It’s the party to kick off ALL the parties to come — and we’ve rounded up the most unique engagement party ideas and themes to jumpstart the celebrations (along with our best etiquette tips)! Before the wedding day, before all the showers, before the bachelorette parties and more, there’s the engagement party. It’s the unofficial entry into your wedding season, and the first of many champagne toasts to come!
So whether you’re celebrating with a few close loved ones or all your favorite people, we’re breaking down the best themes, food, venues, and decoration ideas for your one-of-a-kind engagement party. But first, let’s answer a few engagement party FAQs and etiquette tips to help you plan a night to remember!
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Engagement Party Planning Tips and Etiquette FAQs
Who throws an engagement celebration? When do you send out invitations? And who should you invite? If you’re in the process of planning an engagement party, we’re here to help with the best etiquette tips and planning ideas for a romantic celebration.
From unique venue ideas to traditional invitation etiquette, keep scrolling for the must-know tips and tricks for throwing an unforgettable engagement party. Cue the champagne toast!
When do you throw an engagement party?
Typically, it’s best to throw an engagement party two to three months after the proposal. This timeline gives your guests enough notice to save the date, but not so much time that the excitement has started to fade. You’re still riding the high of that “Will you marry me?” moment — and now’s the time to relish it before the wedding planning starts!
The engagement party is just the beginning of the celebrations — check out our complete wedding planning guide for unique ideas and common etiquette for the big day.
Who is supposed to throw an engagement party?
Traditionally, the bride’s parents are the ones to host the engagement party — but these days, anyone from the groom’s family to the couple’s friends can take over hosting duties.
We’re even seeing more and more couples throw their own engagement parties, with unique themes and ideas that are personalized to them. If you love party planning, this is a great way to customize the theme, decor, food, and guest list. Which brings us to our next FAQ…
Guest List Etiquette — Who should you invite to your engagement party?
When it comes to guest list etiquette for an engagement party, it’s best to only invite the people who will also be invited to the wedding. This typically includes your immediate family, your close friends, and any other loved ones you want to celebrate with. If you’ve already decided on your bridesmaids and groomsmen, they definitely deserve an invite, too — after all, your engagement party is the perfect place to get everyone mixing and mingling before the big day!
GWS Etiquette Pro Tip: While you don’t want to invite anyone who won’t get invited to the wedding, that doesn’t mean you have to invite all your nearest and dearest to your engagement party. Feel free to make this party as large or as intimate as you’d like. At the end of the day, this celebration is about the two of you!
Where should you have the engagement party?
Depending on the size, themes, and budget of your engagement party, you can host it just about anywhere — from your backyard at home to a fancy rooftop bar in the city. Here are a few of our favorite venue ideas for your engagement party!
- At home: If you’re looking for budget-friendly ideas for your engagement party, you can’t go wrong with a laid-back celebration in your living room or backyard. It’s personal, it’s cozy, and you can decorate exactly how you want. Perfect for summer BBQs, al fresco dinner parties, or fun brunches!
- A restaurant or bar: If you don’t want the hassle of cooking and cleaning, a restaurant is also one of the best venue ideas for your engagement party. Book a room at your go-to date night spot, and enjoy your favorite food and drinks with your nearest and dearest!
- An outdoor venue: If the weather is nice, take the party outdoors for a sunny and scenic celebration. Some of our favorite ideas for an engagement party location include a local park, a sandy beach, a botanic garden, or a picturesque lake. Many outdoor venues are free to reserve, and they make for super photo-worthy events!
- A unique venue: One of our favorite ideas for a truly unique engagement party is to choose a venue that feels personal to you and your other half. This could be a local brewery, a hotel rooftop, a neighborhood pool, or a retro roller rink. The options are truly endless!
Invitation Etiquette – How soon before the event should you send engagement party invitations?
Aim to send your engagement party invitations about 4-6 weeks before the event. This gives your guests plenty of time to RSVP and make any necessary arrangements before the celebration.
If you’re planning an engagement party during a busy time of year (think holidays or summer vacation season), it’s good etiquette to send your invitations a little earlier — closer to the 6-7 week mark. This is especially helpful if you’re inviting guests who will need to travel for the party. The sooner the better!
GWS Etiquette Pro Tip: These days, it’s more than acceptable (and sustainable!) to send a digital invitation for an engagement party. If you go this route, you can get away with sending them a bit closer to the 4-week mark, since they’re delivered instantly. Etsy has some especially cute designs for digital invites!
Who pays for the engagement party?
It’s common etiquette for the host to pay for the engagement party, whether that’s the couple’s parents or the love birds themselves. For traditional engagement parties, this means that the bride’s parents will host and pay for the venue, food, and decoration ideas. However, modern celebrations don’t necessarily follow this tradition — so feel free to do things your way!
How much should an engagement party cost?
An engagement party can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand (and beyond), depending on the venue, food, guest list, and decoration ideas. Ultimately, how much you spend on your event will come down to your personal budget, as well as how many guests you want to invite.
For small budget-friendly celebrations at home, it’s totally possible to spend $500 or less on your party. On the other end of the spectrum, engagement parties with luxury catering, lavish themes, or elaborate decor ideas can cost upward of $5,000 — sometimes setting you back $10,0000 or more. It all depends on your personal preference and budget!
Looking for some wallet-friendly ideas for your engagement party? Why not host a potluck-style celebration or BYOB event, where guests bring a special dish or drink to share with the group? This is a great way to get everyone involved in the celebration, while also significantly cutting costs!
Should your engagement party have a theme?
While themes aren’t required for an engagement party, they are a rad way to personalize your food, games, and decoration ideas. A great theme will make your celebration that much more memorable, especially if it has a personal significance to you and your partner. Think: a beach party for surfer couples, or a western-themed celebration for a couple who grew up in Texas.
If you decide to give your engagement party a theme, think of ideas that showcase your personality as a couple — whether that’s a hobby you both share or a place you both love (the city where you popped the question, perhaps?!). It could even be something as niche as your favorite rom-com or your guilty pleasure snack food. To help you brainstorm, we’ve rounded up all our favorite engagement party themes and ideas down below!
GWS Pro Tip: If you’re not into the idea of a themed engagement party, that’s totally fine too! A classic + elegant event without a specific theme can be just as beautiful and memorable as a themed party. Focus on good food, great company, and heartfelt moments.
Planning Ideas – How do you make an engagement party unique?
Your love story is totally unique, and your engagement party should be, too! For a celebration that’s just as one-of-a-kind as the two of you, here are some unique planning ideas for your engagement party:
- Choose personalized themes: As we mentioned above, engagement parties with personalized theme ideas automatically feel more unique. Choose a theme that reflects your one-of-a-kind love story, then bring it to life with themed menus, invitations, decoration ideas, and fun engagement party games.
- Get your guests involved: We love interactive engagement party ideas that get your guests mingling and bonding with one another. From DIY cocktail bars to gourmet s’mores stations to fun craft activities, these ideas add a unique and personal touch to your celebration. Bring on the memories!
- Customize your decor: Instead of sticking with classic decoration ideas, make your engagement party pop with custom napkins, signage, and even themed backdrops. Etsy has great decor ideas that can be personalized with photos, names, and unique engagement party themes!
- Set a unique dress code: Fun dress codes are having a serious moment right now, and this is one of our favorite ideas for making your engagement party stand out! Opt for a unique dress code that matches your theme, like garden party attire for a secret garden event. It’s such a rad (and photo-worthy) way to include your guests in the celebration!
The Most Unique Engagement Party Ideas and Themes
Pop the bubbly, because it’s time to celebrate your love story with these unique engagement party ideas and themes! We’ve rounded up the best engagement party ideas for every couple and style, from one-of-a-kind themes (two words: summer camp) to unforgettable activities (movie night, anyone?).
Plus, we’ve also sprinkled in some etiquette tips and tricks to help your engagement party go off without a hitch. Let’s get into it!
1. Unique Upscale Western Themed Engagement Party Ideas
photo: A Raw Collection | planning + design: Details, Darling
Say “yeehaw” to a cute western theme! This is one of our favorite engagement party ideas if you popped the question in a southern state, or if you first bonded over your love of country music. Celebrate with rustic decorations, classic BBQ food, and a western dress code — yes, cowboy boots are mandatory!
2. Fun Backyard Outdoor Movie Night Theme
photo: @claudiagraziano | planning + design: @levelevents | rentals: @sweetsalvagerentals | florals: @bottlesandblooms | production: @srproductionoc | cocktails + charcuterie: @bottlesandblooms | balloon installations: @levelevents
If you’re looking for laid-back ideas for your engagement party, it doesn’t get better than an outdoor movie night theme with your nearest and dearest. Set up a projector and screen in your backyard and let everyone get cozy on large floor pillows or oversized bean bags.
Complete the movie night vibes with fresh popcorn, cute twinkle lights, and your favorite rom-com (bonus points if it features an iconic engagement scene!).
GWS Pro Tip: “Start off by putting together a video compilation of your favorite photos together as a couple to set the tone and celebrate in the excitement of your engagement. Then play your favorite wedding-related movies! For more interactive fun, incorporate games you and your guests can play together via the screen – think trivia or bingo!”
– AJ Williams, Founder & Creative Director, AJ Events
3. Dreamy Afternoon Theme Tea Engagement Party Ideas
via @sundayandgather
Another one of our favorite unique theme ideas for a backyard engagement party? An afternoon tea! Not only is this such a fun and easy theme, but it also looks SO dreamy in photos. Lean into the cute cottagecore vibes with vintage-inspired tea cups, floral loose leaf tea, and plenty of finger sandwiches.
4. Unique Ice Cream Social Party Theme
photo: Underatreehouse | ice cream truck: Lulus Gelato Company | venue: The Woodhouse
For engagement party ideas that are ~almost~ as sweet as your love, look no further than an ice cream themed social! Hire an ice cream truck to cater the event, or set up a DIY sundae station with your favorite toppings.
You can even choose signature flavors for the two of you, like “mint-to-be” chocolate chip or “berry in love” sorbet. Adorable!
5. Backyard Picnic Theme Engagement Party Ideas
engagement party decoration ideas: Sunday & Gather
A romantic outdoor picnic is one of the best themes for a summertime engagement party, and it’s also one of our favorite ideas if you’re on a budget. All you need is a nice outdoor space (like a backyard, a beach, or a local park), some cute tables or blankets, and enough food to go around.
If you want to take your engagement party to the next level, you can also incorporate unique themes or decoration ideas, like Italian-inspired menus or bright floral centerpieces. We’ve rounded up more of our fave luxury picnic ideas here!
GWS Pro Tip: “Luxury picnics are all about taking a sweet, simple concept and transforming it into a luxurious, customizable, intimate party. Whether you’re hosting in a backyard or a beach, a luxury picnic is a perfect solution for a small but extremely impactful party. Picture low-seated tables filled with gorgeous glass goblets, bud vases and flowers galore, billowy table runners, and tons of floor cushions and pillows.”
– Alyssa Abshier + Victoria Nadler, Co-founders, Amber Sol Collective
6. Unique Italian Themed Engagement Party Ideas
photo: McCune Photography | planning + design: Details, Darling
Transport everyone to the Amalfi Coast with a cute Italian themed party! Whether you got engaged in Italy, are planning a destination wedding, or just love the vibes of an Italian summer (because same), this is one of the best unique ideas for your engagement party.
Channel this dreamy theme with Aperol spritz cocktails, cute lemon desserts, and this swoon-worthy welcome sign. Next stop: Italy.
7. Fun Outdoor Pizza Party Theme
photo: Codi Baer Photography
Who doesn’t love pizza? The answer: no one! For crowd-pleasing engagement party ideas, a pizza party theme is a no-brainer. Order all your faves, set them up on a chic grazing table, and enjoy!
You can even combine these ideas with the Italian theme above for a truly unforgettable engagement party. (These invites would be perfect for the occasion!)
8. Summer Camp Theme Engagement Party Ideas
photo: Wanderylnn Photography as seen in this cottagecore summer camp party
Embrace your inner child with a summer camp-themed party! Rent out a campsite for the night and get everyone mixing and mingling with nostalgic summer camp activities, like canoeing, playing cornhole, and roasting s’mores.
And don’t forget to come up with a cute name for your camp — which you can proudly display on signs, banners, mugs, and even t-shirts!
9. Fun Beach Day Engagement Party Ideas
If you live close to a beach, why not celebrate your newly engaged status with a day of sand, sunshine, and sea breeze?! Get a bonfire going, hand out boozy slushies, and decorate with cute seashell or surf themed decor — we especially love these engagement party surfboard sign ideas!
10. Unique Bridgerton Themed Engagement Party Ideas
photo Kamilia Radevic Shin | planning Fleur de Lis Events
If you’ve ever dreamed about living in the Bridgerton universe, then a regency themed party is a no brainer! Rent out an elegant ballroom venue and throw your own engagement party ball, complete with vintage-inspired decorations, themed invites, and a black tie optional dress code.
We can’t think of a better way to celebrate the ~diamond~ of the season — aka, your new bling!
12. Unique Paint and Sip Party Theme
via Spell
We LOVE engagement party themes that get everyone mixing, mingling, and bonding before the big day — and this paint-and-sip theme is one of the best unique ideas!
You can hire out a professional paint and sip event, or ask an artistic friend to lead the group at home. Bring along canvases, paints, and your beverage of choice, and get ready to unleash your inner artist. The best part? Everyone’s finished masterpieces also double as unique party favors!
13. Fun Festival Themed Engagement Party Ideas
photo: John Yoo as seen in this night market-inspired ceremony
An engagement celebration turned music festival? Say less! This is one of the best unique ideas for couples who love going to outdoor concerts together and want their engagement party to feel just as fun and free-spirited.
Hire a live band (or two) and set up different “stages” in an outdoor venue, like a local park or even a large backyard. Complete with food trucks, colorful garlands, and festival themed merch, it’s a party that people will be talking about for years to come.
14. Unique Lobster Bake Themed Engagement Party Ideas
lobster sign: jackiemaloneyart on Etsy
Celebrate finding your lobster with a seafood themed engagement party — including a drool-worthy lobster bake, a red and white color palette, and these adorable lobster invitation ideas. It’s delicious, it’s fun, and it feels ~just~ luxurious enough for the occasion.
15. Fun Disco Themed Engagement Party Ideas
via Silvia Falcomer
For couples who feel like they were born in the wrong time era, a ’70s themed party is a MUST. Throw it back with disco music, retro decorations, and alllll the disco balls. You can even ask your guests to show up in their grooviest retro attire!
Not a fan of the ’70s? You can also recreate this theme with any decade — from a Roaring ’20s themed engagement party to fun ’80s themed ideas!
16. Fun Outdoor Pool Party Theme
photo: Rhythm & Bloom as seen in this Palm Springs pool party
If you’re looking for fun engagement party ideas for the summer months, it doesn’t get more classic than a pool party theme. Just picture all your friends and family lounging poolside, grilling BBQ food, and toasting to your love in the afternoon sun. Perfection!
And if you don’t have a backyard pool to use, most neighborhood pools can be rented for private events — all you have to do is bring the flamingo floaties and a killer playlist!
17. Unique Arcade Game Themed Event
via Christy Speers
You’ve reached the next level in your relationship, and now it’s time to celebrate! For unique engagement party ideas that will get everyone letting loose and having fun, take your guests to your local arcade for the day. Trust us, there’s nothing better than watching your parents face off on Dance Dance Revolution!
P.S. If you want to up the competition even more, we also found the cutest engagement themed game ideas for your party. Game on!
18. “On Cloud Wine” Engagement Party Ideas
photo: Michelle Allan as seen in this “On Cloud Wine” party
This has to be one of the dreamiest engagement party ideas EVER! Celebrate that cloud 9 feeling with this “on cloud wine” theme, complete with ethereal cloud decorations, a romantic white color scheme, and a fun wine tasting for your guests.
We also love the idea of adding pieces of white cotton candy to your wine glasses to mimic airy clouds. SO dreamy.
GWS Pro Tip: “With a smaller guest count, you can put your budget towards maximizing the experience for each guest. Have a florist provide lush arrangements for the table and provide individual wine tastings for your guests. Create miniature cheese boards for each person and provide a couple of red, white, and sparkling wines for everyone to enjoy. Take it to the next level and get the cheese boards engraved with each guest’s name so that they can take them home afterward as a thoughtful favor!”
– AJ Williams, Founder & Creative Director, AJ Events
19. Secret Garden Themed Engagement Party Ideas
photo: Pat Furey as seen in this enchanting garden party
Speaking of romantic engagement party ideas, a secret garden theme is the epitome of romance. Lush flower arrangements. Flower infused cocktails and food. Twinkling lights and enchanting vibes. Swoon!
Host your secret garden party at a botanical garden, or fill your backyard with dozens of lush bouquets to recreate the romantic look. Such a sweet way to celebrate your blossoming love story!
20. Fun Roller Skating Theme Engagement Party Ideas
photo: Zoom Theory as seen in this retro roller rink ceremony
Introducing another one of the best fun and retro engagement party ideas: a roller skating theme! Rent out a roller rink, don your best ’80s outfits, and blast some feel-good tunes as you skate alongside your nearest and dearest.
And yes, we found the cutest roller skates to complete your party ensemble. Best paired with a cute little white dress!
21. Unique Tropical Themed Engagement Party Ideas
photo + design: Carol Oliva Photography | venue: The Holly Farm | florals: Willow and Plum
Tropical themed engagement parties are some of our favorite ideas for couples who live by the beach or got engaged during a romantic island escape. Capture those lush, laid-back vibes for your event with palm leaf decorations, a vibrant color palette, and a chic outdoor venue (bonus points if it’s by the ocean!).
For food and drink ideas for your tropical themed engagement party, you can’t go wrong with pineapple appetizers, fresh coconuts, and hibiscus cocktails. YUM.
22. “I Do” BBQ Theme Engagement Party Ideas
engagement party sign ideas: Zazzle
A backyard BBQ is one of the best ideas if you’re throwing an engagement party on a budget. Invite everyone over for an afternoon of burgers, hot dogs, and good vibes — it’s a classic for a reason!
If you want to take this engagement party theme to the next level, you can elevate your BBQ with themed cookies, gingham decoration ideas, and these “BBQ and brews” invites. Simple, but effective!
23. Fun Bouncy House Decorations
photo: Underatreehouse | bounce house ideas: @luxecastleco_ | engagement party venue: The Woodhouse
For couples who are still kids at heart, a fun bounce house theme is one of the best ideas for your outdoor engagement party! It’s guaranteed to get everyone laughing and smiling as they bounce their hearts out.
You can even give your engagement party an entire carnival theme, with playful decoration ideas like a colorful balloon arch, a fresh popcorn stand, and these classic carnival signs. Such a fun way to kickstart your engaged life together!
24. Unique Brunch Theme Engagement Party Ideas
via @nicolesarfaty
You can’t go wrong with engagement party ideas that revolve around food, especially when that food is brunch themed. Make it extra unique with a mouthwatering spread of your favorite dishes, like a luxe bagel station or a sweet waffle board. And don’t forget the mimosa bar!
P.S. If you’re wondering what to wear, don’t miss our round-up of cute brunch outfit ideas — perfect for your engagement party and beyond.
25. Fun Silent Disco Party Theme
photo: Halle Morgan Photography as seen in this modern silent disco party
Not only is a silent disco one of the MOST fun ideas for an engagement party, but it’s also good etiquette if you’re throwing the event somewhere with sound restrictions. Everyone can party hard on the dance floor to your epic playlist — without disrupting the neighbors.
Just hand out these silent disco headphones, and let’s get this party started!
27. Unique Churro Food Wall
photo: Bonphotage as seen in this pink themed party
Take a note from this couple and elevate your at home engagement party with unforgettable food ideas. Their drool-worthy display? A wall full of churros! We love how they served these sweet treats in custom containers featuring illustrations of their faces. So unique!
Plus, you can personalize this idea with any food of your choice, from donuts to mini charcuterie cups. Foodies, we’re looking at you!
GWS Pro Tip: “An engagement party is a celebration, after all! Bring in the sparkle with a Prosecco wall or table, custom desserts with edible glitter, a wine and cheese pairing…think luxury! Even with a small guest count, high-end details can make everything feel larger than life.”
28. Fun DIY Margarita Station
photo: Jessica Lynn Photo as seen in this fall party
Just like unique food ideas are essential for an unforgettable engagement party theme, a fun drink station is also a must. We love this DIY margarita bar — it features different juices, cute glasses, and yummy toppings, so your guests can get creative with their cocktails.
And like the previous food idea, you can also recreate this station with any drink ideas….just be sure to add a cute sign that matches your engagement party theme!
29. Unique Adventure Themed Engagement Party Ideas
engagement party invitation ideas: BohemianWoods on Etsy
Couples who adventure together stay together! For the love birds who are always jetting off to a foreign country or exploring a new national park, travel themed engagement party ideas are right up your alley.
Celebrate your most exciting adventure yet with world map decorations, travel themed game ideas, and these outdoorsy engagement party invitations. Because there’s nothing better than finding your forever travel buddy!
31. Unique Balloon Arch Theme Engagement Party Ideas
engagement party decoration ideas: @balloontherapynashville
When it comes to the best decoration ideas for an engagement party — or any party, for that matter — a balloon arch is always at the top of the list. It’s fun, it’s celebratory, and it’s the perfect background for all of your photo ops!
No matter which of the previous themes were your favorite, a balloon arch will instantly make them ten times better. You can thank us later!
Plan the Dreamiest “I Do’s” With Our Most Popular Planning Resources
Now that you’re prepped and ready to throw an unforgettable engagement party, let’s dive into our expert planning ideas and etiquette for the big day!
Starting with one of your most important decisions: attire. Check out our complete guide for buying a wedding gown online, plus our favorite wedding shoes to complete the look. And for the guys, we’ve also rounded up the best suits for the groom!
And let’s not forget your wedding party — aka, your “I do” crew. Help your besties dress to impress with this ultimate bridesmaid gowns guide, as well as our round-up of dapper groomsmen suits.
Speaking of your wedding party, we’ve also narrowed down the best gift ideas for both bridesmaids and groomsmen….because after your engagement party, it’s time to spread the love!
Which of these engagement party themes and ideas were your fave? Do you have any more questions about engagement party etiquette? Let us know in the comments below!