Getting engaged is a big deal, and it definitely calls for a celebration. Engagement parties are becoming more and more popular as people want to extend the wedding festivities and really shower the couple with love. Use these tips, from choosing an event center in San Juan, TX to deciding on a theme, to help make sure your engagement party is successful, festive, and fun.

• Who Will Host – Traditionally the parents of the engaged couple hosts the engagement party, however you can choose whoever you want to host yours. You can host it yourself, pick another loved one or family member, or keep things traditional and let the parents take the reins. Keep in mind, whoever is hosting generally foots the bill. 

• Local vs Out of Town – Will you have your engagement party where you live or somewhere else? This depends on who’s hosting. If your parents are hosting, the party should be held where they live. However, this tradition can be changed if many guests live out of state or out of town. For example, if you live in Austin but are from Chicago, you may choose to have the event in Chicago and enlist friends and family to help plan it. 

• When? – Plan an engagement party for within a few months of the proposal. You should give guests at least one month’s notice, so try and get those invites out as soon as you can.

• Location – Choosing a venue for your engagement party is large part of the planning process. You can really make an engagement party work at any kind of venue, from an event center or banquet hall to a park, restaurant, backyard or even at your home. When choosing the location, consider the ambiance you want to create for your party. If you want something more sophisticated, consider a restaurant, club or event center. If you’re hoping for a more casual vibe, think about backyards, homes, or parks. 

• Who Gets an Invite – You don’t have to invite everyone that you’re inviting to the wedding to your engagement party, but generally people only invite those that will be invited to the wedding to the engagement party. Again, though, this tradition can be changed if there are out of town guests or friends that won’t be able to make the ceremony but still want to celebrate with you. Also, if a friend or family member is hosting, they can invite friends or business associates of their own. 

• What to Wear – Many brides are choosing to wear more bridal looks to all wedding-associated events, meaning white cocktail dresses, jumpsuits, or even blouses. Be sure to choose a look that goes with the theme and ambiance. For example, jeans might not work at a fancy restaurant but would be ideal for a backyard event.

Memorial Event Center is a San Juan, TX event center that can offer you more expert advice as well as a great place to host your engagement party. Call today to learn more.