Throwing an engagement party is the perfect way to celebrate the exciting news of your upcoming wedding with your nearest and dearest. Whether you envision a formal dinner, a glamorous party or a casual gathering, this guide will walk you through the essentials of engagement party planning.
When should I throw an engagement party?
The perfect time to throw an engagement party is two to three months after the proposal. This allows you enough time to enjoy time together as a newly engaged couple before you jump into making plans. Within three months, the news is still fresh, but you will have enough time to complete your engagement party planning and give your guests enough notice to keep the date free. If your wedding is on a tighter timeline, you might want to plan it sooner. Equally, if you expect a long engagement period, you might plan your party three to four months after the proposal.
Additionally, you may wish to book your wedding venue before you throw the engagement party, so you can let your guests know the date of the big day at the event. This is Guides for Brides' wedding planning expert, Nikita's, top tip...
How do we budget for the engagement party?
It's important to decide who will host the party and pay for it. In traditional engagement party etiquette, it is the bride's parents who take responsibility for footing the bill, but today it's more common for the couple to host the party themselves. When planning your budget, decide whether pre-wedding events will be included as part of your overall wedding budget or managed separately.
Set clear expectations for costs before you start planning your event, including the venue, food, and entertainment. This will help you work out where to host and how to celebrate. Keeping the budget in check will ensure this celebration doesn't detract from your wedding plans. Don't forget to set some funds aside for a few, fun engagement party decor pieces as well!
Who should we invite to our engagement party?
The golden rule for the engagement party guest list is to invite people you intend to invite to the wedding. You don't need to extend the invitation to every person that you hope will attend the wedding, but it would be considered poor etiquette to invite someone to an engagement party if you aren't planning on inviting them to the wedding later down the line. Since this event marks the first celebration of your journey into marriage, you should keep your guest list intimate and intentional.
Where should we host our engagement party?
Finding the perfect venue is about balancing the date, guest numbers, and the right atmosphere. Start by selecting dates that work for you and key guests. Determine whether you want a formal or relaxed setting and finalise your guest list to give you an idea of costs and venue capacity. Once you have these details sorted, research venues that suit your style and can accommodate your guest list, whether that's a private dining room, an event space, a family garden or a trendy rooftop bar.
How do we announce our engagement party?
Once you have narrowed down your guest numbers and found a venue, you can start to think about the engagement party announcement. Choose a style of invitation that suits the tone of the event. For a formal dinner or black-tie party, you might send elegant printed invitations, while for a casual garden gathering might call for digital invites. Matching your invitations to the vibe of the event gives guests an idea of what to expect and sets the tone for your party.
Does my engagement party need a theme?
Having a theme for your engagement party can tie the entire event together. Whether you opt for a contemporary black-and-white affair, a Great Gatsby theme or a bohemian chic summer party, the theme can guide choices for decorations, music and food. Choose engagement party ideas that feel authentic to you, and remember it doesn't have to be overly elaborate to make an impact.
What should I wear to my engagement party?
Choosing what to wear is a key part of engagement party planning. Your outfit should be in keeping with the party's level of formality. For a formal dinner, you might consider cocktail attire or a chic evening dress. If your party is more relaxed, something comfortable yet polished would work well. If you are the bride, decide whether you want to step out in white, setting the tone for all formal events around your wedding. You can even wear a sash or bride accessories if you wanted... It's your party! Just make sure you communicate dress code expectations to guests ahead of time to ensure everyone is on the same page.
Your Engagement Party Planning Checklist
Now you know what is needed for your engagement party, you can use our engagement party planning checklist to help you stay organised and plan the event with ease.
How to plan an engagement party
A checklist to help you plan your engagement party effectively.
1.
Put together your guest list
These should be people that are going to be invited to your wedding and that you want to celebrate the news of your upcoming nuptials with.
2.
Work out your budget
Decide how much you want to spend and what is most important to you both about this celebration.
3.
Select a party venue
Whether you are planning to have the celebrations at home, a private dining space or at a village hall, it's important that the venue you select works with both your budget and your guest list.
4.
Plan the food and drink
At the same time you are considering your venue, you should consider yours and your guests' needs for catering and drinks. This will help you narrow down the venue choices too!
5.
Invite your engagement party guests
Once you have a venue and date for the event, send out your engagement party invites to guests and keep track of who will be attending.
6.
Choose themes and decorations
Decorate your engagement party venue exactly as you want it. Whether you're keeping things simple or going all out on themed decor, the focus should be on celebrating your love and personalities.
7.
Choose your outfit
Decide what you are going to wear to your engagement party. This is where know if you will be having a theme in advance is crucial.
8.
Bonus: Prepare your wedding save the dates
If you can, booking your wedding venue and securing your wedding date before the engagement party is a great way to announce when the wedding will be and save on postage for sending out save the dates!
