Trends
The traditions of your parent’s era are well and truly over. Engagement parties these days can be anything. From small gatherings of close family and friends to large extravagant parties, to theme evenings or even a game night. With the high costs of a wedding reception, many couples use the engagement party as an opportunity to invite guests that will not be invited to the wedding reception. That means that in some cases, you will need to give consideration as to which guests will be invited to which functions even at the engagement stage.
When to celebrate
Used to be that the engagement party was held on the same day as the official announcement. These days, this is generally limited to the closest friends and family. The real engagement party is then held up to 3 months after the announcement.
The Budget
With the whole wedding usually on a strict budget, the same discipline applies to the engagement party. Don’t get too carried away as the wedding is likely to cost more than you might think. Once you have an understanding of how much the entire wedding will cost, you can easily decide on a realistic budget for your engagement party.
Pick a Theme
Choosing a suitable theme will make planning the party a lot easier. You may want to choose a theme that will set the scene for the wedding itself. For example, if you are planning a beach wedding, then a beach theme for the engagement party would be fun and exciting. Other theme ideas could be the season that the wedding will take place in; or something reminiscent of how you met, or a specific interest that you share as a couple.
Choose a Venue
Budget and size of guest list will determine if you use a wedding venue or a home party. There are pro’s and con’s for both. Consider things like
the work involved in setting up and cleaning up
decorations
neighbours
time limits
facilites for food preparation and serving
If you have a member of the family or friend who has a suitable home where the party could be hosted, then this is an ideal option. It will make it more intimate, relaxed and save some money.
Food and Drink
The time of day and the style of the party will determine the amount of food and drink required. Anything around mealtimes will require substantial amounts of food. If you are having the party at a venue check the alcohol prices carefully. Some offer packages on a per head basis, others will charge per drink. It is quite common to set a limit on the bar tab and serve only beer and wine, as spirits are expensive. Don’t forget to cater for those who don’t drink alchohol.
Running Sheet
A great idea is to have a running sheet so that you can time and coordinate things like speeches, the serving of food, entertainment etc. So that you enjoy the party as much as possible, make sure that everyone who needs one, has a running sheet, and understands what needs to be done by whom.
Fun Ideas
Games
Depending on the mix of people invited to the party, you may want to have one or two games planned to make the party fun and memorable. There are many resources on the Internet for suitable games. Bear in mind that there may be preparation and planning required for the games to go off successfully.
Pictures
Your marriage is a memorable event and should be thoroughly recorded. Funds permitting, a wedding photographer is the way to go. That way you can rest assured that you will get a good set of photo’s. Another great idea is to get as many of your friends to bring their digital cameras and take pictures. After the event, get them to copy their pictures to a CD or DVD for you to keep or post on your wedding website. or Facebook page Disposable Cameras are still available and are also a fun way to get lots of imprompt shots of your guests having a fun time.
Entertainment at an engagement party is not usually necessary. If you think you need it here are some great ideas:
Music: Band, quartet, or Singer. A DJ is another alternative.
Fireworks
Magician
Cartoonist
Comedian
Thank You Notes
Gifts at engagement parties have become more common nowadays. If so Thank You notes are essential. If not, a Thank You note for attending is the correct etiquette. Include these with your invitation package so that you get the best possible deal as well as ensuring that the stationery that you use is consistent.
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