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.
private aviation FBO ground transportation Westmont .. Lockport Chicago limo O’HareYou can rest assured that the charm of your Maui... Read More
Just as with your first marriage, your second marriage is... Read More
There's no one simple answer to the question that I'm... Read More
So you're planning your wedding and a thousand decisions must... Read More
Creating a wedding budget is one of the first things... Read More
Marriage has to be the greatest opportunity for mindfulness on... Read More
Cruising down the river was always deemed by couples the... Read More
Wedding shower favors are a way to extend gratitude from... Read More
It really doesn't matter if you are planning to have... Read More
The enchanting Belize honeymoon resorts captivate every visitor through the... Read More
Getting hitched, taking the plunge, tying the knot, jumping the... Read More
The wedding shower is a traditional party of the marriage... Read More
Ritual symbolism abounds in everything we do; this is particularly... Read More
Today my three-year-old daughter told my husband that she wants... Read More
While signing a prenuptial agreement can be one of the... Read More
Save a substantial amount of money on invitations, without sacrificing... Read More
For better or worse, in people's minds weddings and wedding... Read More
Any marriage counselor will tell you that one of the... Read More
Just like weddings, receptions are often theme based as well.... Read More
When Alicia first met Tim, she found him outgoing, charming,... Read More
A wedding planned in the spirit of nature provides the... Read More
"Extreme age differences between husband and wife may lead to... Read More
When Maria Callas first appeared on the international scene, she... Read More
The bridesmaid gift is essential to the planning of a... Read More
Games for a wedding shower are the best ways to... Read More
Lincoln Town Car rentals Addison ..On Friday, 1st May 1835, Mr Charles Dickens, the creator... Read More
If your husband is faithful, you have much to be... Read More
Each of the dozens of Maui honeymoon resorts can be... Read More
One of the most elegant rituals you can choose for... Read More
All brides want to be beautiful on their wedding day,... Read More
Bridal shower games are a wonderful way to put your... Read More
This is intended as a guide to help you plan... Read More
Wedding receptions are not as formal as they once were,... Read More
Strange as it may seem the use of a wedding... Read More
There are many great options to consider for letting your... Read More
A wedding is one of the most special days planned... Read More
You have to start with a thorough to do list... Read More
I've been noticing a few things lately that a few... Read More
Embarking upon a marriage is a wonderful time in life... Read More
The reception alone will bust your wedding budget if you're... Read More
You're well into planning your wedding and have finally decided... Read More
Despite all the fashionable theories of marriage, the narratives and... Read More
Your physiological and psychological expressions of sexual behavior during the... Read More
Marriage counseling is an investment of money, time, and energy... Read More
If you are planning to have a full wedding that... Read More
In theory, setting up a registry is simple. You decide... Read More
When you come to choose a wedding gift it's no... Read More
Wedding shower invitations should lay out all of the necessary... Read More
Wedding dresses are literally the icing on the cake on... Read More
Today, Norm Goldman, Editor of Sketchandtravel and Bookpleasures is pleased... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |