Engagement Party 101
Engagement parties are a great way to share your exciting marriage proposal with friends and family while also taking a few moments to enjoy the future nuptials. The engagement party is the first of many special events surrounding your wedding. It is also a great opportunity to practice your event planning skills and get all the kinks out before the big day.
To help celebrate the big news, our wedding experts at J&J Tent and Party Rentals put together three key tips for throwing the best engagement party ever.
Tip #1: Take Some Time to Brainstorm
Typically, the bride’s parents host the engagement party, but it is also appropriate for a close friend or family member to take the reins. If you want to embrace a non-traditional trend, think outside the box and host an engagement party yourself that has everything YOU want to celebrate YOUR upcoming marriage. Ultimately, an engagement party is a way to celebrate your future as a couple.
When planning this fun event, take some time to brainstorm and answer the following questions.
- Who will be planning the event?
- How formal or informal would you like the engagement party to be?
- Who will be invited to the event? Will it be close family and friends or everyone in your contact list?
- What is the budget for the engagement party?
Tip #2: Pick the Place and Set a Date
Once you’ve decided who will host the engagement party and what vibe you are going for, the next step is to pick the place and set a date! Most engagement parties are hosted in a smaller venue, such as a home or restaurant but don’t feel limited to those two choices. A local park would be a great location for a casual event, while a classy nightclub might be the best choice for a chic celebration with friends. Ultimately, the guest list and budget will help narrow down your choices for the engagement party venue.
Remember that the availability of the venue may set the date of your engagement party, so make sure to contact the right people as soon as you decide where the party will take place.
Tip #3: Dive Into the Fine Details
Now that you have a budget, venue and date…it’s time to dive into the fine details. While you have already discussed the size of the event, now is the time to decide who will be invited to the celebration. Remember that any guest you invite to the engagement party should also be invited to the wedding. So, be selective when sending out the invitations (at least one month in advance).
Another important element of planning is to think about the decor and food for the engagement party. When in doubt, keep the style and color simple with fresh flower arrangements and colorful fabrics. As for the food, add some personal touches with cuisine that is memorable or inspired by a first date or favorite meal.
Finally, plan out the events for the actual engagement party day. To do this, think about some of the more trivial details.
- Do you need any help on the day of the party? Is there a friend or family member who can be your “go-to” person to handle any problems that may arise?
- Will you need to do anything to the event space on the day of the engagement party? Will you need assistance?
- Who is the best contact person for the event space if anything were to happen or go wrong on the day of the party?
Bonus Tip: Have Fun
Engagement party planning doesn’t have to be stressful and should have moments of joy. So, remember to take a deep breath and cherish the time with friends and family. Take time to embrace the love you have for your partner and the future you are building together.
J&J Tent is Here to Help
If you’re looking for a great way to celebrate your proposal, consider renting party tents from J&J Tent and Party Rentals. We have a variety of styles and sizes to choose from, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Our tents are made of high-quality materials and are designed to withstand any weather condition.
Contact us at (919) 977-3691 or visit our website at J&J Tent and Party Rentals. Feel free to follow us on Facebook for tips on planning your next event.
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