Engagement Party 101
So you made it through the first 10 steps (read them here http://bit.ly/2sIMKrT) after getting engaged. Nice job! Now it’s time to celebrate by throwing an engagement party!! Most pre-wedding parties (bridal showers, bachelor/bachelorette parties) are typically for the bride or the groom separately. The engagement party is an opportunity for both of you to get together with some friends and family to talk about the proposal, show off that diamond and give them a hint of what to expect during the wedding.
Most importantly, it’s a time to have FUN! Wedding planning can sometimes be stressful, and weddings themselves tend to be more of a formal affair. However, the engagement party should be a relaxed event, meant to celebrate the couple and kick off the wedding planning. It is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends on both sides to meet and get to know each other. This will be especially helpful if some of them will be working together to plan other aspects of your wedding. Your engagement party also provides a chance to try out some wedding vendors (like a photographer, florist, and bakery) on a smaller scale, before you book them for your wedding. Remember to ask if they offer a discount for booking multiple parties!
We’ve pulled together some information and ideas for a fabulous engagement party that will get everyone excited about your big day!
Who should host?
Traditionally, the parents of the bride or groom would have been responsible for hosting the engagement party. However, nowadays a friend or the engaged couple are just as likely to host the event. If you would like to have a party, but nobody has offered to throw one for you, don’t hesitate to throw one for yourselves! Particularly if your parents are footing the bill for the rest of the wedding; they may appreciate you taking over this one. If you host, you also have more control over who is invited, which may be appealing if you’re trying to manage the size and atmosphere of the party.
Webb’s Captain’s Table features several cozy spaces, perfect for an intimate party. Call us today at 716-753-3960 to talk to an event specialist about your engagement party, and to set up a personal tour of our private dining rooms!
Who do you invite?
This will depend on who is hosting, but it should primarily be close friends and family. You probably want to avoid inviting people who have to travel a long distance (unless they’re parents or siblings), because they will already have the time and expense involved in traveling for your wedding. Also, be sure to only invite those who are definitely going to be on your final wedding guest list.
For those guests who will need to travel, we offer overnight accommodations at our Year-Round Resort. Call us at (716) 753-2161 to make a reservation!
When should the party happen?
Typically an engagement party will be held 2-4 months after the proposal, before Save the Dates are sent, and at least 6 months prior to the wedding itself. You don’t want to burn yourself or your guests out with too many wedding related parties, too close together.
When you book your engagement party at Webb’s, you will receive your choice of one of these charming, customizable invitations that can be printed and mailed, or sent digitally.
It is perfectly acceptable to send a digital invite for an engagement party, as it is a less formal affair than the wedding. Be sure to include your wedding website (see our favorite site builder here), and note the dress code so that everyone will know what to expect.
Will there be gifts?
You should not expect gifts at your engagement party, nor be expected to bring one if you are an invitee. However, some guests may insist, so it is a good idea to register for a few items prior to the party. During the party, don’t take time to open any gifts you may receive - set them aside for later. You can also make a note on your invitation that states “No Gifts Please.”
If you do receive a few gifts, don’t forget to send handwritten thank you notes. Visit our store, Webb’s Cottage Collection, to browse our selection of note cards featuring local photographers. Bring along a friend so that you can point out any wish list items you may have for your bridal shower!
What should we eat?
Again, the name of the game for engagement parties is to relax and have fun. This atmosphere lends itself best to a more casual menu, such as cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, a family style buffet, or simply drinks and desserts. Wouldn’t a spread featuring Webb’s Hand-Dipped Chocolates, paired with a Port from a local winery be sublime?
Contact Webb’s banquet coordinator at 716-753-3960 for our party menu options.
Webb’s Chocolates
Johnson Estate Port Wine
Small buffet in Webb’s Big Banquet Room
Décor Ideas
If you already have an idea of how you want your wedding day to look, the engagement party can reflect that style or theme. Or if the proposal took place in a unique location (like on a beach or in a hot air balloon), it may be fun to use that as your décor inspiration! Include some old pictures of the bride and groom – this will be fun for the guests who didn’t know you when you were growing up; or a walk down memory lane for the ones who did. You don’t have to go all out on the decorations (remember, we’re keeping this party easy breezy), but include some things that will help tell your story.
How sweet would a candy bar be for an engagement party?
Let Webb’s take care of the tables for you! Our classically beautiful place settings and linens will complement all of your other décor choices.
Activity Ideas
Entertain your friends and family with some light-hearted activities that will help them get to know you and each other better. How about a version of the Newlywed Game where you compete against your grandparents and parents to see who knows more about their partner? Pinterest is full of question ideas.
Or create a Mad Libs that your guests can fill out when they arrive, and you’ll have some hilarious reading material at the end of the day.
If your party falls during a warm season, Webb’s has a mini golf course for you and your guests to enjoy!
Webb’s Mini Golf
Host your guests in our Pool Room and our complimentary billiards table will enliven your party.
Webb’s Pool Room
Enjoy your engagement party, and come back next month for our bachelor and bachelorette party ideas!
~ Webb’s Captain’s Table
