by Monique Brand
There are many details to consider when planning an engagement party. The date, guest list, venue, invitations and menu are all key aspects of any engagement party…. well no fear “THE PR LADY” is here to give you tips on how to have one awesome and memorable engagement party.
- Guest List: Ask the bride and groom for a guest list. If the engagement party planning will be kept a secret, generate a guest list which includes the wedding party and their significant others, parents, grandparents and siblings of the bride and groom. Ask two to three other people to review the guest list to ensure no one is missing.
- Pick a Date: It is never too early to begin engagement party planning – as long as the couple is officially engaged. (My nana always says its bad luck to throw an engagement party when its NOT OFFICIAL) Choose a date based on the length of engagement. The engagement party is usually held one to three months after the engagement. Hold the engagement party closer to the three month mark if the wedding is over a year away. Plan within one to two months if the wedding is scheduled for 10 months, or sooner.
- Venue: Each guest will have different preferences for how to plan an engagement party, such as selecting the venue. It is difficult to please all attendees. Send an email to all members of the wedding party, and ask for suggestions. Make it clear that you will make the final decision (coming to consensus can be challenging), however it will be good to get help brainstorming ideas. Give three different possibilities for engagement party venues, and include a deadline for a response. For example, “Please help to respond with your choice for a venue by this coming Friday. I will move forward with booking the venue.”
We here at the KCCC provide 53,000 square foot Exhibition Hall, a kitchen, and other amenities. So just cross off the venue on your checklist.
- Invitations: Include basic, but necessary information on the engagement party invitation such as the date, time, location, RSVP contact and who will be honored at the event. Incorporate invitation wording such as, “Lisa and Mike’s big day is only 235 days away. Join us for an engagement party in honor of the special couple.”
- Cake: Visit your local bakery and choose a cake flavor that is a favorite of both the future bride and groom. Have the bakery decorate the cake with a picture of the bride and groom. Ask family and friends if there is a picture of the proposal. If so, this a perfect picture for the engagement party cake!
- Decorations: Decorate the room with basic and neutral decorations. Ask the bridal party if colors are picked out yet and incorporate them. (Just a suggestion.)
Other things to consider in your engagement party planning include the food, entertainment, and favors. The food is somewhat dependent on your venue. Entertainment can be kept pretty simple. Background music is really all you need, however this can also vary based on the venue. And favors are optional. They’re a nice touch. Do something simple like wrap candies or homemade cookies in cellophane and tie with the wedding colors.
But just remember the staff here at KCCC are here to help with the menu to the lighting. Call now and ask for a preview and quotes!