Engagement Party Ideas at Home: For a Cozy Event

Getting engaged is one of the highlights of your life. You’ve found someone you want to spend your life with, and it’s time to announce the good news to the people you love.

While many engagement parties take place in special venues, the reality is that you can put one together and host it at home (or in a home you’ve rented for a party) and have an excellent event, too. In this guide, we’ll go over engagement decoration ideas at home that can help transform your space into a photo-ready, comfortable space for your party plans.

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Pro tip: If hosting at home doesn’t feel like the right fit, consider renting a space through Peerspace. With thousands of unique locations available, from cozy homes to stylish event venues, you can find the perfect spot for your celebration without the stress of hosting at your own place.  

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Table of contents:

• Luxurious at-home party ideas
• Party themes to match your homey vibe
• Menu planning inspo
• Party games to delight your guests
• Your easy party-planning timeline

Engagement party ideas at home: Luxury edition

Luxury without renting a specialized venue? It’s possible when you host an engagement party at home. Consider these luxury ideas to create an elevated feel in the comfort of your own home.

Nightlife party under the stars

Impress your guests by hosting your event outside under the stars. During a warm, calm evening, rent and set up a dance floor in the backyard, put together tables and dress them with floral arrangements and twinkle lights, and turn on some music to give your space a romantic touch.

At-home hack:

• Use your deck to avoid paying for a dance floor
• Space out your seating around an open area to make space
• Use flameless candles along banisters, ledges, and the ground to avoid using harsh lighting

Balcony bash

If you live in an urban space and have a balcony, use it to your advantage. Serve appetizers and finger foods and encourage people to enjoy the view. You can hold a champagne toast on the balcony for a photo-perfect finish to your engagement party.

Pool party

Welcome people to your home and spend the day celebrating your announcement with a pool party. Pool parties are great because you can make them bougie or keep them low-key. For a more luxurious experience, give your poolside party a dress code (white is always popular), add floating flameless candles, set up cabanas, and have staff serve champagne and other poolside appetizers. 

Budget buy: Dress up the space with white paper lanterns for a beautiful glow at night.

Trendy taster session

Curating a meal for your closest friends and family is a wonderful way to announce your engagement. Hiring a bartender or chef will allow you to have a tastier session of your choice. Create tasting menus and include high-end cheese boards or charcuteries alongside upscale florals to bring in the luxury touch.

Relaxing beach vibes

If your home is near the ocean or lake, or if you can rent on that is, then you can have a relaxing beach vibe for your engagement party. While beach themes tend to be more fun than lux, you can turn any beach space into a luxury environment with the right approach. Set up tables with white linens, use flameless candles set into driftwood centerpieces, and serve a high-end dinner of seafood (lobster, anyone?) to create a luxury experience your guests will enjoy.

Cozy indoor themes for engagement parties

Rainy day? Cold outside? Indoor themes can work well, too. Here are five ideas to get you started.

Wine and cheese night

Good wine and cheese go a long way as you share your favorite things about your spouse-to-be with your guests. Set up cushions near a fireplace for an extra-cozy spot to chat with friends and family.

Greenhouse garden party

Want to make favors that last? At your greenhouse garden party, you can announce your engagement and ask guests to plant seeds at the same time. By the time your wedding day arrives, you can have florals ready at hand — a perfect way to include everyone you love in your engagement and big day.

Relaxed brunch get-together

Brunches are more relaxed than dinners, which is why they’re helpful for those wanting low-key engagement parties. Have your friends or family come over in the late morning and host a brunch with delicious foods like pancakes, French toast, and fresh fruits. Toast to the happy couple with mimosas.

Home theater celebration

To show off your love, why not put together a short video or slideshow? For a home theater event, rent a popcorn machine, grab some sodas, and have everyone take a seat for the main event: your engagement.

Game night with the gang

If you and your fiancé love gaming, then having a game night at home with your friends or family can be a good way to share your happiness while also enjoying friendly competition. Adjust the games to a wedding theme to keep the tone right; friends can write their well-wishes on playing cards, or you can play couples’ trivia. 

From snacks to cocktails: home-friendly party menu inspiration

Feeding a group can be complex, but at home, you have the benefit of a full, working kitchen and the option of ordering in. Here are some snacks and dining options to consider for your at-home event. 

1. A grazing table with charcuterie spread for larger parties
2. A DIY taco and margarita bar for a fun, energetic party
3. A pizza party, upscaled with champagne for casual, yet refined, experience
4. A BBQ with skewered meats ready to eat for a casual, outdoor-loving crowd
5. A hot drink bar (complete with desserts) for cool or chilly days
6. Artisan breads, soups, and salads, for early afternoon get-togethers
7. A brunch spread of mimosas, pancakes, muffins, bellinis, and coffee for early morning parties
8. A concession stand theme for movie-night-styled events
9. A menu of finger sandwiches and easy-to-eat foods for outdoor events
10. An ice cream bar, along with cold drinks, for hot days

Fun engagement party games that break the ice

Engagement party activities can range from sharing favorite memories about the special couple to playing couples’ trivia. Some ideas include:

A ring hunt game, which encourages guests to follow clues to find a ring (inside or out)

Couples’ trivia, which is altered to include trivia only about the special couple

Open mic night, which lets you enjoy hearing guests’ well-wishes while also jamming out to karaoke or listening to a poetry slam

Every engagement party is different, so consider the kinds of activities your friends and family love, then put a wedding-themed spin on them.

A low-pressure timeline for planning the perfect at-home celebration

Most people plan engagement parties around two months beforehand. You can plan yours sooner but try to give your guests at least a month to plan time off (and be sure you avoid booking on busy weekends or holidays if you’re giving them even less notice). 

Starting two months beforehand, you should:

• Set the date and time
• Put together your guest list
• Choose a theme
• Set your budget
• Decide on where you’ll host your event (at home or someone else’s home, in this case)

Around six weeks before your event, you should:

• Send out invitations
• Book any vendors you want to have, such as a photographer or chef
• Choose the games or activities you want to have

Four weeks before your event, it’s time to:

• Put together your menu
• Start purchasing your supplies and decorations
• Build out a music playlist or confirm your entertainment
• Ensure your friends or family members are available to help with hosting, setup, and tear down.

Within the last two weeks before your event:

• Confirm you have all the RSVPs
• Ensure your space is ready to go and arranged appropriately
• Be sure lighting, sound systems, or other equipment are working properly

Within the last 72 to 48 hours, you can clean and make all final confirmations to ensure your party goes off without a hitch!

One last thing: keep it personal, whatever you plan

Your engagement party is going to be one of a kind, no matter where you host it. With your friends and family by your side, you’ll make great memories together while celebrating the joy that is love!

Worried your space isn’t right for an engagement party? Explore Peerspace’s unique venues perfect for celebrating your special moment.

Download the Peerspace app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to get started.