5 Fun Engagement Party Ideas

Excited about your new status as an engaged couple? Check out these great ways to celebrate the big news with your friends and family.


Whether you're hosting your own engagement party or a close friend or family member wanting to do something nice for the newly engaged couple, here are a few ideas for a celebration no one will forget.

1. A Backyard BBQ

If laid-back fun is what the couple is all about, then a backyard BBQ is the way to go. Set up some tables decorated with natural elements, such as leaves, branches and flowers from the garden, and add candles to create a beautiful glow if the party goes on well after the sun sets. Or, for something a little more elaborate, pick a theme and go with it—a country hoedown, a beach party or even a carnival. Once you've set the mood, fire up the grill and cook up all your faves.

1) Send guests home with these personalized bags 2) Keep your guests hydrated with a cool glass of lemonade decorated with mint and baby mums. 3) Have fun with the invitation 4) Take advantage of the great outdoors by using your trees and plants as part of the decor. Add some candles for a little mood lighting.

2. A Cocktail Party

Is the newly engaged couple a pair of night owls who love to party all night long? Rent out a club or turn your home into a trendy lounge and host a fun cocktail party. Make sure your bar is well stocked with champagne, wine and fun drinks. Keep the party going all night long with great music.

1) Your guests may not remember the evening, so send them home with a cocktail mix that reminds them exactly where they were and what they were celebrating. 2) Make an invitation that lets guests know what kind of party you're throwing. 3) Set up a dance floor and set up some cool lighting. 4) Toast to the couple's engagement with glasses of champagne.

3. A Classic Brunch

Keep the celebration simple with a Sunday brunch. Set out an assortment of the couple's favorite breakfast foods and let guests mingle while they drink their morning coffee.

4. A Surprise Party

If you're planning your own engagement party, why not surprise your guests with the news at the party? Invite everyone to the celebration but keep mum about what it's all about. Your big reveal can be as simple as an announcement or as elaborate as creating a movie re-enacting the proposal.

1) Let your guests in on the big secret with a toast to your engagement. 2) Already picked out your wedding colors? Give guests a sneak peak with your flower arrangements and other decor. 3) Give your guests a sugar rush with a fun candy bar. 4) Serve up fun finger foods like mini burgers and fries.

5. A Traditional Family Dinner

Want something a little more intimate? A traditional family dinner is the way to go—what better way to celebrate the big news than with a room full of family and close friends? Make reservations at a favorite restaurant or make it a potluck dinner at someone's home.

1) Create a romantic setting by putting up strings of twinkling lights. 2) Decorate the room with candles and bowls of floating flowers. 3) Personalize the event by serving the couple's favorite foods or cooking family classics.