Sophisticated or whimsical, outdoorsy or urban, retro or traditional—the best engagement party evokes the spirit of those whom they honor. Not sure where to start when planning your celebration? Here we’ve put together some excellently planned parties, as well as thoughts and ideas on ways to distinguish your party from all the rest, including a mimosa bar for a brunch-time extravaganza or inspired by you and your beau’s favorite TV show.
No matter what style you are looking for, from minimalist to extravagant; from tropical adventure to antique tea sets, we have the best engagement party ideas to impress your family and friends. With a theme in mind, don’t forget to send out engagement party invitations to match. Also, when you’re one step closer to securing that wedding date, alert all your loved ones with a special save the date. Happy planning!
Movie Night
Themed popcorn bins help commemorate the moment he "popped" the question and play on a film theme that just begs for a screening of embarrassing moments from the happy couple's history caught on tape.
Source: Wedding Paper Divas
Photo Credit: 6 Elm Designs
The Mad Tea Party
Cover a table in tea party silliness and revel in the very merry wonderland of a marriage to be with an engagement party that celebrates the famous Lewis Carroll story. Colorful crockery will make the meal more fanciful.
Source: A Fanciful Twist
Japanese Garden
This pink themed tablescape demonstrates the simplicity and elegance of a Japanese garden but also captures the fun character of the bride to be. The party included desserts played to look like sushi and signature fortune cookies.
Source: A Thoughtful Place
Travel
A layered cake set in a vintage leather briefcase is a great sendoff for a couple that loves to see the sites. The adventure theme continued with a suitcase as a card box and clever globe and camera centerpieces.
Source: Ultimate Bridesmaid
Photo Credit: Aly Carroll Photography
Mad Men Inspired
Go back to the times of cocktail hours and martini lunches with a decadent 60s themed engagement party. This couple got real retro with signature cocktails and a cigar bar.
Source: BeSpoke Bride
Photo Credit: Amber Hempen Photography
Luck be a Lady
Guarantee a great party when you introduce some gambling themed treats like these chocolate dice to your engagement party. This couple went all in on their poker night to raise the stakes to the next level.
Source: Anders Ruff
Denim Dreams
Dress your family and friends in denim and get down with the casual but elegant engagement party idea. Seal the deal with a shining guitar centerpiece that will get a gathering humming.
Source: 100 LayerCake
Photo Credit: Arielle Doneson
Taco Bar
For those that like things a little spicy, consider centering your engagement party around the ultimate tex-mex treat: the taco! Signature hot sauces and Mexican sodas will mean your guests will taco bout this one for years to come.
Source: Something Turqoise
Photo Credit: Ashley de Pencier Photography
Glamping
Does the happy couple love the outdoors? This party created the feel of an elegant safari, but set up inside for significantly fewer mosquitos. The stylish tent creates a great lounge area, too.
Source: 100 Layer Cake
Photo Credit: Belle and Beau
Moroccan
Gorgeous colored tablescapes and plush pillows are what make a Moroccan themed engagement party. Perfect for friends who love traveling to exotic locales and adore the flavors of North Africa.
Source: Camille Styles
Photo Credit: She N He Photography
Mediterranean Feast
This feast featuring the jewels of the Mediterranean makes a tantalizing spread for any engagement party, including stuffed grape leaves, savory olives, sweet dates and perfect pomegranates. Pair the food with a watermelon sangria and serve outside.
Source: Camille Styles
Photo Credit: Kristen Kilpatrick
Life's a Beach
Getting down in the sand doesn't have to be gritty. For this engagement party the sumptuous table is set right on the shore and the best part: no shoes = superlative service.
Source: Confetti Daydreams
Photo Credit: Caroline Ross Photography
Nautical Party
Help the happy couple set sail for marital bliss with a maritime themed fete. For this preppy party everything down to the towels bore the couple's signature anchor with their emblazoned initials.
Source: Nico and Lala
Photo Credit: Cristina G Photography
Hollywood's Gilded Age
Go back to a time of Hollywood aristocracy with antique tableware reminiscent of an era of class. Build a black, white and gold tablescape for the ultimate in silver screen elegance.
Source: Eddie Ross
Photo Credit: Celerie Kemble
White Party
What could be more appropriate for a wedding than pure white? This breakfast inspired engagement idea featured powder sugar donuts to add the the sweetness of the theme.
Source: 100 Layer Cake
Photo Credit: Greg Blomberg
Farm To Table
For a couple who loves to eat local, these simple farm to table ingredients create a perfect and charmingly rustic engagement party theme. Even the placecards were fresh produce labeled with the names of guests.
Source: Green Wedding Shoes
Photo Credit: Fonyat Photography
Valentine's with the Frills
Playful pinks and golds are perfect for an engagement party that falls around Valentine's Day. This is a pink paradise for the bubbly bride that isn't afraid to go full girly and get glittery. The themed party even included a valentine making craft table filled to the brim with frills.
Source: 100 Layer Cake
Photo Credit: Haley Sheffield
The Boy Who Lived (It Up)
Show your full fandom with this Hogwarts inspired tablescape complete with floating candles and butter beer. Though you may not yet be able to send invites by owl, you can get your wands and cloaks out and show up the muggles.
Source: Harry Potter Ideas
Crawfish Boil
For the seafood connoisseurs who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty, a traditional crawfish boil is just the ticket. This couple added oysters on the half-shell for a delicious night of ocean delights.
Source: Hither and Tither
Secret Garden
An adorable way to celebrate a couple that gets gardening together is with this green-thumbed tablescape complete with tiny potted plants for the guests. This one even included themed desserts and an array of simple fruit and herb infused waters.
Photo Credit: Hostess with the Mostess
Winter Wonderland
Wipe the winter blues away with elegant warm treats served all in white. Sugary crusted cocktails add a frosted feel while warming your spirits.
Photo Credit: Hostess with the Mostess
Sunshine Day
Get happy with lemon-colored accoutrement that really shows the couple's love for everything bright. Even add a cut lemon to the flower arrangements for a fun way to show their sunny side.
Source: Oh Lovely Day
Photo Credit: Isa Photography
Under the Sea
Ariel would be jealous of the mermaid grotto that shimmers with bubbly joy. Seashell shaped macaroons and other sea themed desserts keep this party theme afloat.
Source: Kara's Party Ideas
Parisian
The simplicity of the black & white theme gives it a signature elegance that evokes fancy French fare. By bringing the "city of light" outside, this event makes the garden into a lovely cafe.
Source: Katie Pritchard
Paper Luau
A luau might seem like a theme that's had its day, but freshen it up with paper elements that give a crafty edge to this time honored party style. Paper pineapples and palm trees give a whimsical edge to this time-honored party.
Source: Lia Griffith
Rococo Tea Party
Celebrate in the lavishness of Versailles with an elaborate gorgeous theme. Let them all eat cake with beautiful bouquets adorning ornate tablescapes.
Source: The Celebration Society
Photo Credit: Lizzi Photography
Enchanted Forest
Go into the woods with this magical glen themed engagement party idea and feel like you are in a fairy tale. Gold candelabras complete the picture of a storytime setting.
Source: Fab Mood
Photo Credit: Mary Moon
New Year's Eve
Drop the ball on a New Year's themed party and drink champagne cocktails while making a resolution to tie the knot. Any time of year is perfect to celebrate new love!
Source: 100 Layer Cake
Photo Credit: Megan Robinson
Ice Cream Social
Harken back to the olde time soda fountain with a party themed around an ice cream social. The addition of colorful paper straws make it fun to share a phosphate with your steady.
Source: Cooking Channel TV
Photo Credit: She N He
Glitz and Glamour
Cast your party in sliver and watch the guests gleam with excitement. At this glam affair, tables resplendent with costume jewelry were accompanied by cupcakes each adorned with mock engagement rings.
Source: Every Last Detail
Photo Credit: Melody Melikian Photography
Autumn Love
Nothing is so beautiful as the gentle golden glow of fall colors. Here the leaves are literally gilded as they dress an event with style. This is matched by a rustic tablescape topped with perfectly appointed golden cutlery.
Source: Michelle Edgemont
Photo Credit: Brkln View Photography
Mimosa Bar
Cheers to this engagement party idea! Make your brunch more memorable with a mimosa bar featuring a myriad options for your favorite morning cocktail.
Source: Pretty Mayhem
We Could Be Super Heroes
Come to the rescue with a theme that saves the day! This super theme combined comic book themed desserts with awesome-looking artistry that perfectly matched the playful nature of the couple.
Source: Sara Baig Designs
Photo Credit: Kumari Photo Cinema
Into the Groove
Engagement parties are about engaging your guests in fun events. Ideas like trivia, sing-a-longs, and old-fashioned lawn games (like ring toss) keep everyone having a great time.
Source: Brides.com
Photo Credit: Sara Wilde Photography
Sea Swept
Feel the crash of the ocean with an outdoor themed party that surfs on the soft sands. This engagement party idea featured sweet sangria and ice cream sundaes to make it a perfect day by the sea.
Source: Green Wedding Shoes
Photo Credit: Sarah Kathleen
Frida Fiesta
Inspired by the lush colors of the art of Frida Kahlo, this party theme brings out the creative spirit. They even included Calavera cookies to play on the Mexican theme.
Source: 100 Layer Cake
Photo Credit: Shannon Rosan Photography
Backyard Boho
This cool way to combine the elegant and elementary is a boho dream. Nifty decanters carry signature spirits and flower crowns let everyone commune with their natural selves.
Source: Green Wedding Shoes
Photo Credit: Spotso Photography
Tropical Party
Give a tropical theme a makeover in minimalism by keeping the tablescape clean white and adding verdant patterns and splashes of color. Decoupaged balloons are a beautiful way give a little magic to this understated lushness.
Source: Love Maegan
Photo Credit: Studio DIY
Roaring 20s Speakeasy
This one gives Gatsby a run for his money with an outdoor celebration that swings with the energy of the roaring 20s. Cocktails served speakeasy style make this theme hep as can be.
Source: Celebrations at Home
Photo Credit: Studio EMP
Backyard Bonfire
This engagement party theme makes a cozy outdoor fire more special with s'mores and a hot cocoa station filled with fun toppings. Give everyone warm throws to keep them from getting too chilly.
Source: Today's Creative Life
Bruschetta Bar
Can't get enough of the toasted goodness of bruschetta? A make-your-own station for this classic Italian treat is a brilliant addition to an Italian themed engagement party.
Source: What's Gaby Cooking
Classic Blue and White
Sumptuous classic blue and white etched ceramics are the template for this elegant color-themed fete. From the bride-to-be's shoes to the invitations everything is cast in cool blues for a stunning effect.
Source: Wedding Paper Divas blog
Photo Credit: Henry Photography
Vintage 50s Garden Party
This party uses the classic coloring of black, white, and bright neon to call back to a 50s era style. The couple added a ride on a colorful carousel to the fun of the festivities for a perfect photo op.
Source: Wedding Paper Divas blog
Photo Credit: Oldani Photography
Elegant Rose
Let your party blossom with the natural cool coloring of pale pinks. This is a lovely way to keep this beautiful color as a theme without overwhelming the party.
Source: Wedding Paper Divas blog
Photo Credit: Love Ola Photography
Havana Nights
End the embargo on tropical themes and keep it cool with cigars and lime flavoring from the "Pearl of the Antilles." Panama hats are optional.
Source: Bridal Musings
Photo Credit: Photography By Janine
Flamingo Flashback
This flashy retro flamingo pink and green themed bash dresses up 50s kitsch with contemporary class. And don't forget to get a polaroid so you can have photo proof to spread around.
Source: Wedding Paper Divas
Photo Credit: Marc Edwards Photography
Bright Watercolors
An artistic theme that literally drips with elegance, these intense watercolors are awash with glamour. With this kind of bright coloring, minimalism is key—a little splash goes a long way.
Source: Wedding Paper Divas
Photo Credit: Melissa and Beth Photography
Tropical Summer
The right colors will make your engagement theme pop and bright summery pastels bring out the beauty of this special day. Everyone will be ecstatic when drinks and tablescapes are all decked in the same vibrant colors.
Source: Wedding Paper Divas
Photo Credit: Megan W Photography
