So you find yourself throwing an engagement party? Here
are some great ideas, gift suggestions, etiquette, games and
favors to get your juices flowing.
The Invitations
How about a paper doll invitation? Using part clip art and
part photos of the bride and groom, the front side shows them
in street clothes (or undies if they have a good sense of
humor!) and the inside has cutout wedding clothes.
Peas and carrots, peanut butter in jelly or Fred Astair and
Ginger Rogers. Select something that goes well together and
photocopy it onto the front of the invitation. Use a circle
cutter to remove the faces. On the inside of the card, photocopy
the couple so that the faces are under the cutout section.
The Decorations
Make sure you get lots of embarrassing photos of the bride
and groom and have posters made at your local print shop.
Plastic wedding cake toppers can be purchased at a party
supply store for a cute center piece. Create cardboard wedding
cakes and get as elaborate as you can get!
If you have a bit of money in your budget, spring for novelty
veils and bow ties for all your guests.
Gift Ideas
Unless you have a bottomless pocket, we suggest you go
light on the engagement gifts. Remember - you still have the
shower and the actual wedding to spring for. Not to mention
travel expenses, new attire, etc.
Gifts that will help the couple plan and organize their wedding
will be much appreciated. If you are technically inclined,
setting the couple up with a wedding web site would be a smash
hit - especially if they are not!
A subscription to a bridal magazine is a great gift idea
for the bride. How about a book on relationships written by
a reputable author?
Some Games to Break the Ice
Since many of the people in your life will now be seeing a
lot more of each other, some games to break the ice may be
in order. With the showers, bachelorette and bachelor parties
and the wedding itself, your friends will appreciate taking
the time to know one another.
See our "Shower
Games" article for some ideas.
The Favors
You have everyone in the same place. Why not pass out some
save the date reminders? Magnets or stickers will be put to
use. Candies wrapped in a cute fabric are very easy to make
and affordable. Create a label with your wedding date (or
month) and pass them out. Keep a bunch in a bowl by the front
door so everyone will grab one on the way out.
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