An engagement party is one of the most special events in a couple’s life. It marks the beginning of a beautiful journey and allows family and friends to celebrate with the couple. Today, anyone can host the event, whether it’s the couple, a friend, a family member, or the bride’s family, as tradition had it. But whichever party you are having one thing that you have to do is ensure that the event is special, as the memories will last a lifetime. If you are in the planning phase and want to plan the perfect engagement party, we’ll guide you through some of the most important aspects of the party.
Set the Budget & Select the Venue
These are the two things that will lay the groundwork for you. There are lots of expenses that you will incur, so start by getting organised and setting the budget. Divide all aspects of the party and allocate a number to each. You can then factor in additional expenses and how far you can stretch the budget.
From there, the next important part is selecting the venue. Here, you are not limited as there are lots of venues for engagement party that you can opt for, from multi-purpose spaces to beach fronts. However, ensure that it resonates with the style of the couple and it can accommodate your guests comfortably. Note that the venue will affect lots of other aspects of the party, especially the theme and décor.
Choose the Theme & Décor
Now that you have a venue, the next thing is to use it to create the tone and ambience you want. To get started, choose the formality you want to go with, then select the theme. This should be something that resonates with the couple’s personalities or their interests. It’s the theme and ambience you select that you’ll then use to come up with the dress code.
From there, you can unleash your creativity with the lighting and décor. There are lots of aspects that go here, so you can also engage someone to help you with the colours, floral arrangements, table settings, etc. But one thing that you shouldn’t forget is a personal touch to complement the décor. This can be through things such as photo collages, mementoes, or signage that reflects the couple’s journey.
Craft the Guest List and Invitations
You want to ensure that the people who are important in the couple’s life are in the event. These include friends, family members, colleagues, mentors, etc. However, you will have to draw a line between being inclusive and having an intimate gathering. You can’t invite everybody to an engagement party, so stick to the inner circle.
From there, you can come up with the invitations. The design should reflect the anticipated ambience of the event. If you don’t want to go the traditional way of invitations, feel free to design digital ones. After all, they’ll be easier to send and for the guests to RSVP. Ensure that you give the guests ample time to mark their calendars.
Plan for the Menu
Food is always one of the most memorable parts of an event, so ensure you go all out. Offer a range of culinary delights, starting with some hors d’oeuvres and appetizers. There’s then the main course, which can go according to your preferences. However, ensure you take into consideration dietary restrictions and any potential allergies. You can then share a cake or have some assorted treats.
While at it, don’t forget to factor in the beverages. You can have a selection that ranges from non-alcoholic options to wines, signature cocktails, and a champagne toast.
Don’t Forget About Entertainment and Activities
An engagement party is simply about celebrating love. And since it’s a celebration, you should have entertainment that will help keep your guests engaged, entertained, and in a festive atmosphere. Music to set the mood and energy will go a long way. But besides that, include some engagement party games that will help your guests interact. You can also have some surprises, such as an unexpected performance or act. All these will ensure that you and your guests have a great time and create lasting memories.