He's proposed, and most likely you're flashing your new engagement ring. Now it's time to plan the celebration, but where do you start?
Your engagement party is the perfect setting for the families and friends of the bride and groom to meet each other if they haven't already done so. Make yourself available at the start of the event to greet all your guests and introduce everyone. Mingle as much as possible so that your guests feel comfortable and relaxed.
You can celebrate in style with a swanky black-tie cocktail party, or a formal sit-down dinner, or maybe a casual serve-yourself buffet is more your style. Whatever you choose, remember that many of your guests may not know each other so you want them to be able to mingle comfortably.
Once upon a time, engagement parties were usually held at the home of the bride's parents, but nowadays most couples like to host their own engagement party. If you want to go all out, you can hire a banquet hall with full catering, a local hall or you could set up a marquee in your own back yard. The choices are only limited by your imagination (and wallet!)
Engagement Party Themes
Many couples like to choose a theme for their engagement party. Having a theme party helps break the ice with your guests and generally adds an element of frivolity the occasion. You can choose a 50s, 60s or 70s party, depending on the decade in which you were born, or an Hawaiian or Mexican party for something more exotic. If you prefer, the theme can be as simple as your choice of colors or the style of your decorations.
For a 50s, 60s or 70s retro look, decorate with lime green, purple, hot pink and yellow. If you'd like to go Hawaiian choose lots of bright greens, yellow and blue. For a Mexican theme, choose gold, purple and blue and have a pinata filled with candies for a bit of fun.
For a romantic theme, choose pastel colors and use tulle or organza to drape the tables, chair backs, stair railings and ceiling. Scatter rose petals and sparkles on the tables and light the area with twinkling fairy lights. Candles add a soft glow to your surroundings and can be used in a number of interesting and inventive ways.
Party and theme shops have a fabulous array of party items and props you can buy or hire for the night. You can check out your local shopping mall, or go online for the most wonderful array of balloons, streamers, party poppers, confetti, and candles.
Engagement Party Entertainment
Entertainment always seems to enhance the mood at a party, although it's not a necessity. A quality sound system and some lively CDs are certainly enough to raise the spirits of party-goers.
If your budget allows, you can hire a pianist or a string quartet to provide pleasant background music. If you'd prefer something a little livelier, how about hiring a juke-box, a DJ or maybe you'd prefer a mariachi band? Or you could hire a karaoke machine and invite your guests to contribute to the entertainment!
Set aside an area for dancing, then start everyone off with a special dance for the newly engaged couple. It will help prepare you for the wedding waltz!
Your choice of entertainment should match the tone and theme of the party, so make sure you choose the kind of entertainment that appeals to your tastes and makes you feel comfortable.
These days anything goes when it comes to engagement party ideas, so let your imagination soar and create a memorable experience, both for you as a couple and for your guests. Just remember to make it a fun-filled and happy experience and above all, enjoy yourselves!
Alexis Miller has been involved in the wedding and jewelry industry for more years than she cares to remember! She has turned her passion for all things bridal into a website, http://www.engagement-rings-guide.com. Visit her website for interesting articles on weddings, jewelry, honeymoons, and much more.
Barry Chicago limousine ..The extravagance of weddings is a popular topic. We blame... Read More
Here are five seeds of a great marriage from grandmother.... Read More
For some couples, jetting off to their dream location would... Read More
If you are looking forward to a vacation of attractive... Read More
Bless the bride... and God help the video maker. True.... Read More
No one has as much fun as the bride to... Read More
Your wedding flowers usually tie to your wedding theme. When... Read More
The great day has come and gone, and you are... Read More
I saw real love while working at a cozy, candle-lit... Read More
You have made the decision to contact a marriage counselor.... Read More
As you reach 30 and beyond, you encounter a very... Read More
The look of the wedding invitations you send will not... Read More
When planning your wedding, what type of entertainment are you... Read More
Looking for beach theme wedding cake ideas?When it comes to... Read More
When it comes to your catering services for your wedding,... Read More
You and the one you love are dreaming of an... Read More
Here follows suggestions and tips that will help you determine... Read More
Choosing a wedding anniversary gift that wows your husband or... Read More
One way to increase your chances of enjoying a happy... Read More
Although I do believe in "till death do us part",... Read More
THE sunshine had come out to ensure the wedding of... Read More
One of the top priorities on a wedding day is... Read More
So you're having a wedding anniversary. Congratulations! It's quite a... Read More
The more realistic you are as you prepare for marriage,... Read More
OK, so you have your heart set on the top... Read More
Bartlett Chicago charter limousine service ..Imagine it's Halloween evening and you've just gone to the... Read More
For a day you'll never forget on that special occasion,... Read More
Ritual symbolism abounds in everything we do; this is particularly... Read More
Preparing for a wedding, large or small, is overwhelming! A... Read More
After seeing each other for years and being tagged as... Read More
You are locked in your seat on the most famous... Read More
There is nothing more romantic than a wedding by water... Read More
More and more, couples are choosing to write their own... Read More
Diamonds may be a woman's best friend, but modern man... Read More
What best way can a bride think of rising to... Read More
As an experienced counselor, one of the questions I'm asked... Read More
Planning a wedding is an exciting thing, and can be... Read More
Depending on your personal preferences and the preferences of your... Read More
An outdoor wedding reception can be host to an almost... Read More
Despite all the fashionable theories of marriage, the narratives and... Read More
He's popped the question. You've chosen a date. And now,... Read More
Looking for beach theme wedding cake ideas?When it comes to... Read More
He's popped the question and you're dying to tell someone.... Read More
Diamond hunting can be quite traumatic for the uninitiated. It... Read More
AttendantsAttendants, include the best man, Bridesmaid, ushers, and groomsmen. Generally... Read More
It's really not difficult to ruin what could have been... Read More
In the last article, we concluded by saying that keeping... Read More
Between paying for the wedding and setting up a new... Read More
My husband and I have a perfect marriage.There. I said... Read More
In my opinion, these things matter...1. Valuing commitment over instant... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |