When throwing an engagement party, you want it to be perfect. You want to invite all family and friends from both sides, and you might even want to use the party as a preview for your guests of what your wedding day is going to be like. Whether you both want the engagement party to be large, lavish, intimate, or outrageous, the cost of putting on such an event can be quite high. Always keep in mind that setting budget is a good idea, especially considering the wedding is not too far away, and you don’t want to run out of money for your important day. For some unique engagement party ideas and inexpensive party supplies, find out how you can throw that perfect engagement party on a budget.
Get Creative With Your Invites
Invitations that are personalised can be quite expensive, especially if the guest list is large. Add on the postage of each invite, and the expense can be rather significant. Personalised invitations aren’t necessary when planning an engagement party on a budget. You can purchase pre-printed invites and simply fill in the details yourself. This is a much cheaper option and still allows you to give each invitation a personal touch if you choose to write something special inside. If you want to get creative, make your own invitations out of simple but attractive paper and party supplies. To save on postage, be sure to keep them to a small-sized envelope.
Decorate the Party Yourself
Steer away from using a catering company or events coordinator to decorate your venue, and instead, decorate the venue yourself. Party supplies that bring to life your engagement party ideas need not be expensive and over the top. Interesting place cards, some well-placed helium or hanging balloons, coloured ribbon, and some unique and simple table centrepieces may be all that you need to decorate your party venue in keeping with the chosen theme. A glass vase filled with sand and a lit candle can make a great beach themed centrepiece, or go for a glass bowl filled with fresh green apples for a spring theme. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box when it comes to decorating for your engagement party. Also keep in mind that less is often more when decorating with style and sophistication.
Set the Party for Between Meals
One of the greatest expenses of throwing an engagement party is the food catering costs. A sit-down meal will cost far more than simple finger foods. If you set the party for between meals your guests will find the nibbles more than acceptable. If doing an after-dinner party, guests will love a few choice dessert options. Otherwise, go for a light-hearted afternoon tea with a few club sandwiches and a small selection of canapés. To avoid the problem of hungry and unsatisfied guests, just be sure to add a menu list into each invitation. This way guests can come prepared and they won’t feel disappointed or hungry.
Consider BYO
Alcohol is another expense that can easily be avoided. Many people today consider BYO an acceptable request from any party host. If you don’t feel comfortable not supplying any alcohol, you can always offer one complimentary drink to each guest and charge for additional drinks, or you can supply wine or beer, and keep the spirits at a charge. If you choose the BYO option, it is a good idea to supply some cold storage options where guests can store their bottles for the duration of the party. A few metal buckets filled with ice placed around the venue are inexpensive to supply but are a nice courtesy for guests to keep their drinks on cold storage until consumed.
Choose Your Venue Carefully
A venue can cost as little or as much as you like. Having an outdoor engagement party at a relative’s home, at the park, or the beach is a very inexpensive option. You can find all sorts of party supplies suitable for an outdoor venue. If the weather is a bit risky or it’s the wrong time of the year, then you can always choose to hire a local community hall, church, or sports club venue. These venues tend to charge very little for hiring of their premises.
Keep the Guest List Realistic
Naturally, the fewer people you invite, the less expensive your engagement party will be. Don’t underestimate the enjoyment of an intimate affair. Feel free to be selective of who you choose to invite, and don’t feel pressured to invite all your extended family, old school friends, and every person you work with.
Image by Flickr’s Creative Commons
About the Author: This article was written by contributing blogger Sandra Mackenzie. She began her career as a wedding cake designer over 20 years ago, and she now regularly writes guest pieces on all sorts of topics relating to engagement and wedding ideas.
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Great tips! I find that it makes it easier on people to figure out your decor and games as soon as you have your theme picked out. It really seems to help the process be less stressful.