Inexpensive Ways to Throw an Engagement Party
Getting engaged in these times can be a bit challenging – at least in a financial sense. It’s challenging because it’s a once-in-a-lifetime event that you want to celebrate, but at the same time, you know you don’t want to burden loved ones or spend more money than you should. The good news is that despite the shaky economy, couples can still and do deserve to celebrate their engagement. With a little creativity, you can host an engagement party without having to break your bank or anyone else’s.
Set A Budget
Not only should you set a budget for your engagement party, but you should also commit to sticking to it. If your budget can only go so far, so be it. It’s not going to make you half the man or woman you are. Before spending a dime on your party, decide first how much you spend. Once you’ve set a budget, list every item you need and what they would cost. If there are items you can do without, cut them from the list. For instance, you don’t really need to hire a live band or a DJ to make your party memorable. And make sure you leave at least 10% room for expenses you might not expect.
Keep It Intimate
It’s understandable if you’re excited to announce your good news, but your entire circle of Facebook friends doesn’t need to be at the party. Keep the guest list small, because the bigger your list, the bigger your expense will be. You can have the freedom to invite all your friends on the big day itself, but for your engagement party, stick to a small list of family members and very close relatives. After all, that’s what the tradition is all about.
Stick To Drinks and Finger Foods
This is not your wedding yet. It’s not even a mini-wedding, so there’s no reason to plan for a large menu. Also, guests do not expect a full dinner at engagement parties, so just opt for drinks and hors-d’oeuvres. For a relatively low cost, you can already make everyone happy with a few cocktails, wine, and beer to match up to five appetisers.
Be Creative With Invites and Decorations
Printed invitations can be costly, and for an engagement party, they’re not actually necessary. If you followed the advice of keeping your guest list small, then this won’t be a problem. You can either hand write your invitations or have them done digitally. One advantage of a digital invitation is that you can share it through social media for free. The same is true when thinking about party decorations. We all know it’s tempting to add fresh flowers to the decors, but they can add up on the expense. Go for inexpensive options instead, like votive candles or white light strands. Try streamers and coloured balloons, too, which will surely make the event fun and memorable without costing you a lot.
Have The Party At Home
Finally, instead of renting a restaurant or any expensive venue, why not just host the party at home? The venue is already at your disposal and is not as costly as renting a function hall. Or perhaps you have a close relative or family member who would want to offer their space if you feel your place is not enough. Take advantage of the opportunity so as not to spend much. It’s just a couple of hours anyway, and besides, a cozy living room will do perfectly, especially during the colder months.
