Engagement Party Venues

Picture the excitement of just becoming engaged. The bride-to-be is showing off her new sparkly “bling,” while the groom-to-be is off with his groomsmen already planning the details of his bachelor party. There is lots of excitement in anticipation of the upcoming nuptials. What better way to celebrate than with an engagement party, in honor of the future bride and groom! 

One of the first steps of planning is to choose an engagement party venue. Every couple is different when it comes to where they want to say "I do," however their is often less pressure regarding the engagement party venue. That said, it is still an important event that requires some research to find the right place for an engagement party.

Here are some superb engagement party venue ideas:

• Bar/Pub: For a more informal engagement party, research bars in your local area and choose one that has a function room. Order a variety of appetizers for guests to enjoy throughout the evening. Finger foods, such as pigs in a blanket, mini pizzas, chips and dip, mozzarella sticks and potato skins are all wonderful options. Decorate the room with balloons and put confetti on the cocktail tables. Be sure that all attendees are of age!

• Mexican Restaurant: Purchase Mexican hats for all engagement party guests to get the party started. Arrange for a taco/burrito bar for dinner with an assortment of tortillas, taco shells, beans, rice, chicken, meat, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes and salsa. Each member of the bridal party may choose to contribute money to pay for all guests of the party. However, if each guest will pay his/her own way, make sure to include the details on the invitation. For example, “The taco/burrito bar is $10 per person, and is endless.” Request that attendees pay in advance. If there are still guests that need to pay after arriving at the party, carry around your Mexican hat (upside down), and say, “I’m collecting contributions for the taco/burrito bar.”

• House: Throw the engagement party at the home of a member of the bridal party, if they have the space to accommodate all the guests. Otherwise, ask the mother-of-the-bride or mother-of-the-groom if she would be open to having the party in her home. Create a list of items needed for the engagement party. Choose a theme for the food, such as Italian. Some ideas include chips and dip, lasagna, baked ziti and meatballs. For drinks have soda, water, punch, wine coolers, beer and mixed drinks. Order a cake with a picture of the bride and groom on the top. Distribute the list of food and drinks to members of the bridal party, and ask that each member sign up to bring an item on the list.

• Function Hall: Some function halls have caterers, while others allow you to bring in your own food. A buffet option is a great choice either way. Check with the function hall in advance to make sure silverware, plates, napkins, cups and tablecloths are provided. Create a sign-in board so that guests can write messages to the future bride and groom. Include a picture of the happy couple in the middle of the sign-in board.

Seasonal engagement party venues might also make sense depending on where you live and when you are planning the party. A local park or beach is great for a clambake in the summer, while an apple orchard makes for a lovely venue in the fall. Local vineyards are another classy venue for an engagement party!