How to Plan an Engagement Party

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Traditionally, the hosts would be the bride’s family, but there’s no set rule on who hosts the engagement party, especially for same-sex couples.  Most commonly the couple will throw the engagement party together with their parents.  Address this question with them early on so you know what budget you have for your theme.

1. Pick a Host

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An engagement party is typically put on around a month after the proposal.  It’s enough notice for guests to keep the day free and maintaining everyone’s excitement.  Not many people will have seen the ring, you’ll still be on cloud nine and everything will have a bit of a buzz to it.

2. Set a Date

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As a rule, we’d say people will assume they’re invited to your wedding if they’re invited to the engagement celebrations, so start by drawing up a preliminary guest list for your wedding.  The most important thing to remember is that this is about you and your partner and who you want to celebrate with.  Keep the engagement party guest list smaller so you get to 

3. Create a Guest List

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speak to everyone and don’t let your parents pressure you. That said, if you’re planning on having an intimate family wedding, or have a limited guest list because of the venue or destination, invite all the guests you want to the party and make it clear that this is your way to celebrate with them as the wedding will be a much smaller affair.

3. Create a Guest List

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Your venue is going to be very dependent on guest numbers and the atmosphere you’re trying to create.  For a more formal party, hire a private room in your favourite restaurant for a meal.  For something more informal, book some tables at a cocktail bar or pub where people can drop in and out.  If you’re trying to keep costs 

4. Choose a Venue

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down, a picnic in a local park or a BBQ in your garden or parents’ garden is a great idea.

4. Choose a Venue

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Because you’re unlikely to know your wedding theme yet, it’s best to stick with something easy and non-restrictive for now.  You both love to travel or met abroad? Do an adventure theme. You’re foodies? A slap-up brunch. Love glamour? Great Gatsby. Seasonal is great too.  Having the party in summer = Pimms on a roof terrace; in 

5. Plan the Theme

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winter = mulled wine and lots of fairy lights at a cosy pub.  We can’t stress enough that if you’re serving drinks, you’ll need to provide food too – nothing fancy necessarily, but something to soak up the booze.

5. Plan the Theme

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As mentioned, plan your party about a month after your proposal and get invites out as soon as possible.  Paper invitations are beautiful, but costly and not hugely environmentally friendly. How about e-vites instead? You can design a cute one and send round to your guest list. Another option is to throw a secret engagement party. Tell  your family and friends (but not 

6. Send Out Invites

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the close ones you should have told in person) that it’s just a Christmas party, casual summer BBQ, or even a birthday party, and then drop the bombshell!

6. Send Out Invites

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The formality of your outfit will depend on your theme.  Lots of brides choose to wear white for the engagement party too, but naturally a much less impressive dress than the final wedding day outfit - usually a cocktail dress or jumpsuit.  Grooms-to-be may choose a suit or relaxed shirt and trouser combo.  If you’re a same-sex couple, 

7. Find Yourself an Outfit

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one might want to be in black and one in white, or you might choose complementary outfits. Ultimately, dress for what feels right for the party.

7. Find Yourself an Outfit

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Learn more about how to organize a dream wedding and not go crazy

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