A complete guide for an Engagement Party in the US, including ideas, planning, budget calculator, and FAQ

Intro and Contents

Now that you've decided to marry, what are your next steps? An engagement party may be one of them. This party can be anything from small and intimate to large and extravagant. This guide will provide you with all the information to plan the perfect party that meets your budget.

This page includes a budget calculator for an engagement party with costs in the United States in 2022.

What is an engagement party, and who throws this party?
What are reasons for (not) having an engagement party?
What sorts of engagement parties are there? - here are some popular choices
How to plan an engagement party?
How to calculate a budget for your engagement party?
28 FAQ about an engagement party

1 - What is an engagement party?

An engagement party is a celebration of your commitment to marry your partner. Its aim is to announce the happy news of your engagement to your family and friends and celebrate your impending marriage.

It might be a dinner at a restaurant or in your house, a cocktail party in a bar, a garden party, a picnic, or anything else.

Who throws the engagement party?

Traditionally, the parents of the bride-to-be would throw the engagement party. However, nowadays, it is more common for the couple to throw their party or for close friends and family members to host the event.

If you want to throw your engagement party yourself, make sure to ask your parents and in-laws first.

2 - Should you have a party to celebrate your engagement?

There's no right or wrong answer when it comes to whether or not you should have an engagement party. Some couples choose to have one because they want to share the news and celebrate with family and friends. It's also a chance for family and friends to congratulate the couple and celebrate their upcoming marriage. Others decide not to have a party because they prefer a low-key celebration or want to save money for their wedding.

Reasons for having an engagement party

Let your friends and family know that you are getting married.
It is a chance for family and friends to congratulate the couple and celebrate their upcoming marriage.
A fun way to celebrate the engagement.
A great way to kick off the wedding planning process.
Help to get to know the future spouse's family and friends better.
Get everyone on board and excited for the wedding.

Reasons for not having an engagement party

You'll be married soon, so an engagement party is of no practical use.
Not wanting the hassle or expense of throwing a party.
Keep your engagement and marriage plans low-key.
Save the money for your wedding.

3 - What sorts of engagement parties are there? here are some popular choices

There are many ways to throw an engagement party, no matter your budget. Here are some of the most popular choices.

1. Home party

If you want to keep it simple, you can have an informal engagement party at your house. This is a practical choice if you're on a budget or just don't want to deal with all of the various things that must be done, such as renting a space or making reservations.

As your home may not be able to accommodate a large number of visitors, you may be restricted to inviting fewer individuals. Consider what you'll provide for those attending the party, such as food and beverages and entertainment like games related to the wedding.

2. Cocktail party

You can decide to invite your friends and family for a cocktail party. A bar is the most popular location for a cocktail party, especially if you want to host a bigger group. You may pick a spot that not only serves drinks but also allows your guests to dance. Another choice is to have a cocktail party at your house. Aside from mixed drinks, you can serve light foods such as hors d'oeuvres.

3. Dinner party

A dinner party is a great way to celebrate your engagement with family and close friends. You can have it at a restaurant or in your home. If you have it in your home, you can cook the food yourself or order catering. You can also hire a private chef to come to your home and cook meals for you and your guests.

4. Backyard BBQ

Consider a BBQ if you want a casual and laid-back engagement party. You can have it in your backyard or at a park. You can grill the food yourself or hire a caterer to do it for you. This is an excellent option if you're on a budget. You don't need to spend all of that money at a restaurant.

5. Picnic party

A picnic is another great option for a casual and laid-back engagement party. It's great to take your friends and family to a park, a lake, or the beach. You'll bring one or more picnic baskets with all the food and drinks. Don't forget to pack blankets and chairs for your guests. You may also go Dutch, which means that each guest brings a dish to share.

6. Beach or pool party

If you're celebrating your engagement in the summer, a pool or beach party is another fun approach to do so. You can have it at your house if you have a swimming pool, a friend's house, a rented venue, or the beach. You'll need plenty of food and drinks, sunscreen, swim towels, and chairs. You may also want to have games like frisbee or volleyball and some music to set the mood.

7. Dance party

For a fun and unique engagement party, consider having a dance party. You can hire a DJ or band to play music for your guests and set up a dance floor. This can be done at home if you have the room. A more popular option is to hire a venue's party area. If you love to dance and want your friends and family to have a great time, this is a great option.

4 - How to plan an engagement party?

An engagement party may be held in a variety of ways. For your party, you'll need to consider several things first: what type of party you're going for, who you want to invite, the date, the time, the location, and your budget. Here are six questions to consider while planning your engagement party.

1 - What kind of engagement party do you want?

The number of guests invited to an engagement party may differ. A large party usually has more than 70 people, while a small gathering has 20 or fewer guests. Choose the size that works best for you.

An engagement party can be formal and organized or laid-back and unplanned. It all depends on your preference. You may have anything from a low-key get-together at your house or garden to a five-course meal at a trendy restaurant.

2 - Who do you want to invite to the engagement party?

Your guest list will significantly differ based on the kind of party. A small, intimate gathering will have different guests than a large party.

You will probably only invite your best friends and closest family members if you have a small party. On the other hand, if you're having a big engagement bash, you'll likely invite extended family, other friends, neighbors, and co-workers.

Consider whether you'd want to include any children. If you already have your own children, inviting their siblings or cousins is worth considering. If not, you will most likely opt to just invite adults.

3 - When will the engagement party be?

An engagement party is typically held 2-4 months after the wedding proposal. Choosing a date can be a daunting task for several reasons.

You'll need to pick a day of the week. The most popular choice is to have an engagement party on the weekend, usually on Friday or Saturday evening. A Sunday may be a wonderful option to organize a picnic or a beach party.

You'll most likely consider whether the majority of the individuals you want to invite will be able to attend. This is especially significant for small gatherings. If you have a large party, you may only want to ensure that your VIP guests can attend, such as your closest friends and family.

Typically, you should send the invitations at least 2 weeks before the party date, although 4 weeks is better. If you're throwing a big engagement party, consider sending out the invitations 6-8 weeks ahead of time.

4 - How to invite your guests to your engagement party?

The way you want to invite your guests will differ based on the size and formality of your engagement party. You can just send an app or e-mail or give them a phone call for a small party.

If you're having a more formal event with a larger group of people, you'll need to create an e-mail and/or postal list. And next, use this list to mail the invitation for your engagement party.

On your invitations, you should include the date, time, and location of the party and any other practical information such as whether there will be a meal served or not.

When you send out invitations, it's a good idea to ask your guest to RSVP. If a meal is included, you may want to know how many people are coming and whether they have any special requirements or limitations. They might be sensitive to some ingredients, be religious, or have other reasons for avoiding certain foods.

5 - How to find a venue for your engagement party?

The number of guests and the type of party you wish to have will significantly influence your choice of the engagement party's location.

If you only invite a few people, you can easily host the party at your house or in the backyard. If you're having a large engagement bash, you'll need to look for venues to accommodate more people.

Restaurants, bars, or cafes may be able to host your engagement party, but you'll need to check with them first. Banquet halls, golf clubs, country clubs, and hotels are also great places to have an engagement party.

Large facilities, such as a ballroom in a more prominent hotel, a ranch, or a party center, are examples of suitable locations to host a big engagement party. They have the space to accommodate many guests, and they also have staff on hand to help with any needs you may have.

Look online for sites in your region that provide the best alternatives for what you need. Consider using Google Maps to locate suitable places along with Google Search when looking for a venue.

6 - What activities to do at your engagement party?

Consider how you might keep the fun and action going at your engagement party. Food and drink already help a lot. But you might also want to have some games, performances or other activities.

Various games are suitable for an engagement party, such as a pop quiz with questions about weddings. Or, if you wish to get more personal, questions about the life and history of the couple and their closest friends. The answers may include funny or romantic photos projected on a large screen.

Another way to keep the party going is to have great (party) music and dancing. Look for a DJ in your social or family network, or consider hiring one. Another way to have fun with music is to do karaoke.

Also, consider taking a group photo with all guests or giving a speech that concludes by announcing the wedding date.

If your engagement party is outdoors, you may want to consider outdoor activities and games such as frisbee, water balloon toss, or a treasure hunt.

7 - Do you want to take photos, shoot videos, or make other recollections at your engagement party?

You may want to take photos or videos to commemorate the engagement party. If you plan on taking pictures, you can ask one to two friends or family members to be the photographer for the event. Smartphones have made it simpler than ever to preserve fantastic memories.

If you don't want to bother anyone with this responsibility, consider hiring a professional photographer for a few hours. They will be able to capture all the best moments, and you'll have high-quality photos and/or videos to remember the party by.

Consider whether you want to have a guest book where visitors may leave short messages to you as they enter. This is a great way to remember the party and all the people who came.

5 - Calculate a budget for your engagement party

The cost of an engagement party will depend on several factors such as the number of guests, the location, food and drink, activities, and whether you hire professionals for help.

The average cost for an engagement party in the USA in 2022 ranges anything from $500 to $1,500. They depend on the party's size, the type of venue, and the services you hire.

Here is a breakdown and a calculator to help you estimate your engagement party costs.

1 - Number of guests

The number of people you invite will significantly influence your spending. In the United States, a large engagement party usually has 50-100 guests, whereas a small engagement party typically has 20-30 people.

2 - Venue costs for an engagement party

If you host your engagement party at your home or the home of friends or relatives, you will not have to pay to hire a facility. This is also true if you use a public place such as a park or beach.

If the number of guests is limited, it's perfectly acceptable to have your engagement party at home. However, suppose you want to host a large engagement party in an indoor space. In that case, you'll almost certainly need to hire a venue like a hotel ballroom.

The expenses of renting such a venue may vary broadly. They depend on the size of the party, the kind of location, and the services you use. For example, the cost to hire a ballroom in a hotel ranges from $500 to $1,000 on average.

Some venues do not charge a fee for using the facility. Instead, the rent is included in the food and beverage expenses. This is generally the case when you have your engagement party at a restaurant with a seated plated dinner.

3 - Food and drinks costs for an engagement party

If you choose to serve a meal at your engagement party, expect the catering expenses to be between $30 and $80 per person. A buffet will be accessible at a lower price range. In contrast, a plated dinner with table service will be more costly.

Drinks served throughout the meal might cost anything from $10 to $40 per person.

If you only offer light meals like horst dóuves or snacks, your food costs will be significantly lower, ranging from $10 to $25 per person.

If you want to throw a dance party, the costs of servings drinks at a party are generally between $10 and $20 per person per hour.

4 - The costs of hiring a photographer for an engagement party

The price charged by a professional photographer depends on their experience, the length of time they will be needed, and whether you want them to deliver prints or a photo album.

A professional photographer usually calculates a minimum charge and per-hour costs. The minimum fee can include their travel expenses and the time needed to prepare for the shoot.

On average, you can expect to pay $200 to $500 as the minimum charge and, in addition, $100 to $250 per hour. Prints or albums will cost extra and may range from $50 to $200.

For example, on the lower end, hiring a photographer for an engagement party that lasts three hours may cost you $500. On average, it will cost you $850.

A videographer's fee is comparable to a photographer's. Some photographers may agree to also shoot some short videos with their digital camera. This might be an excellent option If you want to share some videos on social media.

5 - The costs of hiring a DJ for an engagement party

DJs typically charge an hourly rate ranging from $75 to $250 per hour, with some minimum charge for traveling and setting up the DJ booth. The average cost of hiring a DJ for an engagement party is $500 for four hours.

What you pay will depend on:

the length of time they are needed
the type of music you want, and
whether they will be providing additional services such as lighting or special effects.

6 - The costs of hiring live entertainment for an engagement party

The price of live entertainment depends on the type of act you hire and the length of time they are needed. For example, a live band might charge $750 to $2,000 for a three-hour set. A solo musician might charge $300 to $600 for the same amount of time.

7 - Additional engagement party costs

Invitations

The cost of invitations will depend on the invitation's design, size, material, and style. A card with a high-quality glossy photo of the couple, for example, is more likely to be more expensive than one with only text.

Customized invitation cards cost anywhere from $2 to $8 each, including postage.

If you include an RSVP card, it is customary to also pay for the postage for sending back this card. The costs of sending these cards back may range from $0.50 to $1.50 per card.

These days, sending a wedding invitation by E-Mail or WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger is quite common and growing in popularity. It will not cost you extra money, just some of your time.

You can also do both, first send an electronic message as soon as possible to save the date and later send a lovely engagement party invitation via post.

Party favors

These are not required, but they are a nice touch for your guests. The cost of wedding favors varies depending on the chosen item and typically ranges from $2.50 to $10 per favor.

Decorations

Decorating for an engagement party is not a necessity. Still, it will add to the overall ambiance of the event. The cost of decorations can range from $50 to $500, depending on the size and scale of the event.

Some tips for staying within your engagement party budget include making a list of all the expenses, setting a budget for each item, and sticking to that budget. You can also look for ways to save money by buying in bulk or negotiating with vendors.

6 - 28 FAQ about engagement parties

1. Can you have an engagement party immediately after the wedding proposal?

If you're confident your partner will say yes to your wedding proposal, you may have an engagement party immediately afterward. Consider how you may conceal all of your guests until after your partner has said yes to preserve the surprise. So that you can have a surprise engagement party with your closest friends and relatives right away.

2. When do you typically hold an engagement party?

Most engagement parties are held between two and four months after the proposal but at least three months before the wedding date. This allows you to have enough time to prepare and provide timely notice for the people you wish to invite.

3. How long does an engagement party last?

The typical engagement party lasts three to four hours. There is, however, no set rule. You can make your engagement party as long or as short as you prefer. It is not uncommon for an engagement party to last longer if there is a lot of socializing, dancing, or other activities.

4. Who hosts the engagement party?

Traditionally, the parents of the bride-to-be host the engagement party. However, anyone can host an engagement party. It is becoming more common for the bride and groom to hold their engagement party or for close friends to do so.

5. Who pays for an engagement party?

Traditionally, the bride's parents pay for the engagement party. However, nowadays, it is not uncommon for the couple to pay for their engagement party. If you are unsure who should pay for the engagement party, you can always discuss this with your parents and your partner's parents.

It is also common for the maid of honor and best man to pay for their engagement party expenses. Close family members such as brothers, sisters, and grandparents may also contribute to the costs.

6. Who do you invite for an engagement party?

You will most likely only invite immediate family members if you have a small engagement party. Invite extended family members, close friends, and acquaintances if you have a large engagement party. You may also consider inviting other individuals, such as your co-workers, supervisor, or schoolmates.

Just keep in mind that all of the people you invite to your engagement party must also be asked to your wedding.

7. What is the difference between an engagement party and a wedding party?

An engagement party is a celebration of your engagement. A wedding party is a celebration of your marriage.

Engagement parties are generally more personal than wedding celebrations. They're commonly held at someone's house, a restaurant, or a bar. Weddings usually are more formal and grand. They're frequently hosted at more prominent locations.

An engagement party is also typically less formal than a wedding party. For example, you may wear casual clothes to an engagement party. In contrast, you would usually wear proper attire to a wedding party.

8. Is it customary for people to give speeches and toasts at an engagement party?

Yes, it is customary for people to give speeches and toasts at an engagement party. However, it is not required.

The speeches and toasts are usually given by close friends or family members of the couple. They may share stories about the couple, offer advice for a happy marriage, or look forward to the wedding party.

The engagement party is also a great time to announce the wedding date if the couple has selected one.

9. Is it customary to bring gifts to an engagement party?

Engagement parties are not traditionally gift-giving occasions.

However, it is customary to bring gifts to an engagement party nowadays. If guests understand that the pair may have spent a lot of money planning the party, they are more than likely to give gifts.

If you'd prefer that guests not bring gifts, mention this in your invitations.

10. Is it acceptable to ask for money as a gift at an engagement party?

It is not considered appropriate to ask for money as a gift at an engagement party. However, if you would like to request that guests give you a monetary donation, you can do so discreetly. Especially if you know your friends and family would be happy to do so.

One way to do this is to include a note in your invitations that says something like, "If you wish to give a monetary gift, we would be grateful." In Europe, an envelop icon on an invitation generally means that the couple would appreciate monetary gifts.

11. Do you give out favors at an engagement party?

Favors are little tokens of appreciation for people who attended your party, such as thank-you presents.

Favors are not necessary at an engagement party, but you may still use them to express thanks to your guests for coming.

Some common engagement party favors include personalized chocolates, candy, candles, save-the-date magnets, and picture frames with a photo of the couple. You can also get creative with your party favors and give out something representing your relationship or matching your wedding theme.

12. Do you need to also invite all the guests to the wedding party?

Yes. The people you invite to your engagement party should also be asked to your wedding.

This is because engagement parties are considered part of the wedding festivities. So, if someone is not invited to your wedding, they should not be asked to your engagement party.

13. How do you plan an engagement party if you don't have a lot of time?

Suppose you don't have a lot of time to plan your engagement party. In that case, you can hire a professional planner to handle everything for you. A professional planner will be able to take care of all the details, from sending out invitations to setting up the venue.

Hiring a professional party will cost you between $500 and $1.000, on average.

14. How do you choose the right engagement party planner?

When choosing an engagement party planner, you should consider your budget, the number of guests you're inviting, and what type of party you want to have.

Next, use this information to write a briefing, send this to party planners, and ask for a quote. You may also want to ask for a list of recent references. Make sure that you may contact their references. Also, make sure that the party planner understands who you are as a person and what you want. You need to have a "connection".

15. How do you choose the right food for your engagement party?

The food you serve at your engagement party will depend on the time of day and the event's formality. If it's a more casual party, you can simply have some light snacks and drinks available for your guests. If it's a formal affair, you may want to provide a seated lunch or dinner for your guests.

If some individuals you are inviting to your engagement party have allergies, you will need to care for them. You can either have special/different food for them or inform them what they can and cannot eat at your party.

16. How do you choose the right drinks for your engagement party?

The drinks you serve at your engagement party will also depend on the time of day and the event's formality. If it's a more casual party, you can simply have some beer, wine, and soft drinks available for your guests. If it's a formal affair, you may want to provide a full bar for your guests.

If you're having a large party, you may want to hire a bartender. If you're having a small party, you can ask friends and family to help with serving the drinks.

It's a good idea to consider ahead of time for your engagement party how much and how strong alcohol you'll serve. You may want to avoid having guests get too intoxicated.

17. How do you choose the right music for your engagement party?

If you have a wedding theme, you may use it to make the music selection. For example, If you have an eighties-themed wedding, you might want to play music from this era.

If you don't have a specific theme, you can choose music that reflects the taste of the couple and the guests. Just make sure that you have enough music to last the entire party.

You can also ask guests to make requests beforehand so that you can create a playlist that everyone will enjoy. For example, include this request on the party invitation.

18. How do you choose the right location for your engagement party?

When choosing a location for your engagement party, you should consider the number of guests you're inviting, the type of party you want to have, and your budget. You should also make sure that the location is convenient for all your guests.

19. What should you wear at your engagement party?

The dress code for your engagement party will depend on the time of day and the event's formality. If it's a more casual party, you can simply wear whatever you're comfortable with. If it's a formal affair, you may want to dress up in a nice dress or suit.

If you have a wedding theme, the dress code for your engagement party can reflect this. For example, if you're having a country-themed wedding, you might want to dress in clothes from this era. Don't forget to include your dress code on the invites.

20. After you have an engagement party at home, who cleans your house?

If you have your engagement party at home, you may wonder who will clean up afterward. The answer will depend on the size of your party.

For a small party, you may be able to clean up yourself. Ask some friends to help you.

For a larger party, you may need to hire a professional cleaning service to come in and clean up after the party is over. This would cost you extra money, but it would save you time and energy.

Whatever you do, make sure you have a plan for cleaning up after your engagement party. Otherwise, you may be left with a big mess to deal with.

21. Can you have a themed engagement party?

Yes, themed parties may be based on the couple's hobbies or interests. Popular engagement party themes include beach parties, country parties, or parties inspired by a specific era, such as the sixties or eighties.

If you decide to have a themed engagement party, include information about the theme on the party invitation. This will help your guests know what to expect and how to dress for the occasion.

A themed engagement party can be much fun for you and your guests. Just make sure you choose a theme that is appropriate for the occasion. It's common for the engagement and wedding party to be based on the same theme but not required.

22. How to decorate for an engagement party?

If you have your engagement party at home, you'll need to do some decorating. The number of decorations you'll need will depend on the size of your party.

You may only need to put up some streamers and balloons for a small party. For a larger party, you'll need to do more decorating.

For a big party, you may need to invest some money in decorations such as

Balloons - Helium balloons in different colors can brighten up any party space.
Streamers - Streamers are a cheap and easy way to add color to a party space.
Banners - Banners are a great way to personalize your party space.
Tablecloth - A tablecloth can add a touch of elegance to your party space.
Flowers - Flowers are a beautiful way to decorate your party space.
Candles - Candles can add a touch of romance to your party space.
Lights - Lights can help create a festive atmosphere at your party.
Confetti - Confetti can add a touch of fun to your party space.

No matter what decorations you choose, just make sure your decorations complement each other and enhance the grandeur of your engagement party.

23. What are some fun engagement party games?

Some popular engagement party games are:

How well do you know your partner? In this game, guests ask the couple the same questions about each other separately. There are consequences if their answers differ.
What's in her purse and his wallet? In this game, the couple has to guess what items are in their partner's purse or wallet, or guests have to do so. Both right and wrong answers may have consequences.
Couple's Trivia – Guests are given a list of trivia questions about the couple. They compete to see who can answer the most questions correctly. The guest with the most correct answers wins a prize.
Mr. and Mrs. Quiz – Guests are given a list of fun facts about the couple that can be either true or false. The guest with the most correct answers wins a prize.

24. Can you have an outdoor engagement party?

Yes, you can have an outdoor engagement party. Just make sure you choose an appropriate location with enough space for your guests.

Some popular outdoor engagement party locations include:

Beach
Park
Pool
Yard
Deck
Rooftop
Patio
Balcony

No matter what location you choose, just make sure it is safe and comfortable for your guests. And also, make sure you have a backup plan in case of bad weather.

25. Do you need to hire a professional photographer for your engagement party?

You don't need to hire a professional photographer. You can ask one to two friends or family members to be the photographer for the event. Smartphones have made it simpler than ever to preserve fantastic memories.

However, if you don't want to bother anyone with this responsibility, consider hiring a professional photographer for a few hours. They will be able to capture all the best moments. You'll have high-quality photos and/or videos to remember the party by.

Also, consider hiring a professional photographer if you have a big and elaborated engagement party.

Hiring a professional photographer for a few hours will cost you around $200-$600. If you live in expensive cities like LA or New York, this amount will generally be higher.

26. Should you have an engagement party if you already have children?

Yes, you can have an engagement party even if you already have children. Just include them in the planning process, so they feel involved.

Having children yourself may be a reason to also invite some children of your friends and family to your engagement party.

There are many ways to include children in your engagement party. Here are a few ideas:

Have a kids' table at the party with coloring books, crayons, and other activities.
Hire a babysitter to watch the kids.
Include the kids in the games and activities.
Have a kids' menu with their favorite foods.
Ask the kids to help decorate for the party.

No matter what you do, just make sure the kids have fun and feel included in the celebration.

27. How can you make sure your engagement party is accessible to everyone?

If you have guests with special needs, you can do a few things to make sure your engagement party is accessible to everyone.

Here are a few ideas:

Choose a location that is wheelchair accessible.
Make sure there is enough space for everyone to move around comfortably and sufficient help for elderly people.
If you're serving food, make sure there are options for guests with special diets.
Provide information about the party in different languages and formats so that everyone can access it.
Ensure adequate lighting and sound for guests with sensory needs.

You can make sure your engagement party is enjoyable for everyone by taking these steps.

28. How can you make your engagement party eco-friendly?

There are many ways to make your engagement party eco-friendly. One way is to use recycled or recyclable materials for your invitations and decorations. Another way is to serve organic food and drinks. You can also ask guests to carpool or use public transportation to get to the party.