Congratulations on getting engaged to the love of your life! We’re so happy for you and your partner, but now that the proposal is out of the way, it’s time to consider celebrating your engagement. While you don’t want to make a dent in your budget, your engagement party is a great way to set the tone for your wedding. Here are five easy tips for planning an intimate engagement party.
Pick an Intimate Location
One of the most important decisions when planning an intimate engagement party is where you will host it. You can host your party at home, a restaurant, a beach, or an art gallery. You don’t have to limit yourself to specific locations—the decorations will do the talking. As you decide on a venue, remember that this is the first event before all the other major events like your bridal showers, bridal party brunches, and the actual wedding.
Small Plates or an Extensive Menu?
Whether you have your engagement party at home or at a restaurant, the most important element when planning your party is the menu. Will you opt for an extensive buffet or small plates? You can serve anything you want, from something to snack and sip on to a full five-course meal; your guests will be pleased. Add personalization to the food and drinks by featuring cuisine from memories with your partner, such as your favorite steak spot or sushi rolls from your favorite Japanese restaurant.
Don’t Skip the Decor
To throw a welcoming but intimate engagement party, don’t forget the decor! Your party’s decorations don’t have to be a budget-buster. You only need a few string lights, flowers, clusters of balloons, and chalkboards for photos. Intimate doesn’t have to mean boring; add character and personality to your party. Decorate your tables with candles and floral arrangements with hints of your wedding theme. If you’re hosting in a restaurant, adorn the doorway with a sign bearing your and your partner’s names to signal to your guests where to go. You can also use this as a photo-op area.
Don’t Forget To Plan Day-Of Duties
In recent years, more couples have used videographers, photographers, and event coordinators for their weddings. Although you don’t need to have these professionals at your engagement party, it could help enhance the experience and allow you to document the first of many wedding-related events.
If you don’t want to hire professionals, ask a few trusted family members and friends to take on responsibilities like gift collecting, hosting games, and taking photos and videos. Plan this ahead of time to prevent any confusion or chaos on the day of the party.
Think of Ways To Say Thank You
If you have extra money left in your budget for the engagement party, why not give your guests a parting gift? The engagement party is the first experience in which your family and friends will celebrate your love, and it sets the tone for the following events. Send your loved ones home with personalized thank-you letters, sweet treats, or customized bottle openers to share your appreciation.
Don’t stress over your engagement party. Instead, rely on us to lead you in the right direction. We hope our tips for planning an intimate engagement party make your planning process easier and solidify any concerns or troubles you run into. If planning an engagement party is not in the cards, there are a few alternatives to parties you can do, like picnics or outdoor movie nights. For more tips, check out our other blogs for all things weddings!
