Engagement Party : Planning 101

Why wait until the big day to celebrate? Engagement parties allow you to announce your engagement to your nearest and dearest in a fun way. They're a great way for your families and friends to get to know each other and a great excuse to have a party with the people you love. If you are throwing an engagement party or someone is throwing it for you, here are some tips to keep in mind: (These engagement inspiration images were originally featured on Every Last Detail. To see more prettiness head to ELD by clicking here)

1. Wait. Don't try to throw it together too fast. Give the couple a few minutes to enjoy their newfound status and plan it 2-4 weeks after.

2. Size. Make sure you find out how many people and who the couple plans to invite to the wedding. You don't want to invite someone to the engagement party and not the wedding. Then Uncle Barney will wonder what he did at the party to get uninvited. When in doubt, don't invite them to the engagement party.

3. Register. Make sure the couple registers. The registry doesn't have to be fully complete, but more and more people are bringing gifts, so make sure to help them as much as possible or you will get seven waffle makers.

4. Invite. You need to create some classy invitations and quick. Look no further than Wedding Paper Divas. Their engagement party invitations are top of the line, affordable, and can be completely personalized. You can choose from hundreds of designs, customize them, order and have them either sent directly to the invitees or to you for addressing and stamping. If you order is more than $59, you will get free shipping with the code FSHIP13.

5. Formality. Formal, informal, suits and ties, shorts and flip flops, it doesn't matter. Find out what makes  the bride and groom most comfortable, as well as the in-laws. Keep in mind that one of the important objectives of the party is to bring the two families together, so make sure it suits both styles.

I have put together a collection of some gorgeous suggestions for the bride to rock on her engagement party. Check them out

Photography Credits- Photographer: Becka Robinson for Studio222 Photography | Wedding Planner/Coordinator: Ashton Events | Catering: Good Food Catering | Flowers & Decor: FH Weddings | Invitations & Stationery: A&P Designs | Vintage China: Dishie Rentals | Gold Vintage Flatware: Wish Vintage Rentals | Rentals: Signature Event Rentals | Linens: Connie Duglin | Bride’s Dress: CamilynBeth | Bride’s Jewelry: Elva Fields | Design & Event Hosting: Glamour & Grace | Design & Event Hosting: Every Last Detail | Hand Lettering: love, Juliet | via Every Last Detail