Engagement Party

Hosting an engagement party can be a fun way to honor a newly engaged couple. While parents of the bride-to-be and groom-to-be often host engagement parties, friends of the couple and co-workers can throw an engagement party for the happy couple too.

Where to Host an Engagement Party

There are a number of places to host an engagement party. While some people rent out elaborate banquet halls in which to toast the bride and groom, other people simply have a cocktail and appetizer party in their homes or a barbeque party in their backyards.

When picking the location of the engagement party, be sure to keep the couple in mind. While some people will feel comfortable in ritzy settings, others might feel out of place and would prefer to celebrate in a familiar spot.

Choosing the Date

Before setting the date for the engagement party, make sure you check with the couple to see which dates work best for them. You wouldn''t want your guests of honor to be out of town the day of your event!

Often, weekends are the best time to host an engagement party. You can throw your party during the day or at night. Again, the likes and dislikes of the couple you''re honoring will impact when you decide to hold the party.

Tips for a Perfect Engagement Party

Here are a few tips that will help your engagement party go off without a hitch!

• Making the Guest List: When making the guest list, remember that this party is to honor the couple. You''ll want to invite the people who are important in their lives. If you don''t know who to invite, ask the couple. They''ll likely be more than happy to provide you with the names and addresses of friends and family.
• Sending the Invitations: Send the invitations far enough in advance to allow people to RSVP. This will make planning a lot easier, as you will know how much food and drink you''ll need.Also, consider making your own invitations for the party. Ask for an old photo of the couple and have it printed on cards. Everyone will enjoy seeing the couple in earlier times!
• Setting the Scene: No matter where you''ll host the party, you''ll want to have it decorated. You might want to display childhood photos of the couple and have a guestbook at the door for people to write thoughts and wishes.Place flowers, candles, streamers, balloons and more throughout the party area. Again, you''ll want to take the tastes of the couple into consideration when decorating. For instance, if you know the couple is planning to honeymoon in Hawaii, you can have a Hawaiian theme, complete with leis, tropical drinks and tiki torches.

Hosting an engagement party is a wonderful way to show your support and happiness for the new couple. With a little planning and forethought, your engagement party will be a hit with everyone, especially the couple of honor!