Planning an engagement party is incredibly exciting, as it’s probably when it really sinks in that you’re going to be getting married! While it’s traditional for the bride’s family to throw the party, really it is up to you. As wedding etiquette changes and becomes more modern, you have the chance to throw your own engagement party and do it however you would prefer.
An engagement party can be a huge event for the bride, groom and guests. Officially kicking off the wedding festivities, the engagement party is the start of the upcoming celebrations! So, if it’s nearly time to start thinking about your dream engagement party, Forever Unique offer some advice on just a few of the things you’ll need to think about.
Guest list and invitations
Anyone who is invited to the engagement party should also be invited to the wedding, so consider this before inviting your old school friends and long lost cousins! This could take some planning to build the perfect guest list, and you will no doubt need to consult your wedding list.
Of course, if you aren’t sure yet who will be invited to the wedding itself, you may want to limit your engagement party to those closest to you.
When it comes to sending out the invitations to your guests, you should aim to do so between 4 and 6 weeks before the event so everyone has ample notice. The invitations themselves can be as fancy or as simple as you like. Many people will send out a simple email while others might opt for a printed invite with a handwritten note. It’s important to do whatever suits your personal taste, or what you think will work best for your guests!
Catering and decorations
To pull off a really exciting engagement party, you’ll more than likely need to consider food and drink. This may depend on the general theme and size of the party; if there is only a small number of you, you could organise a sit-down dinner, but for bigger parties, canapés may be more appropriate.
Many newly-engaged couples will opt for simplicity, mostly because it reduces stress levels! Champagne and appetisers are a popular option, but everyone is different and you may fancy trying something a little more ambitious!
When it comes to decoration, you will need to consider where you are hosting the party. Whether you’re having it at home or at a venue could have an impact on the decoration you choose. Strategically placed flowers often works best; remember not to upstage your upcoming wedding!
The perfect engagement party dress
As the engaged couple, you will be the centre of attention and your next point of call should be the perfect outfit. As the bride-to-be, you’ll no doubt be on the lookout for the perfect engagement party dress. Consider the venue and whether your party is being held in the day or evening, as these factors can have an impact on the style of dress.
While everyone has different personal taste, there are some timeless and elegant engagement party dress designs that will create a show-stopping look. Midi dresses with an eye-catching full skirt offers a feminine approach, while elegant evening gowns offer something extra special for the occasion.
The classic pencil dress is a glamorous option for your engagement party, offering a simple but beautiful look. While the options appear endless, you might want to think about your own body shape and decide what you will feel confident in. After all, if all eyes are going to be on you and your fiancé, you’ll want to make sure you look fabulous!