Engagement parties are perfect ways to celebrate the excitement of this next step in a relationship, gathering those friends and family who are most important to you to have a great big knees-up and get to know the in-laws much more.
But the days of the old fashioned engagement party are less fitting for most couples these days. Traditionally engagements parties are seen as formal events for both sides of the families to mingle, held at the home of the BrideToBe's parents, with invites sent out months in advance.
So we've put together a check list of how to throw a more relaxed modern engagement party, and have whole lot more fun too!
Modern Engagement Party Top Tips
1. Don't worry about setting the date for the party at short notice.
Instead of planning your enagement party months after the popping of the question, get caught up in the whirlwind of excitment and get party planning straight away! If some people can't make it with just a week or two notice, remember that the main day for everyone to be together is the wedding day itself anyway! So just enjoy your engagement as a celebration and step away from the politics of a formal event.
2. Plan it close to home.
Hiring a function space suits lots of people, but inviting your friends and family around to your own home makes it more of an informal affair - so much more personal to you. All you need is to hang up lots of balloons, banners, and streamers to create the perfect party décor.
Holding your non-traditional engagement party at home also has the added bonus of keeping the spending low, meaning more money for the wedding itself!
The only three things you need to keep your guests happy at your modern day engagement party. Remember, it's not a dry-run of the wedding day, its a party. So no need for a formal sit down meal, grab some engagement themed tableware, paper cups and throw in a sprinkle of confetti. With the added bonus of an easy to clean up the morning after with disposable paper plates and cutlery!
3. Don't forget the cake!
Essential. It's not a party without a cake!
Will you be planning and engagement party in 2016?
