Tips for Planning an Engagement Party

The wedding planning process is really fun. But it can also feel overwhelming and stressful at times. However, all the “other” festivities that surround the wedding, from the engagement party to the bachelor/bachelorette parties, are what many couples get really excited about planning. There are generally fewer logistics and they feel more casual, like a gathering with friends, versus a huge soiree. But hey, if you want a huge engagement party, by all means, go for it. You won’t get any judgment here!

The engagement party is generally pretty high on a couple’s list, as it’s the “official announcement” (off of social media) that tells your friends + family that you’ve said yes and are planning a wedding!

Your engagement party is completely optional and can be as large or as intimate as you’d like it to be.

I’ll be the first to admit, there are quite a few engagement party planning tips that are similar to planning a wedding – but there are a couple that a just a touch different!

Here are my top tips for planning an engagement party:

• Decide on a theme/style
• Decide who is paying – traditionally this is the “bride’s” parents, but more couples are opting to do this themselves
• Create a guest list

Good Etiquette Rule: Don’t invite anyone to your engagement party who isn’t invited to the wedding.

• Choose a Venue
• Opt for casual fare (or host at a restaurant where people can order from a set menu)
• Create a website/digital invitation for receiving RSVPs.
• Decide on a “point person” for the day-of
• Source your attire (Is there a set dress code? Will your coordinate?)

You’ll likely get a lot of questions about the wedding at your engagement party- it’s unavoidable. BUT you’ll likely be excited to talk about the entire thing if you have some of the wedding planning to-dos checked off your list! Ideally, before you host your engagement party, you’ve solidified your complete guest list (this helps you with the engagement party planning too!), established the budget, know your venue/date + secured your planner.

Bonus tip: Consider sourcing your wedding stationer earlier rather than later, so you can coordinate your engagement party invites with your wedding invites. This takes advanced planning, but if having gorgeous paper is a priority, it’s worth considering!

Engagement parties often provide a spark of excitement for the planning process and how amazing the actual wedding day is going to be. In my opinion, the more you can celebrate and enjoy the entire fiancé experience, the better! Your wedding is a once-in-a-lifetime occasion and should be ENJOYED and cherished. Life is short, throw the party!