5 Steps to Hosting a Simple Engagement Party

An engagement party is the perfect excuse to get dressed up and see family and friends that you haven't seen for ages. They'll be wanting to congratulate you in person and it gives you an opportunity to introduce everybody before the 'big day'. Here are 5 steps to hosting the perfect party (with a few extra ideas thrown in for good measure.)

Date & Place

Decide on the date and the place you want for your celebration.
Do you want it to be on a weekend? Maybe on a date that's special to you as a couple? Maybe a city venue which has good bus links? You can even host the event at home. All you need is to enlist the help of a few friends/family members and a little imagination.

Entertainment

To give your party guests some entertainment, you could go all out and hire a DJ which would set you back about £400.
If you are on a budget or don't have the room for a DJ, but still want music, there are plenty of places to hire your own digital jukebox (with all the music already on there)! This would allow your guests to choose the tunes and make for a great atmosphere. These come in at around £150-£250 to hire for the night.

Games are always a great idea to get people involved. One great game idea is to create a list of facts about every guest in the room (one fact per guest). As each person arrives they are handed a list of the facts and a pen. Throughout the party they have to go around asking questions without using any of the words on the fact sheet to try and match the facts with the correct person. This game is brilliant to get people talking and laughing, a definite ice breaker.

Placing disposable cameras on tables with some photo-booth props is a great way to get some fun photos without the need for nervous smiles and hidden faces. You'll be sure to have a laugh when you get them developed.  You can even create a picture board to showcase the pictures on your wedding day.

Food/Drink

Depending on where you're hosting the party will depend a lot about the food and drink you supply your guests, if at a venue or social hall there may be provisions for a bar area or at least a licence to sell alcohol. If you are planning on having caterers to provide food, they will be able to advise you on what they can provide and for what price. A buffet is a really good, affordable way of feeding a lot of mouths and will cater for a wide range of tastes - just don't forget those vegetarians/vegans.

If you are planning a party/celebration at home, get your family/friends to pitch in. Ask them if they would be able to make something or bring something with them to help with your spread. People will generally expect a few nibbles but nothing too extravagant so don't worry about going all out with the food.

Invites

Remember to send your invites out in plenty of time so that people can make it. You could use a Facebook event for your computer savvy guests and card invites for anyone who isn't on the social media scene. You can pick up some great invites online for minimal cost or you can create your own DIY invites for that personalised touch.

Enjoy

This is the most important of all. If you look like you're enjoying yourself and seem happy and relaxed then yours guests will too. They take the lead from the host/hostess so smile and enjoy your party!



Thanks for reading, if you have any additional ideas please comment below, I would love to hear your own engagement party stories/tips!

Melissa xoxo