Engagement Party Advice...

Hey all, need some advice. I am thinking about having an engagement party but my FH said he didn't want to do one (thought they were too much). But he might if it's VERY casual. Most of my friends, co workers and some family have never met him and I really want them all to meet Is it o.k. have an engagement party in a bar? Maybe even on a Saturday afternoon? I don't have a house to have it. I don't want to rent a hall or DJ, just some music and buffet food (or even make the food) . Has anyone done this before? Anyone know approx cost of their own parties? Thanks for help

Re: Engagement Party Advice...

We were the opposite, my FH wanted one, I did not (When it was over, I was sooooo glad we had one )

We kept it very simple. he had it at a local lodge in Lindenhurst (we were there for a party a year prior). they supplied the food, cake, open full bar, linens, china. We decorated, favors, DJ, and I got a special cake for FH.

Everyone had a great time, great food. very enjoyable!!!!!

when everything was added in.....cost us about $3500 for 70 people (decorations, DJ, cakes, hall, food, open bar, etc).

I bumped some of my pictures for you!

Message edited 11/16/2003 1:25:19 PM.

Re: Engagement Party Advice...

I didn't want an engagement party either, but FH though it would be great. It ended up being a BLAST because most of our family and friends got to meet. You can have your party anywhere you want. Our was about 2 grand b/c we had a DJ. If you decide to have it at a bar you can possible call it an engagement gathering and maybe people can bring food

Re: Engagement Party Advice...

Thanks, I think a VFW or Elks would be great, but maybe a bit too much $$. I have helped give and have been to Bridal Showers at Jackie Reilley's (bethpage) before and that was fun. Maybe I'll check it out.
What's a good length of time after engagement (and what would be too long to have one?)

Re: Engagement Party Advice...

Can you still have an e-party a few months after engagement?

Re: Engagement Party Advice...

We had our engagement party last weekend and it was actually one year to the date that we got engaged last year. I did not want an engagement party but then when my mom and his mom started talking it just sort of happened. We had it at Future Inlaws house b/c they just redid the entire first floor. It came out really nice all of the food was homemade. We received alot of nice things off of our registry.

Re: Engagement Party Advice...

My FH wanted an E-party, not an E-event. He wanted it VERY CASUAL. We had the local pizza place catereer it in his backyard. All the neighbors brought over their outside furniture. Someone had a tent so that was nice, it was in july so it was hot. I think in a bar would be fine. Another idea would be at a KoC or VFW hall, something simple. I think ours cost about $500, but mom went a little crazy with food and decorations. We had a lot of people, almost 80 I think.

Re: Engagement Party Advice...

My FH and I are looking into having a small E-party at a resturant on Long Island-just 20 people or so, so our immediate famillies can meet. Anything bigger starts to get so out of hand and we all know how much $ weddings run! And yes, I think it's fine to have an E-party a few months after your engagement--my mom was sick when we first got engaged and now that she's getting back on her feet, we are planning a January party (we got engaged in September).

Message edited 11/16/2003 12:56:21 PM.

Re: Engagement Party Advice...

VERY COOL STUFF, thanks for the advice. I might still do it in January (after the holidays and all)

Re: Engagement Party Advice...

We had our engagement party in my FH brother's backyard in mastic in the middle of June. It was EXTREMELY casual and I had close family members and friends each make a dish. We didn't have a DJ or anything fancy! We actually had a keg, soda and boxes of wine. Everyone had a terrific time and the after party was out of control!

Re: Engagement Party Advice...

We had our engagement party almost 7 months after our engagement. We had a Sunday Brunch on a riverboat out of Manasquan NJ. A central location for both families. It was awesome. We were lucky and had a perfect day for it. For 90 people it cost 3,000. Worth every penny. People are still talking about it.

Re: Engagement Party Advice...

I HADE A VERY SIMPLE ENGAGEMENT DINNER WITH 25 PEOPLE AT THIS GREAT RESTAURANT CALLED VESPA - IT'S SOMEWHERE IN LONG ISLAND........I THINK GREAT NECK.....NOT SURE BUT THE WEBSITE WAS WWW.VESPANY.COM........THE PLACE HAS GREAT FOOD AND EVERYONE WAS GREAT!!! SERVICE, ETC.....IT'S VERY QUAINT AND IF YOU LIKE ITALIAN FOOD YOU CAN'T GO WRONG. THE AMOSPHERE IS PERFECT AND IT IS NOT EXPENSIVE AT ALL...YOU HAVE A ROOM ALL TO YOURSELF AND YOU SHOULD CHECK IT OUT....GREAT FOR REHEARSAL DINNERS TOO.....FM ME IF YOU WANT MORE INFO, I'LL TRY TO FIND THE OHONE NUMBER AND ADDRES