When do you have an engagement party? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nYour engagement party should be soon enough after your actual engagement that it\u2019s still a relevant event but gives enough time for your guests to plan to attend. When it comes to engagement party etiquette, we suggest having the celebration between 4-8 weeks after you \u201csay yes\u201d! Depending on how elaborate your party is, you may need more or less time to organize everything, but that\u2019s a good starting point for your engagement party plans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nWho plans the engagement party? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nGenerally speaking, most couples plan their own engagement party as it\u2019s not always a traditional pre-wedding event. While almost everyone has a bachelor night<\/a> or a bachelorette party<\/a>, not every couple throws an engagement party. Your bridal party may throw you a bridal shower<\/a>, and the bride\u2019s parents might chip in for the wedding reception, but celebrating your engagement falls to you and your fianc\u00e9. Don\u2019t fret \u2013<\/strong> we have an entire engagement party checklist<\/a> to help you stay organized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udc70 Read our article about who throws the bridal shower<\/a> for hosting details and planning tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Group](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/iStock-1026802566-1.jpg?resize=1170%2C772&ssl=1\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWho do I invite to my engagement party? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to creating your engagement party invitation list, you should know that it doesn\u2019t have to be as inclusive as your bridal shower or wedding guest list. This is a time for your closest friends and family to celebrate you as a couple in a smaller way than the actual wedding itself. You can likely omit extended family and acquaintances without them feeling slighted \u2013<\/strong> they\u2019ll have a chance to party with you during the wedding later on! It\u2019s probably a good idea to invite anyone you may want to include in your wedding party just to see how everyone mixes and mingles together. Include your parents and siblings, but grandparents, aunts and uncles, out-of-town friends, and extended family can get a pass on the engagement invitation. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt’s important to know that you should not expect gifts from your engagement party guests. While your close friends might get you an engagement gift, many won’t. Some guests might be planning on getting you a gift for your bridal shower or upcoming wedding. That being said, there is no need to make an engagement party gift registry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nPlanning your engagement party<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThrowing an engagement party takes a few steps and you may have to start fairly quickly to get everything lined up for your event. But hey, that just means more quality time with your favorite person! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n![\"Book](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Blog-Post-Images-1200x600-1-2.png?resize=1170%2C585&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udcf8 Set up your engagement photos\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe first step to planning your engagement celebration is to take some cute engagement photos! It\u2019s time to show off that ring and have some fun with your fianc\u00e9. Plus, you can use those photos in your engagement party invitations or even on the save-the-date cards for your wedding. Book a local photographer to set up a photoshoot in your favorite spots to make it personal to your love story! You can even go an extra step and hire a makeup artist<\/a> to help you look perfect for your photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udc92 Find a venue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOnce your photos are done, you\u2019ll have a few days to wait until you get them back. In the meantime, you can choose a date and start looking at venues for your engagement party. You\u2019ll need this information on hand before creating your invitations, so it\u2019s important to get your engagement party venue locked in. There\u2019s nothing wrong with hosting at home but you can also consider a local venue that offers all the seating, drinks, and food that you\u2019ll need for your party! It all depends on how elaborate you want to be and how big your guest list is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf89 Choose a theme<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNow comes the fun part! Your engagement party theme<\/a> should reflect you and your fianc\u00e9 as a couple, so don\u2019t be afraid to be yourselves. It does not need to be a formal affair. Embrace what makes you unique and play off that for your theme. Maybe you\u2019re obsessed with Schitt\u2019s Creek, or you have a standing Taco Tuesday every week. Maybe you\u2019ll want to have a Speakeasy-themed cocktail party. Lean in and incorporate the most-loved parts of your life together into your engagement party! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83e\udd70 We’re here to help!<\/strong> Here are some Cute Engagement Party Ideas for the Low-Key Couple<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udc8c Send out invitations\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAfter the date, venue, and theme are set, you can begin choosing engagement party invitations. Check out sites like Etsy<\/a> to support local artists for ordering your invitations! Or if you\u2019re more of a DIY-er, we\u2019re partial to Canva<\/a> and its easy-to-use platform and templates. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAs an alternative to sending out physical invitations, you might consider just making a Facebook event or using Eventbrite<\/a> for digital invitations. Wedding sites like Zola<\/a> have options to create pre-wedding events, too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Set the menu<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are lots of ways you can go with the menu for your engagement party. Again, this is a great way to let your own personality shine! If you love beer and tacos, hire a food truck<\/a> and toss some local craft beers in ice. More of a sushi and wine couple? Take the sophistication up a notch and book a personal chef<\/a> or caterer<\/a> instead. Or take the playful route and offer cotton candy and concessions<\/a> for your guests. Depending on the size of your guest list, it may be a good idea to hire some waitstaff<\/a> to help pass around food and clean up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udf79 Pro tip:<\/strong> Signature cocktails aren\u2019t just for weddings! Book a bartender<\/a> to help mix up a fun drink (or a few) in honor of your engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udcd6 Book the entertainment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re having entertainment at your engagement party, it\u2019s always a good idea to book it as far in advance as possible. Weekend events fill up quickly and you don\u2019t want to be stuck without the perfect performer! The entertainment will likely be determined by your theme and venue, but music is always a good choice. Try a harpist<\/a>, singing pianist<\/a>, or jazz band<\/a> for more sophisticated events. Booking an acoustic band<\/a> or singing guitarist<\/a> is a great fit for casual engagement parties. If you want a more interactive experience, we recommend a unique entertainer like a belly dancer<\/a>, strolling magician<\/a>, or juggler<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83e\udeb4 Design the decor\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou may not need much to dress up your space, but it never hurts to add a little pizazz to your engagement party! Balloon decor<\/a> is always a classic look and they come in almost every color to match your theme. If needed, you can rent tables<\/a>, table linens<\/a>, or even a tent<\/a> to set up for outdoor events. Depending on the season, there are lots of fun options for centerpieces. Pumpkins and mums are great for fall parties, or a florist<\/a> can help with pretty arrangements for spring and summer events. At the very least, simple white pillar candles are a classic choice for any party! <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Need inspiration?<\/strong> Our Pinterest page<\/a> has tons of decor ideas for any theme!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Who plans the engagement party? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nGenerally speaking, most couples plan their own engagement party as it\u2019s not always a traditional pre-wedding event. While almost everyone has a bachelor night<\/a> or a bachelorette party<\/a>, not every couple throws an engagement party. Your bridal party may throw you a bridal shower<\/a>, and the bride\u2019s parents might chip in for the wedding reception, but celebrating your engagement falls to you and your fianc\u00e9. Don\u2019t fret \u2013<\/strong> we have an entire engagement party checklist<\/a> to help you stay organized. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udc70 Read our article about who throws the bridal shower<\/a> for hosting details and planning tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nWho do I invite to my engagement party? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nWhen it comes to creating your engagement party invitation list, you should know that it doesn\u2019t have to be as inclusive as your bridal shower or wedding guest list. This is a time for your closest friends and family to celebrate you as a couple in a smaller way than the actual wedding itself. You can likely omit extended family and acquaintances without them feeling slighted \u2013<\/strong> they\u2019ll have a chance to party with you during the wedding later on! It\u2019s probably a good idea to invite anyone you may want to include in your wedding party just to see how everyone mixes and mingles together. Include your parents and siblings, but grandparents, aunts and uncles, out-of-town friends, and extended family can get a pass on the engagement invitation. <\/p>\n\n\n\nIt’s important to know that you should not expect gifts from your engagement party guests. While your close friends might get you an engagement gift, many won’t. Some guests might be planning on getting you a gift for your bridal shower or upcoming wedding. That being said, there is no need to make an engagement party gift registry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\nPlanning your engagement party<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nThrowing an engagement party takes a few steps and you may have to start fairly quickly to get everything lined up for your event. But hey, that just means more quality time with your favorite person! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udcf8 Set up your engagement photos\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThe first step to planning your engagement celebration is to take some cute engagement photos! It\u2019s time to show off that ring and have some fun with your fianc\u00e9. Plus, you can use those photos in your engagement party invitations or even on the save-the-date cards for your wedding. Book a local photographer to set up a photoshoot in your favorite spots to make it personal to your love story! You can even go an extra step and hire a makeup artist<\/a> to help you look perfect for your photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udc92 Find a venue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOnce your photos are done, you\u2019ll have a few days to wait until you get them back. In the meantime, you can choose a date and start looking at venues for your engagement party. You\u2019ll need this information on hand before creating your invitations, so it\u2019s important to get your engagement party venue locked in. There\u2019s nothing wrong with hosting at home but you can also consider a local venue that offers all the seating, drinks, and food that you\u2019ll need for your party! It all depends on how elaborate you want to be and how big your guest list is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf89 Choose a theme<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nNow comes the fun part! Your engagement party theme<\/a> should reflect you and your fianc\u00e9 as a couple, so don\u2019t be afraid to be yourselves. It does not need to be a formal affair. Embrace what makes you unique and play off that for your theme. Maybe you\u2019re obsessed with Schitt\u2019s Creek, or you have a standing Taco Tuesday every week. Maybe you\u2019ll want to have a Speakeasy-themed cocktail party. Lean in and incorporate the most-loved parts of your life together into your engagement party! <\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83e\udd70 We’re here to help!<\/strong> Here are some Cute Engagement Party Ideas for the Low-Key Couple<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udc8c Send out invitations\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nAfter the date, venue, and theme are set, you can begin choosing engagement party invitations. Check out sites like Etsy<\/a> to support local artists for ordering your invitations! Or if you\u2019re more of a DIY-er, we\u2019re partial to Canva<\/a> and its easy-to-use platform and templates. <\/p>\n\n\n\nAs an alternative to sending out physical invitations, you might consider just making a Facebook event or using Eventbrite<\/a> for digital invitations. Wedding sites like Zola<\/a> have options to create pre-wedding events, too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Set the menu<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nThere are lots of ways you can go with the menu for your engagement party. Again, this is a great way to let your own personality shine! If you love beer and tacos, hire a food truck<\/a> and toss some local craft beers in ice. More of a sushi and wine couple? Take the sophistication up a notch and book a personal chef<\/a> or caterer<\/a> instead. Or take the playful route and offer cotton candy and concessions<\/a> for your guests. Depending on the size of your guest list, it may be a good idea to hire some waitstaff<\/a> to help pass around food and clean up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\ud83c\udf79 Pro tip:<\/strong> Signature cocktails aren\u2019t just for weddings! Book a bartender<\/a> to help mix up a fun drink (or a few) in honor of your engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83d\udcd6 Book the entertainment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf you\u2019re having entertainment at your engagement party, it\u2019s always a good idea to book it as far in advance as possible. Weekend events fill up quickly and you don\u2019t want to be stuck without the perfect performer! The entertainment will likely be determined by your theme and venue, but music is always a good choice. Try a harpist<\/a>, singing pianist<\/a>, or jazz band<\/a> for more sophisticated events. Booking an acoustic band<\/a> or singing guitarist<\/a> is a great fit for casual engagement parties. If you want a more interactive experience, we recommend a unique entertainer like a belly dancer<\/a>, strolling magician<\/a>, or juggler<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\ud83e\udeb4 Design the decor\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nYou may not need much to dress up your space, but it never hurts to add a little pizazz to your engagement party! Balloon decor<\/a> is always a classic look and they come in almost every color to match your theme. If needed, you can rent tables<\/a>, table linens<\/a>, or even a tent<\/a> to set up for outdoor events. Depending on the season, there are lots of fun options for centerpieces. Pumpkins and mums are great for fall parties, or a florist<\/a> can help with pretty arrangements for spring and summer events. At the very least, simple white pillar candles are a classic choice for any party! <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Need inspiration?<\/strong> Our Pinterest page<\/a> has tons of decor ideas for any theme!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc70 Read our article about who throws the bridal shower<\/a> for hosting details and planning tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to creating your engagement party invitation list, you should know that it doesn\u2019t have to be as inclusive as your bridal shower or wedding guest list. This is a time for your closest friends and family to celebrate you as a couple in a smaller way than the actual wedding itself. You can likely omit extended family and acquaintances without them feeling slighted \u2013<\/strong> they\u2019ll have a chance to party with you during the wedding later on! It\u2019s probably a good idea to invite anyone you may want to include in your wedding party just to see how everyone mixes and mingles together. Include your parents and siblings, but grandparents, aunts and uncles, out-of-town friends, and extended family can get a pass on the engagement invitation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It’s important to know that you should not expect gifts from your engagement party guests. While your close friends might get you an engagement gift, many won’t. Some guests might be planning on getting you a gift for your bridal shower or upcoming wedding. That being said, there is no need to make an engagement party gift registry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Throwing an engagement party takes a few steps and you may have to start fairly quickly to get everything lined up for your event. But hey, that just means more quality time with your favorite person! <\/p>\n\n\n\n The first step to planning your engagement celebration is to take some cute engagement photos! It\u2019s time to show off that ring and have some fun with your fianc\u00e9. Plus, you can use those photos in your engagement party invitations or even on the save-the-date cards for your wedding. Book a local photographer to set up a photoshoot in your favorite spots to make it personal to your love story! You can even go an extra step and hire a makeup artist<\/a> to help you look perfect for your photos. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once your photos are done, you\u2019ll have a few days to wait until you get them back. In the meantime, you can choose a date and start looking at venues for your engagement party. You\u2019ll need this information on hand before creating your invitations, so it\u2019s important to get your engagement party venue locked in. There\u2019s nothing wrong with hosting at home but you can also consider a local venue that offers all the seating, drinks, and food that you\u2019ll need for your party! It all depends on how elaborate you want to be and how big your guest list is. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Now comes the fun part! Your engagement party theme<\/a> should reflect you and your fianc\u00e9 as a couple, so don\u2019t be afraid to be yourselves. It does not need to be a formal affair. Embrace what makes you unique and play off that for your theme. Maybe you\u2019re obsessed with Schitt\u2019s Creek, or you have a standing Taco Tuesday every week. Maybe you\u2019ll want to have a Speakeasy-themed cocktail party. Lean in and incorporate the most-loved parts of your life together into your engagement party! <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83e\udd70 We’re here to help!<\/strong> Here are some Cute Engagement Party Ideas for the Low-Key Couple<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After the date, venue, and theme are set, you can begin choosing engagement party invitations. Check out sites like Etsy<\/a> to support local artists for ordering your invitations! Or if you\u2019re more of a DIY-er, we\u2019re partial to Canva<\/a> and its easy-to-use platform and templates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As an alternative to sending out physical invitations, you might consider just making a Facebook event or using Eventbrite<\/a> for digital invitations. Wedding sites like Zola<\/a> have options to create pre-wedding events, too! <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are lots of ways you can go with the menu for your engagement party. Again, this is a great way to let your own personality shine! If you love beer and tacos, hire a food truck<\/a> and toss some local craft beers in ice. More of a sushi and wine couple? Take the sophistication up a notch and book a personal chef<\/a> or caterer<\/a> instead. Or take the playful route and offer cotton candy and concessions<\/a> for your guests. Depending on the size of your guest list, it may be a good idea to hire some waitstaff<\/a> to help pass around food and clean up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83c\udf79 Pro tip:<\/strong> Signature cocktails aren\u2019t just for weddings! Book a bartender<\/a> to help mix up a fun drink (or a few) in honor of your engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re having entertainment at your engagement party, it\u2019s always a good idea to book it as far in advance as possible. Weekend events fill up quickly and you don\u2019t want to be stuck without the perfect performer! The entertainment will likely be determined by your theme and venue, but music is always a good choice. Try a harpist<\/a>, singing pianist<\/a>, or jazz band<\/a> for more sophisticated events. Booking an acoustic band<\/a> or singing guitarist<\/a> is a great fit for casual engagement parties. If you want a more interactive experience, we recommend a unique entertainer like a belly dancer<\/a>, strolling magician<\/a>, or juggler<\/a>! <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may not need much to dress up your space, but it never hurts to add a little pizazz to your engagement party! Balloon decor<\/a> is always a classic look and they come in almost every color to match your theme. If needed, you can rent tables<\/a>, table linens<\/a>, or even a tent<\/a> to set up for outdoor events. Depending on the season, there are lots of fun options for centerpieces. Pumpkins and mums are great for fall parties, or a florist<\/a> can help with pretty arrangements for spring and summer events. At the very least, simple white pillar candles are a classic choice for any party! <\/p>\n\n\n\n \ud83d\udccc Need inspiration?<\/strong> Our Pinterest page<\/a> has tons of decor ideas for any theme!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nWho do I invite to my engagement party? <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Planning your engagement party<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\ud83d\udcf8 Set up your engagement photos\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc92 Find a venue<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf89 Choose a theme<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udc8c Send out invitations\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83c\udf7d\ufe0f Set the menu<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd6 Book the entertainment<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\ud83e\udeb4 Design the decor\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Free](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.gigsalad.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Blog-Post-Images-1200x600-1.png?resize=1170%2C585&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n