5 ways to throw a kick-ass engagement party

Did you just get engaged? Congrats! Now it's time to celebrate. If you want to throw an engagement party, but you're not sure what that entails… Or if your family is begging to throw one for you… Or you think engagement party = stuffy and awkward… Don't stress!

Engagement parties can be awesome, fun, and a great way to kick off the wedding planning season of your life.

Here are some ways that you can throw a kick-ass engagement party that will make everyone (even you!) excited to RSVP “yes!”

Have a party at a place that's special to your relationship

I'm still kicking myself for not having an engagement celebration at the place where I met that guy I married. Now that bar is closed and gone, it would have made for a great excuse to take awesome pictures and document us the location (hell in the very chair!) that was responsible for bringing us together. Do you guys have a park you like to go to? Why not just throw a picnic-style get-together as your engagement party? Or use the party as an excuse to head out of town for a smaller, but more experiential party.

Surprise people with the news

You can turn any party into an engagement party with a simple secret announcement, or hell — propose during the party. This method is great for those people who get pre-party anxiety. You could just treat and act like this upcoming shindig is nothing but a chill get-together, and then make a brief announcement and boom — you're at your chill get-together that also happens to now be your easy engagement party.

Pick a theme that makes you excited

Not every party needs a theme, of course. But do you remember the amazing Manga-inspired engagement party? Michelle and Will had such a blast at their party because they picked a theme that meant a lot to them — their shared love of Manga comics — and ran with it all the way to awesome party town. If you're not excited about the prospect of an engagement party, pick a theme that makes you want to party!

Mix up the timing

Not every party has to be in the evening with dinner and cocktails and evening wear…

• Throw a breakfast or brunch event.
• Have a mid-day pool party.
• Take advantage of your favorite bar's happy hour.

Think about entertainment

Not too into the idea of all eyes being on you? Think about hiring some entertainment, or hosting your party in a space that provides it: magicians, circus performers, fortune tellers, live music?

Or did you guys document the proposal in any way? What's better than letting your friends celebrate your engagement, than letting them SEE your engagement. Screen the video of the proposal, or do a slideshow with the photos!

No pressure

You know we never want to make you feel like you NEED to do anything. If “not having a fucking party” is the way you want to celebrate your engagement, then that's exactly what you should (or shouldn't?) do!

Who's thinking of having an engagement party? What are your plans? How are you going to combat the “stuffy stigma”?