Engagement Party Ideas

He's just proposed, and you're flashing your lovely new engagement ring. Now it's time to plan the engagement celebration, but what do you do next?

Your engagement party is the ideal setting for all the friends and family to meet each other. Make yourself available at the start of the event to greet all of your guests and introduce everyone. Mingle as much as possible so that your guests feel comfortable and relaxed.

You can celebrate in real style with a black-tie cocktail party, or a more formal sit-down dinner, or maybe a self-service buffet. Whatever you choose, remember that a lot of your guests may not know each other so you want to create an environment to allow them to mingle easily and comfortably.

Engagement parties were traditionally held at the home of the bride's parents, but nowadays most couples tend to host the engagement party at either their own home or a neutral venue. If you want to really splash out, you can hire a hall with full catering facilities, or you could set up a marquee in your own back garden. The choices are only limited by your imagination (and wallet!)

Engagement Party Themes

Many couples like to choose a unique theme for their engagement party. Having a theme party helps break the ice with all your guests and generally adds an element of frivolity to the occasion. For example you can choose a 60s or 70s party theme, or a Hawaiian party for something more exotic. If you prefer, the theme can be as simple as your choice of colours or the style of your decorations.

For a romantic theme, choose soft pastel colours and use tulle or organza to drape the tables, chair backs etc. Scatter scented rose petals and sparkles on the tables and light the area with fairy lights. Candles add a lovely soft glow to your surroundings and can be used in a number of inventive and interesting ways.

Party and theme shops have a fantastic array of unique party items and props you can buy or even hire for the night. You can check out your local shopping mall, or go online for a great selection of balloons, streamers, party poppers, confetti, and candles.

Engagement Party Entertainment

Entertainment will always enhance the mood at any party, although it's not a total necessity. A good quality sound system and some lively dance CDs are always enough to raise the spirits of even the tamest partygoers.

And if your budget allows, you can hire a musician, such as a pianist or a string quartet to provide some soft background music. If you'd prefer something a little livelier, then another popular option is the lively jukebox, or a DJ. Or you could get your guests really involved by hiring a karaoke machine and let them all participate in the fun.

You'll need to set aside a good size area for dancing, and then start everything off with a very special dance for the newly engaged couple.

These days anything goes when it comes to engagement party ideas, so let your imagination soar and create a fun-filled and memorable experience, both for you as a couple and for all your guests. Just remember to make it a fun-packed and enjoyable experience and make sure you relax on the day and really enjoy it.