Engagement party June 5 in our backyard

Owning few folding tables is not a bad thing. If you expect to hold other backyard parties in the future, I would look into finding some cheap ones at Walmart or somewhere similar. My parents always had two and used them for lemonade stands, block parties, school fundraiser events, house parties, etc. You could also ask your friends, parents friends, etc. to see if anyone has a few tables you could borrow for the day, if you don't want to buy or rent them. Same goes for tents, although you will be able to rent a much bigger one than any your friends might own.


Don't forget about sidewalk chalk for the kids! If your family has a paved driveway, concrete walkways, and/or quiet street it can be a great way to occupy them.
Decorating with balloons is a lot cheaper if you skip the helium and just tape or tie them where you want them to hang as decoration (mailbox post, gates, tied underneath the tent canopy to the support poles). Multiple colors of crepe streamers can also create wonderful looks for fairly cheep. Silver or gold christmas tinsel on the tables or hole-punch confetti are also cost effective and fun. Really depends on your colors and theme as to what you might want to use.

I wouldn't really worry about centerpieces or a lot of decor for the engagement party. Every engagement party I've ever been to has been a casual, backyard event (even when the weddings were super formal). All you need is some food, music, and drinks. The rest is just mingling, same as any other gathering. If you want to add a few lawn games, that's an added bonus. As far as where to get cheap alcohol, just speak with the liquor stores in your area and see if they give bulk discounts and allow returns on unopened bottles. Also, for food, you can look into drop off catering from your favorite local casual restaurant.

I agree with Hannah! I'd keep the decorations simple - just tablecloths and maybe a few balloons or a banner!! It's really just about mingling and toasting! 🥂

You can check out these round-ups for games and decoration ideas:

18 Wedding Reception Games (Besides Cornhole) That You Can Buy Online

32 Engagement Party Decoration Ideas That'll Put You in the Mood to Say "I Do"

8 Creative Engagement Party Ideas That Won't Break the Bank