Engagement Party, Should I Have One?
Pop the champagne, you’re engaged! Now that the ring is on your finger and the "Yes!" has been said, you might wonder, "How should we celebrate this?" After the calls, texts, and social media posts sharing the big news with friends and family, you might start thinking about hosting your first wedding-related event, an engagement party! But some questions might be running through your head, is this party essential? Should every couple throw one?
Let’s break it down. Engagement parties can be a blast, but they aren’t a must-have for every couple. Whether you want to gather your closest friends for a casual hangout or skip the party altogether, here’s how to decide what’s right for you.
Let’s Talk Budget
First thing first: can your budget handle an engagement party? If wedding planning already feels like it’s going to break the bank, throwing an extra party might seem overwhelming. Take a moment to map out your wedding expenses, consider the venue, planner, photographer, the perfect dress, etc. Now, do you have some extra wiggle room? If you do, great! Go ahead and plan that engagement party. If not, don’t stress! You can skip the party and save those dollars for other wedding-related events.
How Big Should This Party Be?
Here’s the fun part, deciding on your guest list! Some couples go all out with a huge bash, but you don’t have to throw a party that rivals your wedding day. In fact, smaller can be sweeter. How about a cozy dinner at your favorite local spot or a chill backyard barbecue with under 25 of your closest friends and family? Intimate parties are super memorable and less stressful to plan.
But, if you’re feeling the “go big or go home” vibes are right for you, you could invite everyone who’s on your wedding list! Just know that it’ll take more time and money to pull off. Whether the event is big or small, it’s all about celebrating this super special time in your lives.
Where’s the Party At?
The venue for your engagement party sets the tone for the whole celebration. Luckily, this event can be a little more relaxed than your wedding, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to options. Love the outdoors? Think parks, beaches, or even your backyard for a chill, laid-back vibe. Looking for something more upscale? You could rent out a rooftop bar, winery, or restaurant for a night to remember!
Pro tip: choose a spot that feels like you. Whether it’s fancy or laid-back, the venue should reflect your personality as a couple and the vibe you are going for on your wedding day!
Need Help Planning? We’ve Got You Covered!
Does the idea of an engagement party sound perfect, but the thought of planning it feels a little overwhelming? You’re not alone! Here at Before the Vows, we offer engagement party planning services designed to take all the stress off your plate, so you can enjoy every moment.
Our package includes everything from sourcing the perfect location to booking and coordinating vendors, executing your dream design, crafting a custom timeline, and even handling the setup and tear down. We’re here to make sure your engagement party is as fun and seamless as possible, leaving you with nothing to do but celebrate your love!
No Party? No Problem!
After thinking it through, maybe the whole engagement party thing just isn’t for you, and that’s totally okay! There are so many different ways to celebrate your engagement that don’t require throwing a big bash. From intimate dinners to fun activities, think mini-golf, or a weekend getaway, there are plenty of ways to soak in this special time without the pressure of planning another event.
Remember, this is your journey as a couple. Whether you choose to party or keep it low-key, what matters most is that it feels right for you and your partner. So go ahead, and celebrate this exciting new chapter in whatever way makes you happiest!
Ready to start planning your perfect engagement party or need help bringing your vision to life? Let Before the Vows take care of the details! Contact us today, and let's create a celebration you'll never forget.
