Engagement Party Ideas: Party Themes

We've already discussed engagement party ideas in terms of venue and color schemes, now let's cover theme based parties.

Engagement party guests traditionally aren't all that familiar with one another since they likely include two sets of families and two sets of friends. So, themes can be an interesting addition to an engagement party because they act as an icebreaker and give guests who may not know each other something to talk about.

Engagement Party Ideas: Theme Ideas

Themes can run from simple and subtle to elaborate and complex but keep in mind this is an engagement party, and as such, it inherently has an underlying theme (the engagement itself) so use a theme to enhance the party and not one to distract from the upcoming nuptial celebration.

Color Theme Parties

Extend your color scheme right through the party and turn it into a theme. We showed you the red and white color scheme on our other engagement party ideas page, now let's turn it into a theme.

Ask all your guests to wear some red and white to the party. Find everything you own that is red or white and add it to your decorations and select a food and drink menu to match the theme. This really is a fun way to carry the theme into every aspect of the party.

For example, beverages can include cranberry juice, vodka, gin, white and red wine, Tonic, Soda etc... For food, mozzarella and tomato salad, hearts of palm, gazpacho soup, beef, salmon, ham, lobster, mashed potatoes, white asparagus, raspberries, cherries, red velvet cake, etc....

The foods don't have to be a perfect match, just close enough—and tailor the menu to your budget. This type of idea is a great way to save some money by only having to provide a limited menu based on your party theme.

The Casino Party Theme

A casino atmosphere makes a great theme for an engagement party. (Think James Bond in Casino Royale). It's elegant and more formal than most, and is perfect for larger parties since the casino games require that guests mingle and group themselves around individual games.

If done properly, it's more like throwing an engagement party in a casino rather it being a party theme. Supplies are easy enough to come by, you can often rent a lot of what is needed, or even make it yourself—you just need a lot of green felt!

You can set up a Texas Hold'm Poker Table, a Black Jack Table, A "Wheel of Fortune Money Wheel" and even buy (on Ebay) or rent a slot machine. Don't forget to provide your guests with lots of "Funny Money". You can even make some of your own personalized money with the happy couple on it like you see in the picture above—all it takes is some creativity and photocopies. Serve drinks in Martini Glasses, have lots of finger food, and let the good times roll!

The Fondue Party Theme

Fondue parties are always fun and a terrific way to get everyone involved and keep the conversation flowing. Cooking is easy, since all the guests will be doing it themselves but you will have a lot of prep work to do before hand.

Along with the bowls of different foods to fondue, you can have a bowl with questions to ask the couple—like "where was your first date, first kiss, etc." and "how did he propose." This is a great way of getting the conversation moving while you are waiting for your food to cook and keep the party focused on the engagement.

Often, some friends may not know some of the details that will come out and it will spark all sorts of conversation at the party. As far as engagement party ideas go, this is a winner for so many reasons but it's really only suitable for smaller numbers.

Trip Around The World Party Theme

This is perfect for a cocktail party with just appetizers. Decorate the venue with symbolic objects from places around the world. Use pictures and posters and make it like a mini Epcot Center.

Serve international food and drinks, things like hummus dip, Fajitas, Egg rolls, Pizza, the choices are endless. For desserts, you can use fortune cookies, Crepes Suzette, baked Alaska, Baklava... again so many choices.

Just make sure that all the food goes well together, you don't want to make your guests sick. The more exotic the foods, the better. After all, you want your guests mingling and talking to each other, and exotic foods will start a conversation in no time.

A hybrid of this could also be your honeymoon destination. Instead of covering the globe just go with your honeymoon destination and run with it throughout.

Cinco de Mayo or Mexican Party Theme

This is a great idea if you want an engagement party theme that is fun but won't cost a lot—even the food will be less expensive with this theme.

Create a Mexican atmosphere by making tons of tissue paper flowers (this is a great cost saver over real flowers and works perfectly with the theme).

Use a lot of the colors found in the Mexican flag (green, red, and white) throughout the space to create additional atmosphere.

Get some sombreros (hats are magical at a party—they add tons of atmosphere and guests love playing dress-up), ponchos, mini cactus plants, maracas, piñatas, fiesta lights and party tea lights. 

Besides all the wonderful Mexican dishes and snacks you can serve, why not have a huge Taco buffet filled with all sorts of fun foods where guests can make their own. Mexican engagement party ideas work well both indoors and outside, so play that mariachi music, bring out the guacamole, and let the fiesta begin!

The best engagement party ideas and themes start with taking a little inventory, seeing what you already own, and taking it from there. Chances are that you'll find all the inspiration you need for a party theme right in your own backyard.

For more engagement party ideas on decorations, be sure to check out our Hollywood themed engagement party.