Engagement Party Ideas: Venues & Colors

When thinking about engagement party ideas, you need to start somewhere. So the first things to consider are the venue (where the party is going to be held) and a color scheme.

Regardless of where you have the party you want to be able to create some sort of celebratory atmosphere—after all, this is a special event.

You can go all out with elaborate decorations or just add a few simple touches to let everyone know that this is an engagement celebration.

Let's first discuss color schemes and then move on to deciding on a venue. Sometimes, when we realize that we can create a really festive atmosphere in our own homes, we learn that an at-home party can be just as much of an "event" as one that is held in a restaurant, club, or reception hall.

Engagement Party Color Schemes

Creating Atmosphere & Decorating: The easiest way to create atmosphere is by choosing a color palette and infusing it through all aspects of the party.

For example, if you use white as one of your colors, you can use white dishes (that you probably already own) and pair the white up with a vibrant color. Either color, or both can be brought in through napkins, balloons, flowers, streamers, table cloths, place mats, name cards etc...

Unless you have professional party decorators, we wouldn't suggest you go with more than two colors (plus white) because it can be difficult to get the same impact with multiple color party schemes unless you're a professional.

Below are a couple of examples of a white and red color scheme. It's a classic color combination for love and romance. Just think Valentine's Day! You can dress it up or you can dress it down, and it works well throughout the seasons.

Here is a shot of red and white themed engagement party we attended recently.

For spring or summer engagement party ideas choose sunny and fresh colors for your gathering. Below is one of the more popular color schemes for the spring and summer seasons. The yellow and green combination is light and fresh. It is a little less formal but works exceptionally well for garden or outdoor events.

Another elegant color palette starts with Tiffany blue paired up with neutrals of white, gray/silver and black. It can be dressed up or down depending on what your needs are and is perfect all year around both indoors and outdoors.

It's so recognizable and striking that it inevitably turns the party into a Tiffany's theme which is one of the most classic engagement party ideas of all time—after all, nothing says "engagement"  like that little blue box we all dream about.

The choices for color schemes is really endless but we wanted to show you some of our favorites.

If you're more daring with color in your personal wardrobe already, your guests won’t be surprised when they show up and see hot pink and orange balloons and matching color scheme. There are no hard rules, go with your personality and what feels right.

The same can be said if you are more understated—classic black and white can make quite an impact.

The best engagement party ideas come from taking stock of what YOU already have—chances are that you'll find some great inspiration in what you already own. It's also a great chance to use those special dishes you've been saving or that rarely get used. Build your color scheme around them and have fun picking up all the extra party favors and decorations!

Engagement Party Ideas (Venues)

Now that you've seen how just a few simple touches can create atmosphere, let's look at the options for venues. There are basically two choices here—an at home party (at anyone's house) or one held at a public venue (like a restaurant or club).

Like with everything else, there are benefits and drawbacks for each but if you put some effort into the planning of the engagement party and stay organized, then things should run smoothly.

At Home Engagement Parties

An at home engagement party can be in anyone's home, it doesn't have to be in the couple's home, or their parents' house. The great thing about them is that they can help you control cost because you provide your own food and drinks. You can cater some of it, all of it, or none of it...you have complete control and freedom. You can also decorate for the party without any time or space constraints.

The downside however is that you are responsible for everything from the planning to all the prep and setting up, to all the clean up. You may also be limited to a certain number of guests depending on the size of the home being used.

A Venue Engagement Party

A venue engagement party is easier because you don't need to worry about setting things up, cleaning up, or the logistics of the party and you can enjoy the party along with your guests, but you will be paying for those luxuries. You're not limited to a certain number of guests because you can just choose another venue if one isn't big enough.

The downside is you have much less freedom on everything and have to abide by their rules. You will likely have to buy food and drinks from them, are subject to their wait staff, and can't bring in any outside catering. Finally, it'll cost much more than an at home party, even one that is fully catered.

Engagement party ideas can be found everywhere. Keep an open mind and look around at what you have and what you like. It's great training for thinking through ideas for the wedding.

Want more? Read about engagement party theme ideas.