How and When to Plan Your Engagement Party

You said, “Yes,” congratulations! While your mind is likely already swirling with all the things you need to get done, the first thing on your to-do list should be throwing an engagement party.  It’s a beautiful opportunity for you and your S.O. to share your happiness and celebrate your soon-to-be union with family and friends while setting the tone for the wedding planning process. It also gives you the opportunity to express your personal style and preferences with unique additions, such as an After The Tone vintage phone audio guestbook! To help you get the party started, we put together a few ideas so you can spend more time reveling in your engagement and less time feeling stressed about your celebration. 

When Do You Have an Engagement Party?

An engagement party is typically held shortly after you get engaged, but the exact date can vary depending on personal preferences and circumstances. For example: 

• Timing: Many couples choose to have the engagement party within a few weeks to a few months after the engagement. This allows you to share the news with your closest friends and family while the engagement is still fresh while celebrating the upcoming wedding.
• Planning: Consider your schedule and that of your close family and friends. You might want to avoid busy holiday seasons or times when key guests might be unavailable — especially if they live out of town.
• Venue and Budget: Decide whether you want a small, intimate gathering or a larger celebration. The venue you choose and your budget can also influence the timing.

What Do You Do at An Engagement Party? 

The goal of an engagement party is to have fun and celebrate your upcoming nuptials. It’s all about socializing and strengthening relationships with new family members and friends. Other elements that contribute to a successful engagement party’s secret sauce include: 

• Nosh and Sips: Food and drinks are the heart of any party! Opt for a spread of appetizers and snacks, or go all out with a full meal, along with beverages. 
• Games or Activities:  A fun way to get your guests to engage with one another is by including fun games or activities related to your past, your relationship, or future plans. 
• Share Stories and Toasts: Guests often share stories about the couple or offer toasts. If you’re close to the couple, you might be invited to give a toast yourself. Even better, set up a station with an After The Tone Audio Guestbook!
• Gift Giving: While it’s not always expected, some guests might bring you a small gift or a card, so set up a designated area for both, just in case. 
• While you don’t necessarily have to hire a formal photographer (though some couples do!), be sure to capture the moments from your engagement party with photos or videos. These memories will be cherished for years to come, especially if it’s a more informal gathering.

Engagement Celebration Ideas

Hosting a memorable engagement party is all about making sure everyone, including you and your partner, has a great time celebrating your special news. Here are some tips to help you throw a fantastic party:

Add an Audio Guestbook

Perhaps one of the most unique guestbook ideas is the After The Tone audio guestbook. Forget about boring pen-to-paper well wishes for your engagement. We’re the pioneers in creating a way of remembering your past through the voices of your favorite people. 

Our authentic vintage phones record audio messages from your friends and family that you can play back for a lifetime! This not only provides a unique and interactive way for your guests to leave their sentiments, but it also allows you to hear their voices and the emotions behind their messages, making it a truly special keepsake. 

• Leave Everything to Us: We take care of everything from setup to pickup and the delivery of your guests' recordings. We provide you with a perfectly cut and mastered audio file, plus offer the option for a custom USB drive or vinyl record. No matter the form, it’s a voicemail you’ll want to keep for a lifetime.
• Plan Accordingly: To ensure its success, check out our tips for getting the most memorable voicemails.
• Get Inspired: Check out the 2,500-plus rave reviews from our previous customers, all of whom can attest to the quality and uniqueness of our products. You can trust that your After the Tone guestbook will be a standout feature of your engagement party! 

Host a Signature Cooking or Mixology Class

As mentioned, eating and drinking are the cornerstones of any engagement party (any party, really!). Hosting a signature cooking or mixology class at your engagement party can be a fantastic way to engage your guests and make the celebration interactive and memorable.

• Find a Pro Instructor:  Look for local chefs or mixologists who offer private classes. Check reviews and ask for recommendations.
• Choose the Right Class: Decide if you want a specific type of cuisine or dish that signifies something in your relationship  (e.g., Italian pasta-making based on your first date, sushi rolling as a memory of a vacation in Japan, etc.). 
• Mixology Class: If you’re going the drink route, choose whether to focus on cocktails, mocktails, or both. You can also select a theme, such as classic cocktails or a signature drink, as a teaser for your wedding celebration!
• Engage Your Guests: Encourage your guests to get involved, whether that means hands-on cooking or mixing drinks. Provide fun and memorable supporting materials like recipe or drink cards for your guests to take home.

Arrange a Scavenger Hunt 

Hosting an engagement party scavenger hunt can be a fantastic way for your guests to get to know you as a couple while uniting family and friends. 

Establish a Theme: Decide if you want a specific theme, like “Our Love Story,” where clues are related to your relationship, or something more general.

• Format: Determine if it will be a photo scavenger hunt, a clue-based hunt, or a combination of both. Consider hiring a professional for assistance, as they can provide expertise in creating challenging yet fun clues and managing the flow of the hunt, allowing you to focus on enjoying the party. 
• Prepare the Hunt: Write out all the clues and challenges in advance. Gather any items you need for the clues or tasks, and ensure each clue or task leads to the next and creates a logical flow.
• Establish Rules and Guidelines: Clearly explain the rules to all teams before starting. Include how to handle any issues, like if a clue is missing. Set a time limit to keep the hunt exciting and ensure it fits within your party schedule. Make it even more fun by considering small prizes for the winning team, like gift cards, party favors, or themed items that match your engagement party theme. 

An engagement party serves as a cherished milestone in your journey toward your beautiful marriage and future. It offers a heartfelt opportunity to celebrate your love and commitment with your closest friends and family. Capture those memories with an After The Tone Audio Guestbook! New to After The Tone? Check out our helpful list of FAQs. 

Book an audio guestbook for your engagement party with After The Tone! Not engaged yet? No problem. Our fun and unique service can be utilized for several other momentous occasions.