An engagement party is a momentous occasion. It marks the official start of your journey towards marriage and provides an opportunity to celebrate your love with family and friends. However, planning an engagement party can sometimes feel overwhelming. To help ensure your special day goes off without a hitch, here’s a detailed checklist of everything you need to prepare.
1. Set a Date and Time
The first item on your engagement party checklist is deciding on a date and time. Keep in mind that you should aim to host the party within a few months of your engagement. It doesn’t have to be immediately after the proposal, but it’s important to hold the event while the excitement is still fresh.
Consider the schedules of key guests such as immediate family and close friends. Whether you plan a brunch, an afternoon gathering, or a formal evening affair, picking a time that works for the majority of guests will increase attendance and make for a smoother event.
2. Choose a Venue
Your engagement party venue can range from a casual backyard BBQ to a formal ballroom, depending on the vibe you want to create. Think about the theme and style of your party before choosing a venue. If you’re going for an intimate celebration, hosting at home or in a cozy restaurant might be ideal. If you’re expecting a larger guest list, consider renting a venue like a banquet hall or garden.
Make sure the location is convenient for most of your guests. If many will be traveling from out of town, choosing a venue near hotels or transportation hubs can make it easier for them.
3. Create a Guest List
Next, you’ll need to decide who to invite. Traditionally, the engagement party guest list is smaller than the wedding guest list. It’s typically made up of close family and friends, but the size depends on your personal preferences.
As you’re making the list, consider the tone of the event. If it’s a laid-back celebration, inviting only your closest circle might make sense. For more formal events, you might want to expand the guest list slightly to include extended family or work colleagues.
4. Send Invitations
Once the guest list is finalised, it’s time to send out invitations. You can go the traditional route with mailed invitations or opt for digital invites, which are faster and easier to manage.
Ensure the invitations match the tone and theme of your engagement party. Include all the important details like the date, time, location, and RSVP instructions. Make sure to send the invitations at least a month before the event to give guests ample time to RSVP and make arrangements.
5. Plan the Menu
Food and drinks are key elements of any celebration. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, cocktail hour, or dinner, make sure the menu aligns with the time of day and the vibe of the party.
For a casual backyard party, a BBQ or potluck may work well, while a more formal event might call for catered hors d’oeuvres or a plated meal. Don’t forget to consider any dietary restrictions or preferences when planning your menu.
As for drinks, offering a signature cocktail along with beer, wine, and non-alcoholic options is a great way to elevate the celebration. You might even tie the cocktail into the theme of the party, such as a bubbly champagne mix for a more refined event.
6. Pick a Theme or Colour Scheme
Choosing a theme or colour scheme can help you streamline the rest of the planning process. Whether it’s a vintage-style garden party, a modern chic event, or a tropical luau, a clear theme allows you to coordinate decorations, invitations, and even your outfits.
If you don’t want a specific theme, a cohesive colour scheme can work just as well. Think about incorporating the colours you plan to use for your wedding, or simply choose colours that you and your partner love.
7. Order Decorations
Decorations are what set the mood for your engagement party. Once you’ve chosen a theme or color scheme, you can begin selecting decorations. From table centerpieces to string lights, the options are endless.
Consider incorporating personal touches, such as photos of you and your partner, or custom-made signs with your engagement date. Flowers are always a popular choice, and they can add a beautiful, romantic atmosphere to any venue. For a more relaxed event, fairy lights and candles might be all you need to create a warm and inviting ambiance.
8. Choose Your Outfits
For an engagement party, you’ll want to choose outfits that reflect the formality of the event while making you feel confident. The bride-to-be often opts for a white or pastel-colored outfit, while the groom can choose a suit, blazer, or smart casual attire depending on the tone of the event.
Make sure your outfit complements the setting and theme. If you’re hosting a beachside party, lightweight, breezy clothing might be best, while a formal evening event could call for a more polished look.
9. Plan Activities or Entertainment
While the main focus of an engagement party is celebrating your upcoming marriage, adding some light entertainment can keep the event fun and memorable. If you have a larger guest list, consider hiring a DJ or live band to provide background music.
For smaller, more intimate gatherings, a curated playlist may suffice. You could also include activities like games, speeches, or a slideshow of your relationship journey to engage your guests and add some personal touches to the celebration.
10. Set Up a Gift Table
Although engagement party gifts aren’t always expected, it’s a good idea to set up a table for those who choose to bring presents. You can also create a small sign thanking your guests for their generosity, or leave a guestbook where people can write messages of support and congratulations.
If you have already picked out your wedding registry, you can mention it in the invitation or share the details upon request. This will help guide guests who want to give a more meaningful or useful gift.
11. Consider Photography
You’ll want to remember this special day for years to come, so consider hiring a photographer to capture candid moments and posed photos. If you’re working with a limited budget, you could also designate a friend or family member to be the photographer for the day.
Another fun option is setting up a photo booth with props that match your theme. Guests can take home instant photo prints as keepsakes, and you’ll end up with plenty of great memories from the event.
12. Decide on Party Favors
Sending your guests home with a small token of appreciation is a thoughtful way to thank them for celebrating with you. Party favors can be simple and inexpensive, such as personalized cookies, candles, or small plants.
Try to pick something that ties into your theme or reflects you as a couple. If you’re a foodie duo, for example, you might give mini jars of homemade jam or a favorite spice blend.
13. Showcase Your Engagement Rings
Your engagement rings are the star of the show, and you’ll want to make sure they’re front and center. If you haven’t already chosen your rings, consider opting for custom made engagement rings that truly reflect your style and relationship. Having unique, personalized rings will make the occasion even more special. Choosing special engagement rings are a great way to showcase your individuality and create lasting memories.
14. Finalise the Day-Of Logistics
A few days before the party, go over the logistics to ensure everything runs smoothly. Confirm the venue, catering, and entertainment details, and check in with any vendors or helpers. Create a timeline for the event, from guest arrivals to any planned speeches or activities.
Having a clear plan in place will minimize stress on the day of the event, allowing you to relax and fully enjoy the celebration.
Planning your engagement party is an exciting time and a chance to kick off your wedding journey with style. By following this checklist, you can stay organized and ensure every detail is taken care of. Whether it’s choosing a venue, organizing decorations, or picking engagement rings, preparation is key to making your engagement party a memorable experience.
This is a collaborative post
