Planning Your Dream Engagement Party

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How to celebrate your engagement in style

So, they’ve popped the question, you’ve said yes, and now it’s time to celebrate with the perfect engagement party.

They’ve popped the question, you’re wearing a big sparkler on your left hand, and you’ve been smiling so much that your cheeks hurt – so, what’s next? Well, the engagement party of course.

Traditionally thrown within the first few months of getting engaged, the engagement party is a perfect opportunity to celebrate your happy news with all your family and friends, and is a great practice run for the big day itself. Here’s how to plan the perfect engagement celebration.

Find the perfect venue

Finding the perfect venue is one of the most important elements when it comes to planning your dream engagement party, so get this ticked off your list as soon as possible. The kind of venue you choose will depend on the type of party you’re throwing. For a small, relaxed affair, a casual get-together in your garden, or a private dining room in a fancy restaurant might be just what you’re looking for. However, if you’re looking for a venue with more impact, you can’t go wrong with one of the fantastic barn venues in Essex, which offer rustic, romantic charm and bucket-loads of style.

Choose your guests wisely

When organising your engagement party, it can be easy to get carried away and invite everyone you can think of – after all, you want to shout your happy news from the rooftop. However, tradition dictates that anyone who is invited to the engagement party should also be invited to the wedding itself – so make sure you choose your guest list wisely. If you’re not quite ready to write your wedding guestlist, play it safe and opt for a smaller party, only inviting those people you’re sure will make the final cut.

Treat your guests’ taste buds

Food and drink are an important part of most parties, so be sure to put some thought into how you can treat your guests’ taste buds. There’s no need to put on a three-course meal, but providing some delicious canapes, a tasty buffet, or even a gourmet BBQ is sure to be a hit with your guests. Alternatively, you could keep them sweet with a chocolate fountain, candy bar or vintage ice-cream van. And don’t forget the drinks – a glass of champagne on arrival, or a signature cocktail made especially for the occasion, is a great way to break the ice and set the scene for the rest of the evening.

Keep everyone entertained

Entertainment is an absolute must for any engagement party worth its salt – but how that looks is totally down to you. Maybe you’d like to hire a DJ to play a selection of your favourite tunes and encourage people to hit the dance floor, or perhaps you prefer the atmosphere created by a live band. If you’re after something a little quieter, perhaps a magician or some casino tables would fit the bill. It all depends on the type of party you want to throw and the people you are planning on inviting.

Choose the perfect outfit

Last, but certainly not least, you need to choose the perfect outfit to wear to your dream party. You want to make sure you stand out from the crowd, but equally you don’t want to peak too soon – so leave that white dress until the big day itself! Try to let your outfit be guided by the vibe and style of the event. And, if in doubt, sparkles are always a winner!

So, what are you waiting for? Get planning, grab your fiancé, and enjoy a perfect evening celebrating your happy future together.