Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the engagement party. However, it is quite common nowadays for the couple to organize a party themselves or have friends volunteer to assist.
Some people may opt to have two parties, one for their friends and another for relatives and very close family friends.
If it is not being held at the bride’s parents’ house, you can have it at a restaurant, a pub, or a garden.
This is the time when people get the chance to congratulate you. And you also get a chance to introduce key people in your lives. These are hopefully the people who will help you plan your wedding.
Who do I invite to the engagement party?
An engagement party is usually an intimate event, where only the closest and dearest people are invited. Actually, the people who are invited to the engagement party must be invited to the wedding. Nowadays some couples are also inviting people who are not so close to them. Especially if the party is informal and hosted by the couple’s friends.
If the engagement party is held at the bride’s house, both the families of the bride and groom and their close family friends should be invited.
When do I have an engagement party?
The engagement party should come soon after the proposal and before the serious wedding planning kicks in. This is when the excitement is still fresh and you are likely to have more fun. Give your guests about a month’s notice and let this be not less than nine months before the wedding.
How do I send invites to my engagement party?
You can send the invitations by email or text messages, but sending paper invites by post gives it an extra personal touch and makes it special. Have someone design a special invite for your guests.
What about the theme and décor?
When choosing a theme and décor for the engagement party, make sure it resonates with the couple’s tastes. Again, the engagement must not outdo the wedding. You should also make sure that the theme of the engagement party matches the wedding theme.
What you choose to wear depends on the setting of the party, but keep it simple so as not to outdo the wedding day look. It should also be special enough to make you stand out. A sundress for an outdoor party or a cocktail dress is great, while the groom must not wear a tuxedo. You can also include a dress code for your guests in the invitation card if you wish.
What to serve?
You may opt not to have simple foods where the guests do not have to have a proper sit-down like in the wedding. You can have a buffet or food trucks where your guests can mingle, and serve them with simple foods like burgers, meat skewers, mini lasagnas, or fish and chips. And meals that mean something special to the bride and groom, like tacos and margaritas for lovers of Mexican food.
People will definitely be looking forward to the cake, but let it not be as elaborate as the wedding cake. It can be smaller in size with the couple’s names or photos. You can also opt to have cupcakes, ice cream, or cookies in the shape of a diamond ring.
The Cocktails
Nothing says it is time to celebrate like a good cocktail! At the celebration of your engagement, you definitely want that. Prepare your big batch cocktails before your party and set out a bowl for people to self-serve or have the bartender manage it. Making the bulk batch is definitely more cost effective and an excellent solution for serving a big crowd.
Try one or more of these cocktail recipes at your engagement party and give it an extra punch!
1. Blood orange punch
Add flavor and color to your cocktail by using blood oranges. Freeze some blood orange wedges and put them in the punch to keep it cold without the fear of diluting the flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 bottles chilled blood orange juice (25 ounces each)
- 3 cans chilled natural orange soda (12 ounces each), such as San Pellegrino Aranciata
- 8 ounces of light rum
- 5 dashes bitters
- 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- One blood orange, cut into quarters
Directions
Freeze 1 ½ cups orange juice in ice cube trays. Stir the remaining orange juice, lime juice, rum, and bitters into a punch bowl. Add the frozen orange slices before serving. Add ice cubes as needed.
2. Pomegranate-champagne punch
This punch has the tang and tartness of pomegranate juice and the sweetness of pear nectar, which gives it a deep flavor. If you are looking for a cheaper option than champagne, use sparkling white wine like Prosecco.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups pomegranate juice
- 1 bottle (750 ml) Champagne
- 1 cup pear nectar
- 1/4 cup orange-flavored liqueur, such as Grand Marnier
Directions
Combine pomegranate juice, pear nectar, and orange-flavored liqueur in a large pitcher. Add the champagne slowly and serve over ice.
3. Citrus punch
The citrusy twist in this cocktail spreads a good cheer among your guests. It tastes just as exotic as it looks.
Ingredients
- 4 cups orange juice
- 2 cups bottled pear nectar
- 2 cups chilled club soda
- 1 cup light rum if desired
- Orange slices for garnishing
Directions
Set a fine sieve over a large pitcher, pour pear nectar and orange juice through it into the pitcher. Stir in the chilled club soda and light rum before serving and pour it over ice. Garnish with orange slices.
4. Warm cider and rum punch
This spiked cider will keep your guests warm and lively. Top it off with a cinnamon stick for some special flair
Ingredients
- 8 cups apple cider
- 1 apple, thinly sliced cross-wise
- 1 orange, thinly sliced cross-wise
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
- 2 cups dark rum
Directions
Combine apple slices, apple cider, orange slices, ginger, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot and bring to boil. Bring to a boil over high, then reduce to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Keep warm on low for about 2 hours, remove from the fire and stir in the rum. Transfer to a punch bowl and serve warm.
Are you shopping for the perfect engagement or wedding ring? Visit www.javda.com and discover a stunning collection of diamonds. Pick from our over 10, 000 GIA certified loose diamonds and we promise to build you the most stunning ring.