An engagement is a wonderful occasion to celebrate a party with family, friends, acquaintances and work colleagues. Below we have valuable tips for the engagement party. Includes a short checklist of what you should consider when planning the celebration.
Why plan an engagement party?
To celebrate the upcoming wedding with family and friends, many future bridal couples are giving an engagement party. It can be a small family celebration in a nice restaurant or a brunch together. But a big party including friends, colleagues and acquaintances is of course also possible. If you have decided on an engagement party, this – like the wedding – must be planned carefully. We have summarized the 10 most important tips for the engagement party for you.
10 valuable tips for the engagement party
Time
The engagement party should take place as early as possible after the wedding proposal – but no later than 8 weeks after the engagement has been announced. You should not delay the date of the celebration too long, because the big wedding party is getting closer and closer and wants to be planned in peace.
guest list
An engagement party often takes place in a smaller group: family, closest friends and groomsmen are usually present at a party. If your families don’t know each other yet, you should definitely invite all family members (parents and siblings). If you want a wedding in a rather smaller setting, you can also make a larger party out of the engagement party.
Invitation
The invitation to the engagement party is often given in person or by phone. Of course you can also have printed invitations created. In our blog post “Ideas for Wedding Invitations” we have put together some beautiful examples that are also suitable for an engagement party. If your guests arrive from abroad and need a hotel, you should also clarify this when you invite and reserve hotel rooms in advance. You should record all confirmations and cancellations in an electronic guest list. You can find a template for this in our download area.
Location
The location is of course primarily dependent on the size of the engagement party and your budget. Ideas for the location are:
- Cozy brunch with the family in a nice restaurant
- Chic food with family and friends
- Garden party in your own house
- Big engagement party in a beautiful ballroom
- Engagement party in a restaurant in a separate area
- Engagement party on the terrace of a restaurant with a view of the city
- Celebrate with a wine tavern or winegrower in a cozy setting
Eat
At a celebration in the restaurant you can choose between three options: a pre-selected menu, an organized buffet or ordering à la carte. With a menu or buffet, of course, the costs can be better estimated. At an engagement party at home, your guests can also contribute something to the meal and take salads, desserts, starters etc. with them. If you like it less stressful, organize a catering service for the party at home.
Beverages
The planning of the drinks is of course closely related to your location or the food. Basically, it can be said that it can be a little more festive – after all, it is an engagement party. So you should definitely toast your engagement with sparkling wine or champagne. A great idea if you are celebrating in a restaurant: Let the bartender create your own cocktail to celebrate your big day.
Table decoration
The table decoration should of course not be missing at any party – whether it’s a birthday, wedding or engagement. It is particularly nice if you already match the decoration to the theme of the wedding. Place cards should definitely not be missing. In our article “Table decoration for the wedding” you will find nice suggestions around the decoration, which you can also implement for an engagement party.
Procedure
You can freely design the schedule or the program of an engagement party. There is often a short speech by the groom or the groomsmen. The bride’s father can also say a few words and officially announce the engagement.
Music
Whether live music, DJ or playlist from a USB stick: anything is possible with the music at the engagement party. It is important that you provide entertainment and music all evening and adapt the musical accompaniment to the celebration or the location. If you want to play a live band at the engagement party, you must of course inquire in advance whether your desired date is still free.
Games
Games are also possible at the engagement party. The game “How well do you know bride and groom?” Is particularly popular. All you need is paper, pens and a few smaller prices. Creates a list of around 20 questions about the bride or groom. Questions could e.g. be: “What is the bride’s favorite song?”, “What does the groom like to eat most?”, “When was the first kiss?”, “Where did the first date take place?” etc. The bride and groom naturally answered these questions in Ahead, so that the right answers can be found. At the celebration, someone reads the questions aloud and the guests write down the answers. At the end all answers will be announced. The guest with the most correct answers wins a small prize.
Announce engagement: but how?
Looking for more tips for the engagement party? Or have you got engaged and don’t really want to organize an engagement party? You can search for related articles online for more tips and ideas.
Wedding planning checklist
After the engagement party is before planning the wedding. What are the first big steps to consider when planning a wedding? We have put together a comprehensive checklist for you.
