20 Engagement Party Ideas That Are as Special as the Happy Couple
Updated: May 16, 2023
This collection of fun and different engagement party ideas contains the perfect theme for every type of couple.
The proposal is a special, intimate moment shared between two people, but oftentimes it’s not long after this life-changing down-on-one-knee occasion that the couple wants to celebrate with all their people, friends and family included. Hence, the engagement party.
Whether your soiree directly follows the popped question or takes place weeks or months after the fact, these engagement party ideas will inspire you to think outside the ring box and celebrate where you want to, how you want to.
Engagement Party Ideas
1. Custom Scavenger Hunt
If coordination doesn’t daunt you, try your hand at organizing a personalized scavenger hunt. Assign teams beforehand, then take them all over town to significant spots for you and your soon-to-be spouse. Have them hit the place of your first date, your go-to dinner restaurant, the proposal location and more. Everyone will meet at a designated area afterward to compare notes, share fun anecdotes and find out the winner.
2. Famous Couples Costume Party
Fictional and real-life couples, welcome! Invite friends and family to come donning signature looks from their second-favorite duos (you’re their first-favorite, of course!). Some starter ideas: Danny and Sandy from Grease, Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Rose and Jack from Titanic, or, of course, Ina Garten and Jeffrey.
3. ‘I Do’ Barbecue
Fire up the grill for a night of good food and even better fun! Upscale fare such as grilled seafood, Romaine, steaks and fruit are a fun way to elevate the menu for the special occasion. But burgers, brats and chicken are fan favorites for a reason, too!
4. Bonfire Party
A late-summer or early-fall fling calls for your best flannel shirt and a bonfire. Gather round for a chilly evening of toasting marshmallows and telling merry stories of the couple’s best moments together. Partygoers will feel warm and fuzzy in no time!
5. Ice Cream Social
This old-school celebration is an adorable way to celebrate your announcement. Dish up parlor favorites such as floats, sundaes and milkshakes, then top ’em to your heart’s content. Guests will be sweet on this sugary setup.
6. Tailgate Party
Calling all the fanatical couples! Toast to the team that brought you two together by celebrating before one of their big games. If your party is during the off-season, don’t stress. Guests can still sport the gear, eat brats and burgers, and play cornhole around the bed of a truck a la the real deal.
7. Beach Bash
If you’re lucky enough to live on the coast, head to the shore for some sandy toes and good times. Hey, there’s no cheaper venue! Look into local guidelines regarding cooking out and/or lighting bonfires. If allowed, lean all the way in with a clambake.
8. Movie Night
Splay blankets across the lawn, then set up a projector and a bedsheet on which to display some movies. Whether it’s a classic rom-com or a homemade homage to your love story, the feature will be a hit with friends and family alike.
9. ‘Love You Brunches’ Party
Get the party started first thing in the morning with a bright and early bash! The possibilities for the menu are endless. Consider a waffle bar, build-your-own omelet station, or pastries from your favorite bakery. But one thing’s for sure: Mimosas all around!
10. Luau Party
Who isn’t looking for an excuse to break out their best Hawaiian shirt? Stock up on tiki torches, leis and mini paper umbrellas because your engagement party is as good a reason as any. Serve recipes that star pineapple, SPAM, teriyaki sauce and other quintessential island ingredients.
11. ‘All White Everything’ Party
Pretty soon, this color palette will be reserved for the bride. Let partygoers partake in the bridal color scheme this once with a white-out party. Think beyond the dress code, too. Serve white foods, such as finger sandwiches, steamed buns, mini cheesecakes, etc., and deck out the space with white decor.
12. Surprise Party
If you can contain your excitement enough to keep the news of the engagement from your friends, first of all, kudos! Gather your loved ones under the guise of a typical get-together, then bring out the bubbly and officially announce your engagement to everyone when the time is right. The enthusiasm and elation will be absolutely unmatched and make keeping the secret oh, so worth it.
These engagement-party cakes are a must!
13. ‘Never Get Board of You’ Party
This glorified potluck requires each guest (or group of guests) bring a themed snack board for the ultimate grazing experience. Cheese or charcuterie boards never get old, but a build-your-own sliders board, candy board, taco board or chicken wings board are so much fun, too. The crew will love getting creative with their offerings—and there will be no shortage of food.
14. Pool Party
If you’re having a summer celebration, grab your sunglasses and swimsuits—it’s time for a pool party! Make a splash with fun inflatables, cheery music and classic pool-deck dishes, such as watermelon kabobs, hot dogs, snack mixes and ice pops.
15. ‘The Suite Life’ Party
Few experiences are as luxe as renting a suite for a sporting event or concert. If there’s an artist or team that means a lot to you and your partner, consider reserving a space for your squad to enjoy the event in privacy. The food and drink packages make planning super easy, and the shared memory is one guests—and you two—won’t soon forget!
16. ‘Sail the Something Blue’ Party
It needn’t be the ocean blue—any body of water will do! Rent a sailboat, duffy boat, pontoon boat, etc. and hit the neighboring river, lake or ocean for an afternoon of clear skies, cold drinks and good memories. For a more romantic or formal setting, head out at sunset. Maritime—more like marrying time!
17. Food Truck Party
Stay in—but with the deliciousness of dining out—by renting a food truck for your celebration. Whether it’s a taco truck, a poké place on wheels or a comfort-food mobile, guests will love the novelty of ordering their favorite dish right from your driveway.
18. Game Night
There are plenty of engagement-party games from which to choose, but non-themed games are certainly still on the table, literally. It’s no roll of the dice—games such as Catan, Jenga or Cards Against Humanity will keep your crew entertained for hours.
19. ‘The Starters of Our Life Together’ Party
This is a cutesy name for what is really just a happy hour. Small bites and signature cocktails are the smoothest way to get family and friends mixing and mingling ahead of the bigger events that are a few months to a year out.
Discover engagement-party recipe inspiration!
20. Karaoke Party
Reserve a room at a local karaoke bar and everyone will be singing your praises over all the fun they’re having. The memories will likelier be much better than the singing, but that’s the fun of it. Hey, you might even find your first-dance song on the playlist!
Originally Published: March 01, 2023
