white, and if this is the case, put a note on the invite asking others not to wear the same color as you – this is your day, so it is within your right to feel as special as you want.
Remember to dress appropriately for the party’s surroundings and environment. If it is warm and you are outside, then a sundress would be more suited. If you are hosting a more formal event, an evening dress should be your go-to.