Proposal to Party: How to Plan an Engagement Celebration
From Proposal to Party: How to Plan an Engagement Celebration
The Importance of an Engagement Celebration
People usually only hear about bachelorette and bachelor parties before the wedding. So why are engagement parties important?
Engagement parties are a nice way to let your loved ones know and celebrate the start of a journey to forever.
Traditionally, the bride’s family throws the engagement parties but it could also be hosted by the groom’s family or a close friend of the couple.
It’s a good time for the couple’s family to know each other before the big day. An engagement party celebrates the milestone of the couple saying yes to one another.
Chapter 1: The Proposal
Every happy journey of a couple starts with taking the leap of faith and asking the big question. Proposing to your significant other can be scary. Expectations can be a far cry from reality but always remember that this is the person that you’re willing to spend the rest of your life with.
While there is no pressure in coming up with the grandest proposal surprise, a little creativity and sentimentality can go a long way. Think up creative ways how to plan your proposal. Sprinkle in significant moments or facts about your partner and add them to your proposal plan.
Chapter 2: Announcing the Engagement
So the question popped and your partner said yes — what now? While some of your closest friends and relatives (i.e. the parents) may have already known the engagement, many people still want to join in on the love. The fastest way to spread the news is through social media. Here’s a tip: use lyrics or creative captions to spice up your announcement.
Chapter 3: Setting the Date and Budget
The best time to throw an engagement party is within the first few months of the proposal. Choose a date that’s convenient for the two of you.
Also, keep in mind the budget you’re willing to spend on the party. If you’re planning to go all out on the pre-wedding parties, make sure that you’re keeping track of your budget.
Chapter 4: Selecting the Venue
Sometimes, the date you choose for your engagement party will depend on when your desired venue is available. Take note of the size and time of your event.
Choose among hundreds of partner venues of Hizon’s Catering and find the perfect venue for you!
Chapter 5: Crafting the Guest List
Your engagement party guest list can be almost identical to your wedding guest list. Of course, on the actual wedding, you can still add and have a bigger attendance.
Remember that this is just the engagement party. You can limit who you want to attend. As a couple, decide how many attendees each of you should have. You can also just invite the parents and not the kids for a smaller guest list.
While Filipinos love including everyone in each celebration, think about the current family dynamics each of your families has. Life-changing events such as engagements can be a way for reconciliation. Make sure that each of you is 100% on board with the guests you want to invite.
Chapter 6: Invitations and RSVPs
If you want to go the extra mile, create an invitation specifically for the engagement party. Ask people to RSVP and ask them if they have any dietary restrictions ahead of time.
Invitations also serve as nice souvenirs. People can have invitations as little mementos of your engagement up to happy ever after of the wedding.
Chapter 7: Food and Drinks
Of course, no celebration is complete without delicious food and drinks. Hire a catering service for various options and menu ideas. Inform your catering service of any dietary restrictions that your guests might have.
Bring out food stations or various party trays for a fun twist!
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Chapter 8: Entertainment and Activities
Engagement parties don’t have to be so formal. It’s a good opportunity for the guests to know the dynamics of the couple better. Plan nice activities that explore this bond. This can also be a nice way to see what your guests would want to see in your wedding.
Chapter 9: Decor and Theme Ideas
Anyone would agree that the fun part of any party planning is thinking of the theme. It’s the best avenue that shows you who you are as a couple.
You can look up popular engagement party themes or DIY the party for maximum fun!
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Chapter 10: Capturing Memories
Keep the memory of the day you decided to share your happiness with a photobooth! It’s a cute and fun way to remember the day you shared with your loved ones. You can also hire a photographer to capture the blissful moments of the day.
Want to see how your guests saw the party? Create a hashtag that perfectly expresses the engagement party.
Chapter 11: Gifts and Registry
You can have a gift registry this early. You could use the same gift registry as well for the wedding.
It’s easy to set up a gift registry. Some department stores, like SM and Robinsons, have a service that makes the process easier.
Chapter 12: Speeches and Toasts
The Dad of the bride, if their family is hosting, is the one that opens the gates for the heartwarming toasts. Usually, he tells a story about the bride or the couple and sets the tone for the other speeches.
Encourage guests to share their well-wishes too. This could also serve as a practice for other speeches to come.
Chapter 13: Handling Unexpected Challenges
Naturally, things can’t always go our way. Prepare yourself as much as possible for any kind of scenario that might come up.
Planned for an outdoor engagement celebration but the weather turned sour? Make sure that the venue you booked has indoor alternatives.
Always allocate 10% of the total guest list for food and seating. While some guests may cancel, some could also bring more people without notice. This allocation can put your mind at ease.
Chapter 14: Thank You Notes
While it isn’t required, it’s still nice to send out thank you cards after the engagement party. You can opt for a DIY thank you note to save costs. Send them three days to a week after the celebration.
Chapter 15: After the Party – What’s Next?
The next step in your journey as a couple is possibly the most daunting yet — planning the actual wedding.
After the party, reflect on where you were and where you’ll be headed. Talk with your partner and see if both of you are aligned with your visions. Set your goals and delegate responsibilities. Stay organized and remember to say thanks to those who contributed to your engagement party’s success. In the whirlwind of planning, don’t forget to prioritize quality time with your partner.
Embrace the journey ahead with enthusiasm and love, recognizing that your wedding is not just a day but the start of a beautiful chapter in your love story.
To kick things off, read through our wedding planning timeline guide.
Part one here: 12 months before
Part two here: 10 months before
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Conclusion: Celebrating Love and Creating Lasting Memories
Beyond just a party, it serves as a poignant milestone, a moment frozen in time to commemorate the profound bond between two individuals embarking on a journey of a lifetime together. Let us cherish these moments, filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of shared joy.
So, as you embark on your journey of planning and celebration, remember to savor every moment, relish in the joy of love, and let it be the guiding force that lights up your path. Enjoy the process, embrace the challenges, and above all, revel in the love you’re celebrating.
Book with Hizon’s Catering or inquire via email at info@hizonscatering.com and make your dream event happen. Don’t forget to check out our TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook too!
