Low Key “engagement” party

Engagement parties are typically thrown by someone else in honor of the newly engaged couple. They range in formality from a multi course plated meal and open bar to a casual backyard BBQ and lawn games. It’s considered rude to throw a party to celebrate yourself. That being said, I don’t think what you’re describing is really an engagement party. Since people don’t usually host events to ask people to be in their bridal party, there’s no real guidelines here. You can do whatever you want. Balloons and food sounds great.

I agree that I don't think this is an "engagement" party, as Caytlyn said. If you want to throw a cookout or bbq to ask your wedding party to be in your wedding, just be aware that sometimes people say no because they have prior commitments or can't afford it or a myriad of other reasons and that might be awkward being put on the spot in front of a bunch of other people. So maybe ask them individually (there are tons of cute stuff you can do. or just ask them flat out) and then throw like a "meet and greet" party for all the bridesmaids and groomsmen, or whatever they are, to hang out and get to know each other. I'm doing a sleepover next weekend with just my bridesmaids, who i've already asked individually, just for them to get to know each other (no wedding things happening at this sleepover).

If you're set on doing a "surprise! want to be in the wedding party?" party, then yeah, a cookout sounds really fun.

Hi there Robyn!

Engagement parties are traditionally hosted by the parents of the bride, however, these days an engagement party can be hosted by close friends of the couple, other family members or even the engaged couple

The guest list for an engagement party usually consists of family, friends, and people you plan on inviting to the wedding. If you’re looking to have a party to ask folks to be in your wedding party, and they’re all that will be on the guest list, this would be more of an intimate gathering of friends!

Plan the shindig like you would any other party. A BBQ with some music, drinks, party games sounds like a fab low key affair!

If you’re worried about putting people on the spot to give you an answer, perhaps make it clear that they can think about it and let you know. No pressure to commit there and then!

Are you feeling a little clearer now on how to go forward with your party planning?

View Quoted Comment I guess putting the quotations around ‘engagement’ didn’t work after all lol. I’m aware of who typically throws one, I know that ours isn’t one, it is merely just a gathering. If I could get away with not having one, it would be great, but unfortunately I’m not the bride in my own wedding. I was just looking to see what happens at these kinds of parties, didn’t want to be unprepared but looks like out of the responses some bbq & games will do just fine.