Congratulations on your engagement! If it was a Christmas, New Year or Valentines proposal that swept you off your feet, chances are you’ll now be thinking a little more seriously about the business of wedding planning. Before you rush head first into organising your special day, however, it is important to enjoy that just engaged feeling. One way many couples choose to do just that is by throwing an engagement party.
Whether you intend to enjoy a short or long engagement, the benefits of hosting an engagement party are many. In addition to helping you mark this very special occasion and of course show off your beautifu lengagement ring, an engagement party offers the opportunity to introduce all your loved ones, including family members and friends.
For prospective VIPs like bridesmaids and groomsmen, attending the engagement party of that special couple in their life unlocks yet more advantages as Inside Weddings details:
“Chances are, you and your sweetheart already have a few bridesmaids and groomsmen in mind. Of course, your siblings, college roommates, and high school friends may not know each other well (or at all) and an engagement party is a fun, comfortable way to introduce everyone and solidify new friendships.”
Are you set on hosting an engagement party? Here’s how to plan the perfect shindig to celebrate your recent betrothal.
Take planning seriously
Hosting an engagement party offers the perfect opportunity to practise for the big event – organising your wedding – so really throw yourself into planning. You should begin your mission by shortlisting suitable venues for your engagement party for a date that works for you, your partner and all the loved ones that you can’t possibly celebrate without.
Most couples choose to throw an engagement party within a few months of the proposal. Traditionally, you’ll also decide on a host, which could be you and your new fiancé, your siblings, your best friends or your parents.
Get started with the guest list
Before you can officially secure your engagement party venue, you should decipher how many people you’ll need to cater for. Devising a guest list (even if it offers just a rough idea of who’ll be attending) is therefore one task to tackle during the early stages of planning.
From here, you can select a venue that suits your requirements and budget, and research additional vendors, such as caterers and entertainment, that will help you enjoy the party you have in mind.
Send out those invites
Whilst many couples choose to forgo formal invitations, sending some form of invite or save the date at least one month before is certainly recommended. With most engagement parties working on tighter timeframes than the average special occasion, adding an RSVP date to your invites is a must.
Finalise the finer details
Once those RSVPs are in, you can finalise the details that will make your engagement party the memorable, magical occasion it should be.
Take menu planning up a notch, invest in decorations (not forgetting to consider lighting), confirm your entertainment, finish your engagement gift registry, and pick an ensemble that transforms you into the blushing bride-to-be.
