I have had a break from planning for family reasons, but now I am back into it. We are wanting to have our Engagement party in November, which is when we get into the start of Summer (Apparently El Niño will make it warmer faster). Very exciting!!
Because we are wanting to have an small wedding we will be inviting everyone to our engagement party, for example a few work colleagues we will invite the the engagement but we will not be inviting them to the wedding, there is a close relationship but not close enough to invite them to the wedding.
Decision we have made so far are:
1) ENGAGEMENT IS AT MUMS HOUSE!!!! Hehe thanks Mum
Mum has tiered decking so there are 2 levels with decent space plus the lounge and dinning, so we are hoping it is a nice size. In the summer this place will be awesome, it is has a nice view as well.
That is actually the only decision we have made so far ekkkkk, so here is some sites the offer great advice for your engagement:
- www.brides.com
- www.theknot.com (a very common American site I always notice on Google)
- www.realsimple.com
I really like brides.com list, it has a nice layout that is easy to follow, see below a planning step by step
I really want to try out these flowers at the engagement just to see how they go together or even if they do:
I really want to try out these flowers at the engagement just to see how they go together or even if they do:
I like purple, I like babys breathe and I my fiance brought me some flowers a couple weeks ago and I loved the look of the chrysanthemums. They might not work together, but maybe in other ways.
Love this idea, especially because we have SOOOO many photos
Its really hard to bring everything together and make it work, Pinterest can be the worst yet the greatest at times. I find that I have soooo many ideas but they don't all go together.
Mimosas I saw on Pinterest and it looked like a nice a easy way to start the Engagement, so that will be the first drink for all of our visitors, it will also let them choose if they want alcohol or non alcohol. Ours wont be exactly the same but a yummy starter!
My son helped me to make the MIMOSAS sign!
We are looking at purchasing pre cooked food for the lunch, but the only annoying thing is that someone has to leave the event to go and pick the food up, seems bad. A couple of friends are bring a plate. I hope that I can make some home baking at least!!
Mum Preparing:
1. Decide who's hosting.
Traditionally, the bride's parents host the couple's engagement party. However, like many etiquette rules, this one has changed over the years and these days, pretty much anyone close to the couple is welcome to plan and pay for the engagement party. However, the bride's parents should still get the first chance to throw it. Also, it's perfectly fine to not have an engagement party at all, or to have two — perhaps in the bride's and groom's hometowns. If the groom's parents would like to plan a party as well, they should check with the bride's parents regarding dates, as their celebration should occur after the bride's parents' party.
Traditionally, the bride's parents host the couple's engagement party. However, like many etiquette rules, this one has changed over the years and these days, pretty much anyone close to the couple is welcome to plan and pay for the engagement party. However, the bride's parents should still get the first chance to throw it. Also, it's perfectly fine to not have an engagement party at all, or to have two — perhaps in the bride's and groom's hometowns. If the groom's parents would like to plan a party as well, they should check with the bride's parents regarding dates, as their celebration should occur after the bride's parents' party.
2. Pick a date.
Engagement parties are usually held soon after the couple becomes engaged, while the news is still fresh. You might even decide to announce your engagement at the party! But many couples decide to share their happy news on social media soon after the proposal happens.
3. Create the guest list.
Anyone invited to an engagement party must also be invited to the wedding, so the party host needs to work with the couple to compile the engagement-party guest list. And if you aren't sure of the size of your wedding just yet, it's better to limit the invites to those you are certain you will also invite to the wedding.
4. Decide on a venue.
Think about the type of party atmosphere you want: If you like the idea of having everyone in the same room, you might want to rent out a private room at a local restaurant. For something more low-key, a family member's house, backyard, or clubhouse might be a better choice.
5. Register for gifts (or not).
Some guests may inquire about a gift registry, so figure out if you want to register or not. If you decide to do so, select items in the low to middle price range (don't forget, the wedding is still to come). If not, include a note in the invitation kindly requesting no gifts.
6. Send the invitations.
Keep the invitations simple — hand-write them yourselves or send the invite via email. If you decide to go the printed-card route, choose a clean, classic design; don't worry about color palettes or other details — your engagement party invitations don't have to match the rest of your wedding stationery.
7. Plan the menu.
There's no need to plan a five-course meal with a four-hour open bar. Anything from passed appetizers to a simple buffet or a casual cookout will work. You can also get creative and serve dishes with special meaning to you.
8. Set the scene.
If you want, choose a theme that reflects you as a couple or something that reflects your two families. The real trick here is that you don't want to upstage the wedding — the point is to celebrate your engagement. If the budget allows, include a few small floral arrangements to perk up the space (it's also a great way to try out a potential florist for the wedding).
9. Decide what to wear.
Choose attire that complements your party setting, but keep it simple. A pretty sundress is great for an outdoor celebration; if your venue is a little fancier, a little white dress is a safe bet. As for your fiancé, while he doesn't have to don a suit and tie (and definitely not a tux!), his outfit should nicely complement yours.
