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Congratulations on your engagement! We know you spent a pretty penny on the engagement ring (learn more about average costs for an engagement ring here), and now you want to celebrate with an engagement party within your budget, of course! Regarding engagement party budget planning, having a realistic idea of what you can afford is important. That doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time – it just means being creative and compromising where necessary. This blog post will give you tips on having an amazing engagement party without breaking the bank!

Who Throws or Pays for the Engagement Party?

Who throws or pays for engagement parties is a question with many answers that depend on the couple’s family and social circle. In some cases, the parents of the engaged couple host and pay for the party. 

However, it is more common for close friends or relatives to throw the party and cover the costs. In terms of who pays, it is generally expected that the guests will chip in to help cover expenses. Of course, there are always exceptions to the rule. 

For example, if the engagement party is being thrown by a wealthy friend or relative, they may be more likely to foot the entire bill. Ultimately, it all comes down to who is hosting and what their budget looks like.

Who attends an Engagement Party?

The general rule on who to invite to an engagement party is that if you are planning on inviting someone to the wedding, they should also be invited to the engagement party. However, this is not a hard and fast rule. 

Some couples may choose to invite only their immediate family and closest friends to the engagement party, while others may choose to invite a larger group of people. It really all depends on the couple’s preference.

Average Cost of an Engagement Party, Food, and Drinks

The average cost of an engagement party is difficult to pinpoint because there are so many variables to consider. The location, number of guests, and type of food and drink all play a role in determining the final bill. However, one thing is certain: engagement parties can be expensive. 

For example, it can cost between $450 – 2,000 per hour to host your engagement party in some parts of New York City. When it comes to food and drink, the sky is the limit. A buffet-style meal with champagne and cocktails will obviously cost more than pizza and beer. Ultimately, the cost of an engagement party will depend on the couple’s budget and their vision for the event. Marijke van Breda, PR and Marketing Manager at Oliver Wicks, says, “Keep it simple because this is where you’ll be spending your money. Stick to beer and wine if you wish to serve alcohol. Schedule your party at a time that fits your budget. If you only want to serve little bites, for example, don’t schedule the event around a meal. It’s best served in the mid-afternoon or after dinner.”

Ask the Couple for Ideas and Wants for the Party

If you’re close to the couple and have been asked to help with engagement party planning, the best thing you can do is ask them for ideas. What kind of atmosphere are they hoping to create? What type of food and drink do they want? 

The more information you have, the easier it will be to stay within budget. In addition, be sure to ask the couple if they have any specific wants or needs for the party. For example, do they want to include a photo booth or other fun activities? By asking these questions up front, you can avoid any last-minute surprises that could blow your budget.

Men usually don’t have too many ideas when it comes to planning the party. I know I’m guilty of being lost when it comes to creative party ideas.. 

How to Budget for Food and Drinks

When it comes to budgeting for food and drinks for an engagement party, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, consider the number of guests you’ll be inviting. This will help you to determine how much food and drink you’ll need to purchase. 

Next, think about the type of party you’re planning. If it’s a formal affair, you’ll want to spend more on upscale eats and drinks. However, if it’s a casual get-together, you can save some money by serving simple snacks and beverages. Don’t forget to factor in any special dietary needs of your guests.

Non-alcoholic drinks typically are cheaper and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Checkout Olipop, an affordable yet healthier soda option.

Another option is to simply opt for simply having drinks and affordable hors d’oeuvres. This can be a great way to keep costs down while still providing your guests with something to enjoy. If you go this route, be sure to let your guests know in advance so they can eat dinner before the party. Some affordable hors d’oeuvres are:

  • Vegetable or fruit tray
  • Chicken wings
  • Shrimp cocktail
  • Vegetable or fruit platters
  • Cheese and crackers
  • Chips and dip
  • Mini sandwiches
  • Chicken

By taking all of these factors into account, you’ll be able to create a budget that will ensure your engagement party is a delicious success.

How to Save for Your Engagement Party

How to Save for Your Engagement Party

Party Budget Planning 101 Infographic

You’re in love and you’ve just got engaged – congrats! The next step is to start planning your engagement party. But before you start scrolling through Pinterest for inspiration, you need to figure out how to save money for your engagement party. Here are a few tips:

  1. Set a budget. Determine how much you can realistically afford to spend on the party, and then stick to it. Once you have all of the information you need, it’s time to start planning! Begin by creating a budget for the party. Again, this will depend on the couple’s vision and the number of guests they are inviting. Once you have a budget in place, do your best to stick to it. This may mean making some sacrifices along the way, but it will be worth it in the end.
  2. Look for ways to cut costs. Can you DIY some of the decorations or catering? Are there any ways to cut down on the guest list? These are all valid questions to ask when trying to save money for your engagement party.
  3. Use your resources wisely. Ask friends and family if they know any good venues or vendors that might offer a discount. Utilize your resources to help you save money on your engagement party.
  4. Save up ahead of time. Start setting aside money each month so that you’ll have a little nest egg to work with when it comes time to pay for the party. The sooner you start saving, the better!

You’ll be well on your way to throwing an amazing engagement party without breaking the bank if you follow some of these tips. 

Budget-Friendly Engagement Party Locations

When it comes to the locations for engagement parties, the options are endless. But if you’re looking for something budget-friendly, here are a few ideas to get you started. First, consider your home. If you have a large enough space and are willing to do a little bit of extra work, hosting the party at your house can be a great way to save money.

Just be sure to plan ahead and make sure you have enough food and drink for all of your guests. Another budget-friendly option is to rent a space at a local park or community center. This can be a great option if you’re looking for something outdoorsy or want to take advantage of nice weather. And finally, if you’re really looking to save some money, consider having the party at a restaurant or bar during off-peak hours.

This way you can get a great location without having to pay for the space itself. Whichever option you choose, just remember that the most important thing is celebrating your engagement with your friends and family. Budget be darned!

Make Wise Decorating Decisions

Make Wise Decorating Decisions

Planning an engagement party on a budget doesn’t have to mean skimping on style. With a little creativity, you can easily create a beautiful event without breaking the bank. One of the most important things to remember is to be strategic with your spending. Focus on decorating elements that will have the biggest impact, such as the tables and centerpieces.

For example, instead of the lady opting for expensive floral arrangements, try using seasonal fruits and vegetables to create colorful displays. Another great way to save money is to ask friends and family to help with the food and drink. Potluck-style parties are always a hit, and everyone loves to show off their signature dish. 

By being smart about your budget and enlisting some help from your loved ones, you can easily throw an engagement party that’s both stylish and affordable.

Fun Group Activities on a Budget

Engagement parties are all about celebrating the happy couple, but that doesn’t mean they have to be boring. If you’re looking to add a little fun to your party without breaking the bank, consider incorporating some group activities. Games are always a great way to get people interacting and laughing, and there are plenty of options that can be played for free.

For example, try playing a classic game like charades or Pictionary. Or, if you want something a little more unique, consider setting up a photobooth with props and accessories for your guests to use. Another fun activity is to create a scavenger hunt with clues that relate to the couple’s relationship. Not only will this be a hit with the guests, but it’s also a great way to incorporate some personal touches into the party.

Even trivia can be a great group activity, especially if you make it specific to the couple. Ask questions about their relationship, how they met, their wedding plans, etc. Not only will this be a fun way to learn more about the happy couple, but it’s also sure to get everyone laughing and talking. 

Incorporating some simple and budget-friendly activities can easily add a touch of fun to your engagement party.

Conclusion

Engagement parties are a great way to celebrate a couple’s upcoming nuptials. However, they can also be a big financial burden. By following these tips, you can plan an amazing party without breaking the bank!

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