Can You Have A Big Engagement Party And Small Wedding?

If you’re struggling with the idea of having an intimate wedding and leaving out some of your friends, consider having an engagement party. Even though it may seem like an old-fashioned concept, an engagement party is a fun way for people to come together before the big day.

In this article, you’ll learn about the benefits of having an engagement party, including how it can help you include more people in your celebration.

You’ll also discover three big considerations you should make when planning your engagement party, as well as ten steps to planning a big engagement party that will leave your guests feeling entertained and excited for your upcoming nuptials.

Key Takeaways

  • An engagement party is a great way to include more people in your wedding celebration.
  • When planning your engagement party, consider your budget, guest list, and venue.
  • Follow these ten steps to plan a big engagement party that your guests will love.

So, Can You Have A Big Engagement Party And Small Wedding?

Yes, you can have a big engagement party and a small wedding if you want to cut down on expenses or keep your wedding intimate. The engagement party is an excellent opportunity to celebrate your engagement with your friends and family. You can host a large-scale party at a social hall, restaurant, or any other preferred venue where all the guests are adequately catered for. However, keep in mind that hosting a large-scale party requires ample space and might not be feasible if you have a limited budget. Consider your wedding budget and etiquette rules before deciding to have two parties.

Common Questions About Engagement Parties
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Three Big Engagement Party Planning Considerations

1. The Size Of The Party

When planning your engagement party, the number of guests you want to invite should dictate the size of the party. You can host a big get-together at a social hall, restaurant, or some other preferred venue where all the guests are adequately catered for. Hosting a large-scale party requires ample space. Therefore, it goes without saying that the bigger the party, the more resources it requires.

Consider the type of party you want to have. Will it be a backyard engagement party, a beach bash, or a buffet-style engagement bash? Will you be serving champagne, bubbly, or beer? Knowing the type of party you want to have will help you determine the size of the party.

2. Cost Of The Party

Planning and hosting a big engagement party can be costly. It’s important to be careful not to blow your wedding budget on an engagement party. Depending on who is hosting the party, you may not have to worry at all about the cost. If someone else is hosting, be careful not to insult their generosity.

Crunch the numbers together and give moderate suggestions. Knowing your budget bounds will help you narrow your requirements to the most essential details. Consider the cost of catering, venue rental, decorations, and any other expenses that may arise.

3. Venue

The venue is an important consideration when planning an engagement party. Contrary to the actual wedding, your pre-wedding party will likely be somewhat intimate and more relaxed. But if your idea is to have a grand engagement party, the trick is to have a wide range of options when it comes to venues.

Consider renting an art gallery, a hotel rooftop, a country club, or even a rooftop bar for a memorable party. An ideal venue brings out the true nature in you as a couple. Make sure to book your venue in advance to avoid any last-minute disappointments.

To help you plan your engagement party, here is a table summarizing the key considerations:

ConsiderationDetails
Size of the PartyDictated by the number of guests you want to invite.
Cost of the PartyBe careful not to blow your wedding budget. Crunch the numbers together and give moderate suggestions.
VenueRent a winery, a hotel ballroom, a rooftop bar, or even a brewery for a memorable party. An ideal venue brings out the true nature in you as a couple. Book your venue in advance.

By considering the size of the party, the cost, and the venue, you can plan a memorable engagement party that reflects your unique style and personality.

Ten Steps To Planning a Big Engagement Party

Planning a big engagement party can be overwhelming, but with the right steps, it can be a fun and memorable experience. Here are ten steps to help you plan a successful engagement party:

1. Decide Who Will Host The Engagement Party

The first step in planning a big engagement party is to decide who will host the event. It used to be the bride’s parents, but nowadays, anyone who shares the joy of the engaged couple can host the party.

Whether it’s your parents, siblings, best friend, partner, or you, anyone who is willing to host the party can do it. Both parents can even jointly host the engagement party. However, hosting a big engagement party may require the input of a professional wedding planner to ensure that everything is planned correctly.

2. Pick A Date

After deciding who will host the engagement party, the next step is to pick a date. Set the date to fall within the first few months of engagement.

Before randomly setting the date, consider your guests’ schedule to make sure that you don’t inconvenience anyone, especially your family and close friends who may have to travel from far to be part of your celebration.

3. Draft The Budget

The third step is to draft a budget and make cost estimates of everything you need to have at your grand engagement party.

Depending on who is hosting, you need to be cautious about how far you are willing to spend on your pre-wedding. If it is your parents or someone else, you have to be respectful of your demands.

4. Choose Your Preferred Venue

One of the most important decisions you have to make is to choose a venue.

Your parents’ backyard or your favorite restaurant may be a romantic choice for a low-key party but not for a big engagement party.

Pick a spot that is spacious and accommodating for a large crowd. Perhaps, an art gallery, the beach, or a hotel rooftop.

5. Create The Guest List

The fifth step is to create the guest list. There are no rules except that you have to stick to engagement party etiquette.

Create a guest list of visitors you will be able to comfortably accommodate without going overboard. The guest list should be guided by the amount of space available, who is hosting the party, and the budget.

Any guest you invite to your pre-wedding party should also be invited to your wedding.

6. Send Out Your Engagement Party Invites

To get good attendance, send out your engagement party invitations as soon as you have picked the date and the venue, preferably one month beforehand. Also, ensure that you include an RSVP date.

7. Plan The Menu

Of course, food cannot miss out. The seventh step is to plan the menu. You don’t have to serve the most expensive course meal but just make sure that there is definitely something savory for your guests.

Let the guests know what you are planning to serve at your party. Make it clear in your invitation. The menu is an awesome way to introduce your favorite cuisine to your guests. Be as creative as you can and personalize your menu for a memorable event.

8. Set The Theme And The Décor

The eighth step is to set the theme and the décor. Just like any other indulgence, you can set a simple scene or a complicated one but don’t overdo it. The idea is to celebrate you, and so you should pick the scene that will enhance the party vibes. You can work with a florist on the choices of flowers to bring.

9. Choose Your Party Attire

The ninth step is to choose your party attire. Firstly, as a newly engaged couple, you deserve special attire. As you swipe through the online store looking for the best outfit, consider your engagement party setting and the venue you have chosen. Of course, the choice of your attire should be appropriate for a party setting.

10. Assign Roles

Finally, you need to assign a day of duties to some of your friends and family. Figure out in advance who is good at what role and ask them if they are willing to help out so you can focus on your guests. Assigning roles will help you ensure that everything runs smoothly during the party.

In conclusion, planning a big engagement party can be a fun and memorable experience if you follow the right steps. From deciding who will host the party to assigning roles, these ten steps will help you plan a successful engagement party.

Conclusion

Hosting an engagement party is a great way to share your exciting news with loved ones and get everyone in the wedding mood. While it is not a necessary event, it can certainly add to the overall experience.

Whether you choose to have a big engagement party and a small wedding or vice versa, it ultimately comes down to your budget and personal preference. Consider your options and make the decision that is best for you and your partner.

Reference

Here are some helpful links for engagement party planning and etiquette:

Consider these resources as you plan your engagement party to ensure a smooth and enjoyable event.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What Are Some Unique Themes for a Large Engagement Party?

When it comes to themes for a big engagement party, the possibilities are endless. You could opt for a classic romantic theme, a beach theme, or even a masquerade ball theme. If you’re looking for something more unique, consider a vintage carnival or a Great Gatsby-inspired theme. The key is to choose a theme that reflects the couple’s personalities and interests.

A big engagement party requires a spacious venue that can accommodate all of your guests. Popular venues for large engagement parties include banquet halls, hotel ballrooms, and outdoor spaces such as gardens or rooftops. If you’re looking for something more unconventional, consider renting a yacht or a private mansion.

Q: What Are Some Creative Food Ideas for a Big Engagement Party?

Food is an important part of any big engagement party. Consider serving a variety of hors d’oeuvres, such as mini quiches, shrimp cocktail, and bruschetta. For the main course, you could opt for a buffet-style meal with a variety of dishes to choose from. Don’t forget to include vegetarian and gluten-free options. For dessert, consider a dessert bar with a variety of sweet treats.

Q: What Are Some Fun Activities to Have at a Big Engagement Party?

Activities are a great way to keep guests entertained and engaged at a big engagement party. Consider setting up a photo booth with fun props, or arranging for a live band or DJ to provide entertainment. You could also plan a game or activity, such as a trivia contest or a scavenger hunt.

Q: Who Traditionally Hosts a Large Engagement Party?

Traditionally, the bride’s parents host the engagement party. However, in modern times, anyone can host the engagement party, including the couple themselves or close friends and family members.

Q: What Are Some Common Traditions or Customs at an Engagement Party?

Engagement parties are a time to celebrate the upcoming wedding and the couple’s love for each other. Common traditions include speeches from the hosts and the couple, toasts, and the cutting of a cake. Guests may also bring gifts to the engagement party, although this is not required.