Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

Hi, I am having an engagement party too in a hall and I was wondering what special things you are doing that night. I want it to be great but I don't want it to be exactly like the wedding. Any ideas?

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

Bride2003 I am doing the same thing. Last night FH and I were discussing whether we would need a guest book, cake cutter, champagne glasses.... the list goes on. I don't think I am getting the cake cutters but probably the champagne flutes. But my concern is what do we write on them since we are not married yet?

I was definitely thinking of getting a small guest book or do something similar to that. I keep reading the polaroid idea and my BF has one. I also thought of instead of having a photographer to have the cameras on the tables.

Another question: would you sit in a dais setting or just tables? We were wondering on this as well.

hmmm if you have any other ideas to share please pass them along!

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

well, I'm having informal seating.. I won't have a dais for the EP, fi and I will have our own table, but I will have a dais for the wedding.. I am having it semi-formal as opposed to the regular wedding..

I am having a DJ as opposed to a band that I'll be having for the wedding..

Basically, I am doing fun stuff and stuff that you could pretty much get away with for an EP that would be a bit too inappropriate for a wedding and it's also really a time for both families and all the friends to get to know each other better...

I have really coordinated with the DJ and he is really great and is bearing with me and taking everything I want into consideration as well as giving suggestions based on his past experiences..

I will have a first dance with my fi, but half way through the song I will have everyone join in, and as jenny suggested I am thinking up of fun things to say after introducing each member of the bridal party.... I will also be pinning boutenierres on the men in the bridal party an handing a small bouquet to each girl in my BP.. but all in all we're just going to have a great time!!

Anything else you need, please feel free to ask!
:)
Marcella

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

I am doing the cameras on the tables. both black and white and color, and having someone video the party..

I'm not doing the dais because I prefer to do that for the wedding reception.. as far as cake cutter or glasses, I'm staying away from that too, I don't want it too wedding-like..

as far as the guestbook idea, I am having guests sign a 11 x14 embossed paper with cool gel pens, after everyone has signed it I will have fi and I's eng. picture mounted together with it in a frame.. above the pic it reads me and fi's name and below it, 'Engagement Party, August 9, 2002'

as far as what to write on the flutes, i would write both of your names and Engagement Party, and the date

I think the whole trick to this EP thing, is that you can really do anything.. be creative.. have fun.. just try and do stuff you wouldn't necessarily do for the wedding.. :)

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

umm what is informal seating exactly?

The introducing the bridal party and the quarky intro sounds like a perfect idea! I am giggling already!!!

Who is your DJ if you don't mind me asking?

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

Hey.. I mean that I'm not going to the trouble of assigning everyone a table/seat... basically, everyone will sit whereever they want.. I think this works better anyway, cause we want everyone to become acquainted with each other..

I am using the Pros (1-800-the-pros) my cousin used them for his wedding and they were great!! they have offices all over!! give them a call and when you call, dial ext. 117, that's Denise Kraft and tell her that Marcella Monroy referred you! Very reasonably priced too..

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

I had an e-party, although not terribly formal, a few months back. I think an e-party should not be the same as your wedding. I didn't cut the cake, or have a first dance with my FH. I think those moments should be saved for the 'real thing'. My Dad did a toast to us and my FH thanked him and everyone for coming, as tradition calls for, but we didn't have anyone else speak.
I gave out bookmark and choclate lollipop favors, which everyone liked.
But that is just me. Everyone should do what makes them happy.

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

Thanks for the suggestions!!!
Please let us know how it went on Friday.

I know what you mean on making it more fun and festive. I want it to be that way too. You gave me some good ideas.
Thanks again and HAVE FUN!!!

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

My fiance didn't want to be introduced into the room, so I don't know what we are going to do. I guess we will just be there and then the DJ will say something. We do plan on dancing to our song 'Dreaming of You' by Selena. I like the idea of introducing the bridal party but I didn't ask one girl yet and I still need another one. If we introduce them and then I ask someone later, I think it looks bad. We aren't even sure who is giving a speech/toast and if we are cutting the cake. We still have so much to talk about and it is on Saturday. We are giving out the chinese food take out boxes filled with candy but not chocolate because it will be too hot. We did however make up placecards and assign tables. What color linens is everyone using for the engagement party?

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

I also forgot to mention that we are having the cameras on the tables. We are not having a dias or sitting separately. My F and I decided to sit with our immediate families together at one table (and his grandparents) HOw many people are you having?

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

I'm having 200 people.. My linens are dark green and ivory.. hmm, what else.. lol.. my centerpeices are these really cool pillar candles filled with potpuri thingies.. I can't explainbut will try and post a pic from the party

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

Wow Marcella, 200 people. I thought we had a lot of people. We're having about 115 people. I have never been to an e-party so I'm not really used to this, but my FH's family is Greek Orthodox, so it's a big thing to them.
As far as the 'wedding like' things we're doing, we're going to use champagne flutes (without any writing on them) that we got for Xmas from his Aunt; we're having a DJ ; we're going to do the formal seating thing and we're going to have a first song, but we'll ask everyone to join in at some point.

I also might do the bout and small bouqets for the bridal party. That's a really great idea.

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

yeah, 200!! And to think that alot of people couldn't come due to vacations, and living out of state! crazy!!

Yeah, I think I am going to go to the Flower district and get the flowers and make them.. there's nothing like adding a personal touch to them and you can get more for your money's worth!!

Have a great time at your e-party.. Greek parties are crazy!! hehe.. Make sure you play Kalamatiano, Hassaposerviko or the Folksong Medley.. I am and I'm not even Greek! haha!

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

Thanks Marcella!! Wow 200 and there were some 'nos'. That's NUTS!! We haven't sent the invites out yet (our e-party is in October) but we're positive that everyone will show because it's only close friends and family. FH has about 80 family members!!! And we're definitely going to play all those songs. I have to start bugging FH to give me Greek dancing lessons
Well anyway, hope you have a great time on Friday. You have to come back with all the details. And I agree a personal touch is very important. I'm sure everything will turn out great!! Good Luck!!

-Marcela

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

Thanks sweetie

You too!!

Re: Calling MarcellaBella (E-Party)

Thank you!!!