Since it is not always customary to have an engagement party, the couple may not even know that there is interest in giving them one. It also isn’t the type of party that a couple could ask someone to do for them, so letting them know you are interested in throwing the party will open the door for them to talk to you about what type of party they are interested in. This will help you to get a tentative guest list from them. While the best man or maid of honor can throw the engagement party, it is usually better for the families or the couple themselves to throw the party since the maid of honor and best man will have to organize other parties later on. If the couple is announcing their engagement for the first time, then they likely will host the event.
Nine to eleven months before the wedding is a good time for the engagement party. Holding the party on a weekday rather than a weekend can significantly reduce the cost of the celebration. [1] X Research source While many parties are held in the evening, the engagement party could also be a breakfast or brunch event, a mid-day pool party or held during happy hour at your favorite bar. Be creative.
A formal dinner party would be more expensive than a backyard barbecue but either are acceptable for an engagement party. Set a budget that includes all aspects of the party: invitations, food, drink, entertainment, decoration, venue and favors.
If you are on a tight budget, reduce the guest list by inviting only immediate family members and close friends. Sometimes you can invite people to the engagement party that are not invited to the wedding. This is especially true nowadays when many couples live and/or host their weddings far from friends and families. If the engagement party is going to be a surprise, make a guest list including the family members and close friends. Ask two or three other people to review the list to make sure you don’t forget anyone.
Consider having the party at a place that is special to the couple. For example the location of their first date, a park they enjoy going to or some other location.
The registration should never be listed on the invitations, but you may list the wedding website where guests can find wedding registry information. If you have requested no gifts yet guests bring them, wait until after the party to open them so that other guests do not feel uncomfortable.
Invitations should be sent out four to six weeks before the party. The invitations do not have to match the rest of your stationery, especially if you have not decided on a theme or color palette yet. You can include a return card for RSVPs or not depending on your preference.
If you are accepting gifts, make sure there is an area to put them.
An example is a manga-inspired party for a couple who share a love of anime. If you plan a low-key wedding then you do not want your engagement party to upstage your wedding. Keep it low-key as well. Even if you plan a laid-back engagement party, having a theme and coordinating color palette helps keep things cohesive.
If you have a theme then you can tailor the decorations according to the theme.
You could also hire alternative entertainment such as a slideshow or video of the proposal, magicians, circus performers, or live music. Better yet, you can host the party in a location that already has such entertainment.
Don’t let forgetting someone’s name prevent you from introducing the guest. Just politely ask for their name and apologize for forgetting. It is better to ask then to not introduce the guest.
Another idea is to leave out disposable cameras for all the guests to take pictures with. If you have the budget, hire a professional photographer to take pictures during the event.
It is traditional that the father of the bride gives a toast although this is not required.
