Engagement
Party Ideas To Wow The Crowd!
by Alexis Miller
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.
