30 Unique Engagement Party Ideas to Celebrate the Lucky Couple
Go low-key with an at-home shindig, or do it up at a venue.
They said yes, and now, all the wedding planning begins.
But before it's time to walk down the aisle, you'll want to throw an engagement party. Sure, the actual wedding is the big milestone, but getting engaged to your partner is also something that deserves to be celebrated.
When it comes to an engagement party, the most important thing is that it represents the couple and that it includes the people they love the most. Whether you prefer something low-key at home, or want a big to-do to show off that ring and gush about getting to say "I do" there are tons of unique engagement party ideas that go beyond a sit-down dinner (although that can be fun, too!).
Get inspiration for DIY elements you can incorporate into an idea you already have, or start from scratch with plenty of creative themes. Whatever style, budget or vision you have, our list has a whole roundup of ideas that's sure to include exactly what you want for the day. Oh, and if you're attending the event, don't forget to pick out an amazing engagement gift they'll cherish forever.
Throw a Cocktail Party
Sometimes, all you need for a successful party are some delicious drinks. Host a cocktail party with your closest friends and family if you want something simple but still elevated. Perhaps even create individual "His" and "Her" cocktails, and have your guests vote on their favorite.
Get inspired: Classic Cocktails That Stand the Test of Time
DIY a Photo Banner Cake Topper
Turn even the simplest cake into something more festive. The photo banner can feature snaps of the couple together, or with all the important people in their lives.
Go Tailgating
Celebrate the lovebirds, and your favorite team, with a tailgate-themed celebration. Grab your gear, your drinks of choice and, of course, the burgers and dogs, and spend time partying away in the parking lot before heading over to watch your favorite team play — and hopefully, win!
Host a Brunch
A simple idea that is also a stellar one, you can never go wrong with brunch. Use a late morning meal full of mimosas, French toast and all the fixings to share in the exciting news and raise a toast to the newly engaged couple.
Go for a Valentine's Day Theme
Take inspiration from the pink, red and white holiday full of love and create a vibrant setup at home now that your Valentine officially put a ring on it!
Bring on the Props
Everything is more fun when props are involved, especially if they are oversized. Guests will have a blast posing with these rings that help create the perfect photo-op.
Play Murder Mystery
We all know that one couple who's always watching a new true crime thriller on their favorite streaming app. Now, bring the mystery to life with a special whodunit party where guests are faced with the task of solving a "crime." Guests are assigned characters with specific dress codes and personalities that they must play into. During the party, someone is "murdered" and it's up to the guests to get to know the other "characters" and deduce through their own problem-solving skills who the "killer" is. Although there are a variety of sites that can help you with all the logistics, we suggest customizable ones like the "Till Death Do Us Part" case so you can make sure that no one gets left out!
Host a Couples Olympics
What better way to show off how strong of a couple you are than with a series of challenges against your friends? First prize might not win more than a homemade trophy, but they will get major bragging rights.
Go With a Summertime Garden Tea Party
One of the perks of getting engaged during the spring and summer is being able to take advantage of outdoor spaces and warmer weather. This elegant table spread, that's part of a summertime garden tea party theme, can easily be recreated thanks to the tutorial below.
Set Up Custom Word Art Signs
All an engagement party needs is a few personal touches to transform an area of everyday living to a space for celebration. Use fake flowers, paint, glitter and more to decorate words of your own choosing, and set them up throughout the party space on tables or attach string and hang them among the walls. Not into DIYing? You can buy a custom name sign without blowing your budget.
Bring Guests to a Beach Bonfire
Engagement parties don't have to be overly fancy. All you need is a few friends, some beach chairs and a cooler to have a good time together. Just make sure to follow the beach's rules regarding open containers and don't swim without a buddy!
Do a Karaoke Night
Because what's more fun than celebrating this momentous milestone than sipping champagne and singing your favorite hits off-key with your friends?
Give Guests Diamond Ring Jello Shots
The bride-to-be isn't the only one who gets to rock a ring at the engagement party. Now everyone can show off some bling with these easy-to-make homemade jello shots.
DIY S'mores Bar
A s'mores bar is sure to be a hit, even if you don't have a backyard space. You can create a fire bowl like the one pictured with the help of the tutorial below. Leave a board out with the essentials, plus a few unique add-ons like peanut butter, blackberries and bananas, and see what delicious concoctions you and the guests can create.
DIY Perfect Place Cards
It's really all about the details, so if you're hosting an at-home party, add a little flair with these mini bouquet place cards that can also be a favor for guests to take home.
Create an Epic Dessert Table
Sweets and champagne — two of our favorite things. Feature miniature versions of the bride and groom's favorite treats along with some bubbly. You could even set out mini to-go boxes, so guests can take some goodies home with them.
Make Sure There's a Photo Backdrop
Time to start getting used to taking a LOT of pictures. Create a gorgeous photo background with some faux flowers, a curtain and some fabric. Easy-peasy.
Think Outside of the Box for Favors
Favors can get expensive, but not when you DIY them. Actually, make it even easier and print them! With the tutorial below, you can print the packets and fill them with seeds for guests to take and plant.
Host a Movie Night
It's fairly easy to set up your own movie screening right at home with the help of a projector and sheet. Opt for the couples' favorite flick, or choose a classic that's beloved by all your guests. Although you can host it indoors or outdoors, we recommend the latter in hopes that a gorgeous sunset adds an extra romantic touch. Have all your guests bring their favorite sweet and salty snacks to share when it comes time to cozy up and press play.
Check out: Our picks for the best home projectors
Celebrate at a Brewery
You don't have to go to a fancy restaurant celebrate. Reserve a table at your favorite brewery and spend the day sipping on some ales, snacking and enjoying quality time with your friends. Perfect if you want to keep your engagement celebration low-key.
Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.
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