picked a date for our engagement party! so now... how do I plan?

yay! I'm so excited Right now we're looking at Saturday, July 15th.

My parents have a little party they're throwing for my uncle's 50th in a few weeks, but after that we're going to get moving on planning this. So, what goes into planning an engagement party? We're keeping it really simply, just a backyard thing at my parents' house (where I currently live, until I get me some money). We'll probably have the food catered, but not like roving waiters with trays catered, but like caterers bring food, set it up on a table, make sure it stays clean and organized and help people serve themselves, and then clean up and leave. We'll just play music off the cd player (we have an outdoor speaker system around our pool). We're thinking around 50 guests.

So, what do we need? Right now my list such:
- make our guest list
- get guest list from fils.
- find / book caterer and choose foods
- buy / make invitations, address, and send out.

is that it? anything else? What do people normally have at engagement parties? Is there supposed to be like a cake or anything? any advice you have would be great!

I had a backyard party and it was one of the best parties ive ever had and people raved about it!

We had a cocktail party, We didnt serve a buffet or anything we have finger foods, suchi and Hors de orves (sp?) We had a cater and they did everthing. We has waiters and they served the foods. We also had a bartender, which worked out really well. For desert we had coffee, tea, fruit, and pastries. It was really nice and people loved it. I think total we spend like $3500 for everything. That included all waiters, bartender, food, tent, chairs, and tables, and a singer as well. FM me if you want more info or anything! Good luck!

HI,
I had an engagement party in a catering hall. I was originally going to to have it in the backyard of my fiance's house but he lives too far down south NJ (Belmar). I live in NY and most of his family lives in Northern NJ so we wanted to make it an easy commute for everyone.

Anyhow, you are on the right track so far. Have it catered and arrange the food on a buffet table. Let people help themselves!
You will def. want a cake of some sort!!!

Have you considered little favors for your guests?
Maybe you can make a candle favor and attach a save the date card to it. We were going to do that for ours but they were not ready at the time of the party. It will save you some postage...

Also, have you considered making centerpieces for the tables? Something small like ballons or picture frames with you and your fh.
Another idea, is your pool in ground or above ground? Maybe you can put floating candles and roses petals to decorate it... Just a thought that came to me..
Anyhow, aside from invites, caterers, cake, guest count and possible favors, you are ready to go!

FM me anytime for any questions or concerns!!
Good luck and post pics!!!

thanks ladies

I'll definitely think about maybe some decor... maybe I could make some little flower arrangements or something... I'm thinking I might let any kids swim in the pool, so floating things might not work, but it's a cute idea

We're not doing save the dates anyway, but favors might be something to think about... maybe something small, I don't want to go overboard at all.

Sure no prob!
Good luck! Let us know how it goes!

Me and FH are in the process of planning our engagement party now. We are having an outdoor party as well and it will be on August 26th. We are having it catered buffet style and are planning to hand out our STD's at the party possibly along with another favor. We already have the place booked. . . so now we just have to confirm the menu with the caterer, send out our invitations, and get decorations for the party. Oh yeah and we are just going to have a regular sheet cake HTH

I'm having my e-party May 20, I can't believe it's so close! We are having it at my mom's house and it is being catered with buffet style food and for dessert we did get a cake as well. As for like drinks and things we are just going to buy cans of soda and beers and of course alcohol of other kinds and just have like a 'serve yourself' type thing...nothing too fancy! We are giving our magnet STD's with a little heart shaped cookie that our favorite bakery is doing for us! Other than that next on our list is decorations and plates and things....hopefully it goes well!! I'm so excited but I get nervous as time goes on!! If you need any other help feel free to FM! Hope all of your eparties are wonderful!!

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Posted by nposa07

I'm having my e-party May 20, I can't believe it's so close! We are having it at my mom's house and it is being catered with buffet style food and for dessert we did get a cake as well. As for like drinks and things we are just going to buy cans of soda and beers and of course alcohol of other kinds and just have like a 'serve yourself' type thing...nothing too fancy! We are giving our magnet STD's with a little heart shaped cookie that our favorite bakery is doing for us! Other than that next on our list is decorations and plates and things....hopefully it goes well!! I'm so excited but I get nervous as time goes on!! If you need any other help feel free to FM! Hope all of your eparties are wonderful!!

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Band Twin,, Mine is the day after yours..LOL



We are having ours at a Italian Restaurant, Its being given by my parents.. My family tends to go overboard with everything, so I may not be much help to you, as you wanna keep your low key,,

We are having glass coasters as our favors. They are pretty & wrapping them in organza bags,

For our cake I bought the momogramed cake topper with the swarski crystals,.. Im just using our first initals & for the wdding I will use all of them,

FH & I are getting decked out,, He will be in a a suit & tie & I got a white gown..

We are having ballons as centerpieces.,

& The kids are getting coloring books & crayons as favors..

So far thats where we are at ,,