Engagement Party Trends
Whether you’re looking to have a casual or formal event to celebrate your engagement, here are some trends to keep in mind for the special day.
Backyard BBQ – Ideal for engagement parties to be held outdoors in the summer, a backyard BBQ options lends itself to a casual, laidback setting. Perhaps best of all, costs will be much less than other kinds of engagement party celebrations. Get decorative with the location and hang some pretty lanterns, or even rent some outdoor furniture to create an outdoor oasis worthy of your special celebration.
Cocktail Party – Likely to be the most traditional of all engagement party options, a cocktail party is versatile in that it is most often held indoors—meaning it’s a go any time of the year. It’s a great option for those who want a more formal engagement celebration.
Brunch Event – Much like a cocktail party, a brunch offers the versatility of being held any time of the year, indoors or out. It also grants a casual or formal setting, without the larger price tag of a cocktail party.
Champagne and sweets - Set up a table full of chocolate-chip cookies, truffles, flourless chocolate cakes, a chocolate fondue station and more. Feel free to switch up the flavor theme or add a variety of other desserts, like petits fours and mini fruit tarts. Along with bubbly for all the toasts, you might want to include some coffee or expresso. At the end of the night, have favor bags and scoops ready so guests can take home any leftover treats.
Tropical Luau - Try a tropical color scheme like peach, pink, yellow and orange and accent with pineapple an palm tree decor. Mix cocktails like margaritas, mai tais, sangria and blood orange mojitos. Line your serving dishes with large banana leaves, and plate tangy BBQ-style food like grilled pineapple and shrimp skewers, rum-glazed pulled pork or fried plantains. And of course, don't forget the leis!
Wine tasting - Perhaps ask each guest bring a bottle of wine to share for the party along with ample food options for pairing. Fill out the table with a spread of great cheeses and baguettes. Maybe also an olive bar, hummus and pita bread, and even grapes, strawberries and sliced apples. Go the extra mile and hire a sommelier to guide the tasting.
Mexican Fiesta - Celebrate your engagement with bold, bright table settings and pitchers of margaritas and sangria. Set up a taco bar filled with yummy add-ins (grilled meats, fresh vegetables and a variety of salsas and of course.... guacamole). A mingle-friendly idea: Have appetizers like empanadas, mini fish tacos and cheese quesadillas. And don't forget about the music... perhaps even hire a mariachi band to make the evening memorable.
Have a clambake or fish fry, or go upscale with a fancy seafood spread - For the sides, stick to the classics—serve corn on the cob, roasted red potatoes, bruschetta and fresh watermelon. Keep the drinks simple and fill metal buckets with ice and bottles of beer and sodas. Set up tables and chairs right on the beach, pool deck, or waterfront restaurant. Perhaps decorate with blue, yellow and white nautical motifs, seashells, starfish, and netting. When the sun goes down, lay down beach blankets and pillows and keep guests warm with a bonfire and s'mores.
