I, Heather, at BiZi Bee Floral in North Seattle, wanted to create a sort of party timeline for all the bride-to-be’s out there planning your big day.  I know that you want your wedding to be fantabulous and planning is a huge part of that. 

Starting with the Engagement…planning the party anyway to tell everyone that you’ve just been engaged!

**Engagement Party should take place within 3 months of the engagement. (only a suggestion)***

ENGAGEMENT PARTY:

• Who Hosts?–Traditionally, the bride’s family hosts, but many of today’s couples divide up the duties between both families…helps with costs and let’s face it, you’re bringing 2 families together.
• Pre-Party To Do’s–Keep the engagement party relatively casual.  While etiquette does not require it, most guests will bring presents, so consider starting a gift registry prior to the gathering.  You should also expect guests to ask about the wedding date and plans (eventhough you may not even know yet), tro to have some details in place before the party date arrives (like the time of year you’d like the wedding to happen).
• Theme and Decor–A simple brunch (maybe a barbeque) or evening cocktails are easy to pull off and set the right tone.  Keep the menu simple with light refreshments..having plenty of bubbly on hand. Sparkling wine are unexpectedly chic alternatives to traditional champagne.  Have small floral arrangements (tea lights add a nice touch for cocktails) for the tables..depending on the theme of the party (barbeque, hawaiian, etc) your local florist will have some great tips on what flowers and styles to use.  It’s a great occasion to celebrate, and flowers help make it memorable!  You can personalize the event in small ways with monogrammed notepads or breath-mint tins.  All are available online at sites such as beau-coup.com or orientaltrading.com . 
• Venue–Your family’s home, a chic lounge, or a favorite restaurant is a perfect locale for this celebratory affair.
• Guest List–Only invite people who are sure to be on the wedding guest list, but not every single person you plan to invite to your ceremony.  Bottom line: Keep it small and intimate.

DAY-OF NOTES:  Get a manicure the morning of your engagement party so your ring finger is ready for ogling over.

                                 Offer a brief toast to your upcoming nuptials and thanks guests for sharing in your joy.  Let them know how much you look forward to having them at your wedding.

—In Style Weddings magazine

This entry was posted on Tuesday, April 1st, 2008 at 5:44 pm and is filed under weddings.You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.