There is a lot of pressure to create an extravagant yet budget-friendly party for your engagement. Now you can, with these tips for planning the best backyard engagement party.
Getting engaged is BIG news. It can be exciting to share this special time with all of your friends and family. And, what better way to start announcing yourselves as the future married couple than by having a party to celebrate your engagement.
After the momentary excitement surrounding the engagement and party announcement starts to wear down, reality may set in.
Benefits of a Backyard Engagement Party
Getting married can be a very costly event.
Depending on your choice for tying the knot, it may or may not wreak havoc on your budget.
Does that mean you should give up an engagement party so you can save money?
No way!
Believe it or not, you can have your (wedding) cake and eat it, too. All you have to do is create a classy and budget-friendly backyard engagement party using these 9 ideas.
1. Invitations
Because you can’t have a party unless you invite the guests, let’s start with the invitations.
Ask yourself – do you know how to reach your friends better by their actual address or their email/social media page?
Nowadays, with so many people online, it is easier to create an online event (such as on Facebook) and send out the invitations. Or, use a free service, such as Evite.
Not only are you saving money on buying the invitations and stamps, but you are also being eco-friendly.
2. Invest in a Tent
Renting out a venue can be quite costly.
To throw your engagement party on a budget, a backyard is a perfect choice.
However, since you don’t want to risk your party getting ruined by inclement weather, be prepared by investing in a tent.
These temporary event tents can be customized to meet your exact needs – design and space – and can give you and your guests a place to be protected from the outdoor elements.
3. Use Candles for Lighting
If you are looking for a romantic ambiance to host your backyard engagement party, then you should consider having it after sunset – and use candles for lighting.
You can purchase these at discount stores or online in bulk.
You will give the tent a warm, cozy feel – and you won’t have to worry about running electricity to the tent, buying and stringing lights, etc.
Just be sure to invest in a fire extinguisher or two as a safety measure.
4. The Entertainment
Your wedding is sure to have a live band or DJ.
Your engagement party is about you and your significant other – and there is no entertainment necessary.
Of course, a silent room is no fun, either.
All you need to do is simply hook up your computer, tablet, or phone with a pre-set playlist. Then, let it play.
The music in the background should be all you need.
If you want to have some fun with it, create a theme of music, such as love songs or popular music from the year you both met, etc.
The best part?
It doesn’t cost a thing.
5. The Decorations
When it comes to decorating, there are many ways you can save money. No one is coming to check out your decorations, but you want to have them.
You can get some great décor from the dollar tree.
For example, glass vases to fill with simple flowers or larger vases to fill with water and float tealight candles.
Tablecloths, cutlery, plates, and more can also be purchased at these discount stores. Save your extravagant centerpieces and the like for your wedding.
6. The Food
Keep the food simple. You are having the event in the backyard.
So, what does that mean? Can anyone say, barbecue?
What a perfect venue for some tasty grub from the grill. And, don’t worry, if you are trying to keep it classier than a barefoot barbecue, you can still use the grill – just in a more gourmet way.
The best choice would be to skip the sit-down, plated meal type party and, instead, offer your guests bite-sized finger foods that taste good and really hit the spot.
Grill up some:
- Hamburger sliders
- Shrimp skewers
- Blackened fish tacos
- Roasted veggies
- S’mores over an outdoor fire
7. The Beverages
You can choose whether or not you want to have adult beverages or not at your party. You also have the option to make it a B.Y.O.B.
Or, you can create one beverage and have that for your guests.
This could be:
- Champagne
- Beer
- White and red wine
- A mixed drink that is your “special” drink
For example, creating a cocktail that is a mixture of you and your future spouse – like sweet and sour.
8. Gifts and Party Favors
Party favors are often a thank you for coming. However, they are often given as a token of thanks for coming – and bringing a gift.
You can avoid this whole scenario of gift and favor expectation by advising your guests in advance not to bring a gift.
Let them know that it is just their presence you are seeking.
This answers their question of whether they are supposed to bring a gift and it reduces your need for providing party favors.
9. Games – Just in Case
If you follow these ideas, you are sure to have a wonderful backyard engagement party with your closest friends and family.
But, just in case your music isn’t enough – or your guests start getting bored, you can always have a few tricks up your sleeve to get the party going. Consider these:
Pull out a karaoke machine.
Who doesn’t have fun with this?
Have a bar-style trivia game.
Play cheesy party games, such as carrying an egg on a spoon or musical chairs.
These are much more comical as adults, so you are sure to get a ton of laughs.
Conclusion
Your backyard engagement party is meant to be a time of showing off your love for one another and your future joining together as one.
Remember – it is not about the money you spend (or don’t spend), but the fun and enjoyment you have with those around you.