Planning a Fall Engagement Party

Fall is the perfect time for engagements! (Ok, really anytime is perfect to get engaged but Fall is definitely a romantic season)

It’s hard to beat Fall for engagement parties, though.  Crisp evenings, changing leaves, cozy fires, apple cider – there’s just so many good things!

If you’re planning a Fall engagement party, we’ve got some tips you’ll love.

1. Choose the Place for the Fall Engagement Party

Finding the right setting will set the tone for the engagement party.  We’re partial to outdoor settings with plenty of changing leaves and beautiful views.  Wedding venues are great options since they are set up to host parties and have many amenities to host a larger party.

If that’s not your vibe, try a restaurant with a large gathering space.  Keep the Fall feels with either a patio or rooftop setting.  A large room with a cozy fireplace is also a great option.

For smaller parties, a backyard party can be a great option.  Add some string lights and candles, a small fire pit and flowers for a cozy atmosphere.

2. Let the Fall season drive your color choices and decor

Warm colors are the perfect complement to crisp evenings.  Use cozy fabrics and colors in your table settings.  Add throw blankets or flannel pillows to seating for decor and to keep guest warm for outdoor parties.  Seasonal flowers like mums and dahlias are often found in colors that complement the changing leaves.

Use apples, pumpkins, acorns or leaves in your decorations.  Candles always add magic to a party and they are perfect for a Fall engagement party. ​One of my personal favorites is a few small bouquets with flowers, greenery or leaves along the center and place a few candles and apples or small pumpkins strategically along the center of the table.

3. Keep it Cozy

​(Sorry, had to throw in some alliteration there)  Add a small fire pit or heaters for guests to cozy up to.  Blankets are another great option.  If you are planning an outdoor celebration, make sure you let guests know so they can bring sweaters or jackets if needed.

Provide some warm drinks for guests.  Spiced cider is a given.  But, get creative.  What about coffee with Fall creamers?  Or herbal tea?  Sometimes just holding a warm cup is the perfect thing for chilly hands.

Layers aren’t just for keeping you warm when you get dressed.  Add a table linen, then cloth placemat with texture, charger, dinner plate and then a Fall colored napkin.  Include a water glass and cocktail or wine glass at each place setting.  Those layers add to the cozy feel.

4. Plan a seasonal menu

​This doesn’t have to be a full Farm-to-table menu (although we know a great chef for that!).  Plan a soup or salad with apples, cranberries, nuts to start.  Soups are best served individually but a large family style salad can be a beautiful addition to the table.

Focus on warm entrees – with cheese (because that just seems Fall-ish, right?)  Really there are a ton of options.  Craft pizzas.  Burgers with sweet potato fries. Mini-Thanksgiving meal – yes, please!  Your sides are often an easy place to add Fall flavor. Baked sweet potatoes, brussel sprouts, acorn squash, roasted veggies, carrots, etc.

And, of course, dessert.  Pumpkin pie.  Apple cider donuts. Caramel apples. Apple cider. Cobbler. Caramel Cake.

I think you get the idea.  I can come up with a lot of dessert ideas!

5. Hire a photographer

This might seem like it’s out of left field, but this is definitely a moment to document.  Guests are usually dressed up.  Everyone is excited and the couple is madly in love.  Plus that shiny new ring is begging to be photographed.

6. Decide if it’s a Surprise or not

Sometimes engagement parties are planned for right after the engagement.  That involves having friends and family in place close (but not too close) to the engagement spot.  And making sure they aren’t accidentally seen.  Think through where everyone will park, where they will stay during the engagement, etc. 

An easier plan is for the newly engaged couple to come straight to the party from a different location.  It’s still an immediate celebration but without the stress of a surprise party.

Engagement parties don’t have to take place immediately following the engagement.  You can plan it a week or two after the engagement.  This gives the couple time to let everyone know and enjoy their new engagement on their own for a bit.

7. Have a team in place

This could mean hiring a caterer to set up, serve and clean up.  Or it could just be enlisting a group of friends and family to pitch in.  It takes a lot to gather the details and set it up.  And after the party, you definitely want lots of help to clean up!

Make sure you have a team in place to clean up so everyone can head home to rest after!

That’s it!  Just a few steps to get you started in the right direction.

You can find (and share with the happy couple) tips on wedding planning here!

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