It’s National Matchmaking Day, which brought to mind the idea of engagements… arguably the ultimate matchmaking experience! If you’re a couple who recently got engaged, please allow us to extend our heartfelt congratulations. We’re here to offer you (or someone close to you) tips for planning the perfect engagement party to celebrate this wonderful occasion. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Check availability. If someone else is hosting it, they need to know when you’re both available. If you’re hosting it, check with your closest friends and family members to see what works best for them. When it comes to figuring out when to host it, sooner is better than later. After all, you’re about to get busy with your wedding planning!
2. Pick the place. Do you want to host a party at your house? Do you want to ask one of your family members to host it? Or do you want to look for a place you can rent out to really glam it up? Consider what’s most convenient for everyone as well as your budget and decide accordingly.
3. Speaking of a budget… You do need one. The last thing you want to do is spend all of your money with wedding expenses still ahead. This goes for whether you (the couple) are hosting or whether a friend or family member is hosting. They’ll have expenses coming up, too, after all. Make sure to budget for food and beverages, décor, invitations, guest favors, and entertainment.
4. Decide whom to invite. Traditionally you would invite people to the engagement party that you intend to invite to the wedding. This should be the case for more formal engagement parties. If you’re going much more casual and just hosting a get-together with friends and family over some drinks, for example, it’s fine to invite people (such as coworkers) who might not ultimately be invited to the wedding.
5. E-vites are okay. Because an engagement party typically isn’t as formal as other wedding-related events, e-vites are acceptable. Paper is still preferred for more formal events.
6. Feed your guests. This is a party, right? That means there should be food and beverages, likely some of those alcoholic. The style of food you serve is completely up to you. You could go the appetizer route or serve dinner to everyone. Whatever fits your vision and budget.
7. Dress accordingly. Will the event be casual or formal? Hopefully it goes without saying that your attire should match the theme. If you’re not planning it, be sure to consult with the host ahead of time so you know what to wear.
8. Prepare to thank everyone. Favors for your guests are a lovely way to thank them for coming to the party and celebrating with you. If they give you gifts, a thank-you note after the party is the polite thing to do. Also, if you’re not hosting the party, we recommend giving the host a little thank-you gift from the two of you.
9. Have fun!
