Image by Day 7 Photography

The time has come–you’re engaged! You’ve said yes to spending forever with your partner, which is cause for celebration. While you could host a classic engagement party–and there’s nothing wrong with doing so–you may want something a little more out of the box. Whether it’s because you and your significant other love breaking traditions or just love hosting a good themed party, we’re rounding up some of our favorite engagement party ideas. 

From movie night to a beach bonfire with all of your closest loved ones, these parties are sure to help you start your engagement off on the right foot. 

16 Engagement Party Ideas

Movie Night

There’s nothing quite like curling up and watching your favorite movie. Gather your friends and family for a movie night, complete with a projector, cozy seating, blankets, your and your fiancee’s favorite film, and of course, all the treats you can imagine.  

Backyard BBQ

For a laidback evening full of delicious food and fun games, host a backyard BBQ. Serve your favorite foods, from burgers to hot dogs and everything in between, before challenging everyone to a (friendly) competitive game of giant Jenga or corn hole. 

Roller Disco

If you grew up going to the roller skating rink, then you know how much fun it is. Get your groove on by rounding up your guests and hitting the rink again in a 70s-inspired roller disco party. You can also take it up a notch by hosting a costume contest. Have everyone dress up in their best retro gear, and the winner gets a prize basket full of goodies from the disco era.

Image by Lindsay Hackney Photography

Cheese + Wine

Cheese and wine tasting is the perfect way to elevate a traditional engagement party. It still involves delicious food and drinks but adds an extra level of elegance. Create a giant charcuterie table for your guests to sample, along with wines that pair beautifully with the food you choose. 

Bonfire

If you’re fortunate enough to live near the beach or the woods, host a bonfire full of drinks, games, s’mores, and campfire stories all about you and your fiancee. 

Pool Party

Get engaged at the beginning of the summer? Celebrate with a classic pool party. Stock the house with cold beverages, snacks, giant pool floats, and plenty of sunscreen. And don’t forget the feel-good playlist, too. Want to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation? Turn it into a luau with pina coladas, Hawaiian food, and tropical decor. 

Sip + Paint

The concept of sip and paint night has become wildly popular these past few years. If you and your significant other are artsy, this is the perfect celebration. Pour some wine and paint your heart away. To make it extra special, have your guests paint something for you as a keepsake for this special time of your life. 

Image by Michelle Sobel

Sunset boat ride

If you have access to a body of water–whether it be the ocean or a lake–celebrate your love with a sunset boat ride. It provides an intimate environment with your closest loved ones while offering scenery that is the epitome of romantic. 

Glamping

If you and your significant other are big outdoor lovers, why not bring your family and friends with you on a weekend-long glamping getaway? Think bonfires, s’mores, games, hiking, and kayaking. And if your guests aren’t adventurers, don’t fret. The whole point of glamping is to camp in style–aka with air conditioning and bathrooms.

Music Festival

While you could attend Coachella or Lollapalooza for your engagement party, we’re talking about creating your own music festival in your backyard or local park. Hire food trucks and local musicians or DJs to get the party started. We also strongly encourage guests to rock their best festival wear, body glitter and all.

Image by Ceranna Photography

Brewery

We know that not everyone loves wine. For those that prefer beer, host your party at a brewery. You can sip on your favorite adult beverages with your friends and family, and you don’t have to worry about the clean-up once you’re finished. That’s as stress-free as it gets.

Silent Disco

If you’re worried about bothering your neighbors but still want to enjoy some great music, a silent disco may be the perfect celebration for you. All you need is a DJ and some headphones that connect to the same signal as the DJ. Your neighbors will have no idea a full-blown party is taking place next door. 

Sports Game

Nothing brings people together quite like sports. Cheer on your favorite team and your love with a trip to a local sporting event. If you feel like splurging, rent out your own suite for the game, where you can enjoy drinks and food, or save some money by getting seats together, so you root your team on from the stands.

Image by Jessica Perez Photography

Karaoke

There’s nothing better than belting out your favorite tunes–no matter how pitchy you sound–in a room full of your loved ones. Whether renting a karaoke machine for your home or heading to your local karaoke bar, it’s time to start thinking about your go-to karaoke song.

Murder Mystery

In a classic case of “who done it,” you and your guests can work together to solve a hypothetical crime in a fun and spooky celebration. Countless kits online have everything you need to create the perfect storyline. This is also ideal if many of your guests don’t know one another, as it gets everyone interacting.

Costume Party

Let’s be honest, there are very few people who don’t love an excuse to throw on a costume for a night. From the roaring 20s to a masquerade ball, there are countless themes to choose from. Having a costume party also makes shopping for decorations that much easier.

Loving these engagement party ideas but not sure how to get to planning the party itself? Don’t worry! This guide tells you everything you need to know–from how to determine a guest list to sending out invitations.

Image by Enlow Productions