A blog about engagement parties and how they can help with your wedding.
Your engagement party is a great time to get your wedding guests excited about the upcoming nuptials. It's also a good opportunity for you to introduce those wedding guests who may not know each other to one another, in a more informal setting. An engagement party is also a great way to get the ball rolling on your wedding planning as you can talk about details with guests and sample potential catering options or drinks.
I've been to plenty of engagement parties, but I've never thrown my own. I'm engaged now, though, and I'm determined to throw my own engagement party because I think doing so will help me get my wedding together. After all, it will be nice to have an event where the people closest to me can come together, even if they can't make it to the wedding.
Plus, according to our experts at The Knot All-In-One Wedding Planner app, engaged couples sometimes feel like they don't need an engagement party because they're already planning a wedding. However, it's important for couples to host an engagement party because it helps with the stress of planning your big day!
"By having an engagement party early on in your planning process, you can start spreading word of your big day while having some fun," said Lauren Kay, deputy editor of The Knot. "You'll also be able to test out your DIY skills by creating decorations, centerpieces and more."
"Engagement parties are a great way for parents and families to get involved in the wedding planning process," said Allison Silber, creative director of The Perfect Palette. "Parents and family members might offer their homes as venues or even donate their time to help plan the party."
If you're thinking about hosting an engagement party for yourself or for a loved one who recently got engaged.
Here are some ideas that will help you plan an unforgettable event.
Create an event hashtag
One of the easiest ways to personalize an engagement party is by creating a unique hashtag that incorporates both partners' names.
If you're hosting your own engagement party, you could even make hashtags for each partner individually as well as one for when they're together.
This will not only be fun for your guests, but it will also give you and the couple a great way to look back on the photos from the party later on.
Send out stylish invitations
Invitations are important because they give guests their first glimpse of the celebration and set the tone for the whole event.
You can pick out beautiful invitations online or in stores that match the theme of your gathering.
Whether it's a formal affair or something more casual, there are many options to choose from. You can also create personalized invitations using a design tool online or on your computer, which will make them all the more special.
Who Should You Invite?
The guest list for an engagement party is typically more inclusive than it will be for your wedding. While only close family and friends might make the final invitation list, you're free to invite distant relatives, coworkers, casual acquaintances, etc., to your engagement party.
When Should You Have Your Party?
Most couples opt to have their engagement party in the spring or summer months since these tend to be warmer weather months and are popular times for weddings. If you're planning on having lots of guests travel in from out of town, you may want to consider having your party after your wedding date has been set so that those who will be attending both events can plan accordingly.
Where Should You Have Your Party?
It's the ultimate question: When it comes to your engagement party, should you have it at home or at a venue? While neither option is right or wrong, there are some things to consider that may help make the decision easier.
Here are some questions to ask yourself:
Is your house big enough?
Do you have enough space for a number of guests? Would they all be able to sit down comfortably, or would you have to rethink your guest list? If you're going to have people over and still want them to feel free and comfortable in your space, don't invite more people than you can actually fit in your house. This is especially important if you're having an intimate party with just close friends and family.
Are you okay with cleaning up afterward?
If you decide to have the party at home, are you prepared for the aftermath? Are you okay with cleaning up after the event? No matter who's cleaning up — whether it's hosts, caterers, or guests — someone will be left with this task. If this thought makes you cringe, then perhaps an off-site venue is better for you and your significant other.
What kind of mood do you want for the event?
Is there a certain environment or aesthetic that you're going for? Do you want something formal and elegant, or are you more interested in a fun backyard party vibe? You might not be able to find a single location that gives you everything that you're looking for, so prioritize what matters most to you. For example, if good food is your top priority, look into having the wedding at a restaurant or hotel that has an in-house catering service. Or if the ambiance is important to you, pick a venue based on its views and landscape.
The engagement party is a fun, informal way to celebrate your engagement. You can make it as simple or elaborate as you want. If you want to keep the party low-key, throw a casual barbeque in your backyard or invite your closest friends over to a restaurant. If you're looking for something more formal, throw a sit-down dinner at a restaurant or hotel.
If you're having an engagement party, don't be afraid to think outside the box.