You’re engaged… time to party! Consider this a test run to the big show. This is a great opportunity to get involved in planning an event to celebrate your recent engagement. We recommend delegating most of the party planning to a family member or future bridesmaids to alleviate some of the overlap between your wedding planning and time you should enjoy.

Keep it small. Your engagement party should be an intimate gathering to share the news and excitement with your closest friends and family. It can be kept to a small event space at a restaurant or even someone’s home. Use this as a time to make some announcement on any details you have already planned. You can even use it to announce your wedding party!

Any theme goes! It can be totally unrelated from your wedding theme. In fact, keep a little mystery! Opt for light décor: engagement ring balloons, wedding bells tablecloths, and other local party store finds. Keep refreshments light to allow everyone to mingle.

Have some fun with it. Engagement parties can be a great time to play some fun games and just let loose before a lot of the planning takes up your free time. Consider a couple’s bingo or a fun trivia to test your friends and family.