|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
He's proposed, and most likely you're flashing your new engagement ring. Now it's time to plan the celebration, but where do you start?
Your engagement party is the perfect setting for the families and friends of the bride and groom to meet each other if they haven't already done so. Make yourself available at the start of the event to greet all your guests and introduce everyone. Mingle as much as possible so that your guests feel comfortable and relaxed.
You can celebrate in style with a swanky black-tie cocktail party, or a formal sit-down dinner, or maybe a casual serve-yourself buffet is more your style. Whatever you choose, remember that many of your guests may not know each other so you want them to be able to mingle comfortably.
Once upon a time, engagement parties were usually held at the home of the bride's parents, but nowadays most couples like to host their own engagement party. If you want to go all out, you can hire a banquet hall with full catering, a local hall or you could set up a marquee in your own back yard. The choices are only limited by your imagination (and wallet!)
Engagement Party Themes
Many couples like to choose a theme for their engagement party. Having a theme party helps break the ice with your guests and generally adds an element of frivolity the occasion. You can choose a 50s, 60s or 70s party, depending on the decade in which you were born, or an Hawaiian or Mexican party for something more exotic. If you prefer, the theme can be as simple as your choice of colors or the style of your decorations.
For a 50s, 60s or 70s retro look, decorate with lime green, purple, hot pink and yellow. If you'd like to go Hawaiian choose lots of bright greens, yellow and blue. For a Mexican theme, choose gold, purple and blue and have a pinata filled with candies for a bit of fun.
For a romantic theme, choose pastel colors and use tulle or organza to drape the tables, chair backs, stair railings and ceiling. Scatter rose petals and sparkles on the tables and light the area with twinkling fairy lights. Candles add a soft glow to your surroundings and can be used in a number of interesting and inventive ways.
Party and theme shops have a fabulous array of party items and props you can buy or hire for the night. You can check out your local shopping mall, or go online for the most wonderful array of balloons, streamers, party poppers, confetti, and candles.
Engagement Party Entertainment
Entertainment always seems to enhance the mood at a party, although it's not a necessity. A quality sound system and some lively CDs are certainly enough to raise the spirits of party-goers.
If your budget allows, you can hire a pianist or a string quartet to provide pleasant background music. If you'd prefer something a little livelier, how about hiring a juke-box, a DJ or maybe you'd prefer a mariachi band? Or you could hire a karaoke machine and invite your guests to contribute to the entertainment!
Set aside an area for dancing, then start everyone off with a special dance for the newly engaged couple. It will help prepare you for the wedding waltz!
Your choice of entertainment should match the tone and theme of the party, so make sure you choose the kind of entertainment that appeals to your tastes and makes you feel comfortable.
These days anything goes when it comes to engagement party ideas, so let your imagination soar and create a memorable experience, both for you as a couple and for your guests. Just remember to make it a fun-filled and happy experience and above all, enjoy yourselves!
Alexis Miller has been involved in the wedding and jewelry industry for more years than she cares to remember! She has turned her passion for all things bridal into a website, http://www.Engagement-Rings-Guide.com. Visit her website for interesting articles on weddings, jewelry, honeymoons, and much more.
It goes without saying that we all want to look... Read More
An outdoor wedding reception can be host to an almost... Read More
No matter how well you plan all the aspects of... Read More
Your true love got down on his knees and asked... Read More
In our hungry-for-anything new pop culture world, celebrities are often... Read More
Today my three-year-old daughter told my husband that she wants... Read More
Increasing numbers of American brides are thinking about doing the... Read More
Just as destination weddings are fast growing in popularity, so... Read More
Wedding photography is an evolving field that requires artistic talent,... Read More
Time was when you'd open a wedding invitation you'd find... Read More
Planning a second wedding? Prevent favorite guests comparing your second... Read More
Brides have always worn white, right? Not so. In ancient... Read More
Is the cost of your wedding putting the honeymoon of... Read More
A wedding is one of the most special days planned... Read More
Henry Vlll and Elizabeth Taylor, who between them had fourteen... Read More
When it comes to your catering services for your wedding,... Read More
Weddings are memorable events couples and their families want to... Read More
Being chosen as a maid of honor is a great... Read More
This season, a Caribbean honeymoon vacation will give you unlimited... Read More
Once upon a time a caveman, while out for a... Read More
As a personal and professional development coach, I have listened... Read More
After seeing each other for years and being tagged as... Read More
The beginning of the journey of two souls begins with... Read More
Ah! It's the wedding night. You've cut the cake, drank... Read More
He's proposed, and most likely you're flashing your new engagement... Read More
Being chosen as a maid of honor is a great... Read More
Brides through the ages have accessorized with wedding jewelry to... Read More
Every bride would agree that her wedding dress should be... Read More
The most unique beach wedding reception ideas are sparked by... Read More
The typical wedding reception entertainment scheme of pretty flowers and... Read More
For many brides, the wedding ceremony starts long before they... Read More
You can rest assured that the charm of your Maui... Read More
The exact origin of the wedding ring is uncertain and... Read More
The purpose of a wedding shower is to celebrate the... Read More
Creating a wedding budget is one of the first things... Read More
The wedding favor box carries on the timeless tradition established... Read More
Wedding cake bakeries will have a cake portfolio to look... Read More
When Maria Callas first appeared on the international scene, she... Read More
Many wives cheat on their husbands. This could be due... Read More
In Las Vegas, once you get your marriage license you... Read More
The reception alone will bust your wedding budget if you're... Read More
The bridesmaid gift is essential to the planning of a... Read More
No one wants to pay more than they have to... Read More
Diamond hunting can be quite traumatic for the uninitiated. It... Read More
Planning and organizing a wedding budget can greatly reduce the... Read More
Whoever said diamonds are women's best friends, surely missed on... Read More
Marrying for love, financial security and/or companionship does not guarantee... Read More
Congratulations! You have found the man of your dreams and... Read More
Brides have always worn white, right? Not so. In ancient... Read More
Now that you are planning your wedding, you've got to... Read More
Marriage & Wedding |