6 Summer Engagement Party Ideas That Are Too Cool to Miss

They’ve put a ring on it, so it’s time to raise a glass! While the wedding will be the main event, there’s just as much joy to be found in the celebration beforehand. A summer engagement party is an excuse to gather friends and family, toast the happy couple and enjoy the sunny season.

With longer days, warmer evenings, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor gatherings, summer is the ideal time to celebrate love. If you’re looking for summer engagement party ideas that go beyond the usual, we’ve got you covered at Peerspace. Here are six engagement party ideas for summer that are stylish, fun and unforgettable.

1. Garden picnic lunch

The beauty of a picnic-themed party is its versatility, since it can be casual and kid-friendly or elevated with touches of rustic charm. Whether held in your own garden or a local park, this summer engagement party idea is effortlessly charming.

Essentials:

Seating: Layer rugs, blankets, and cushions for cosy lounging or mix in low tables with gingham tablecloths for a relaxed yet well-styled look.

Food & Drink: Serve sandwiches, pastries, and seasonal fruit in hampers or arrange them on grazing boards. A drinks station with elderflower spritzers, homemade lemonade and iced teas adds a refreshing touch.

Entertainment: Classic garden games like rounders, boules or giant Jenga add a playful vibe for guests of all ages.

2. Poolside party in the sunshine

Nothing says summer quite like a splash around. If you have access to a private place to swim, then great, or you can hire a venue with a pool on Peerspace. Choose this summer backyard engagement party idea that’s equal parts laid-back and luxe.

Top tips:

Sun Protection: Stock up on SPF, after-sun gel and sunglasses. Place them in decorative baskets near entryways.

Comfort & Style: Offer inflatables, loungers and shaded seating areas. Think resort-chic with tropical mocktails, fruit platters and a relaxed dress code.

Light Bites: Skewers, wraps and refreshing salads are ideal when guests are alternating between swimming and sunbathing.

3. Ice cream social celebration

An ice cream-themed engagement party is the ultimate way to cool down while turning up the fun. This one is especially sweet for afternoon parties and works well indoors or outdoors.

Scooping success:

Flavours & toppings: Offer several ice cream options, including non-dairy alternatives. Set up a toppings bar with crushed biscuits, chopped nuts, sauces and sprinkles.

Cones & bowls: Let guests choose between waffle cones or bowls.

Upgrade: Hire a soft-serve machine or gelato cart for extra flair. They’re more common than you think!

4. Local brews & garden bites

Swap the vineyard for a garden celebration featuring local ales, ciders or even a craft gin tasting. This relaxed engagement party theme for summer lets your food and drink do the talking. Hosting away from home? Make sure that the venue is okay with serving alcohol on-site.

Set the scene:

Tasting flights: Showcase local breweries with tasting paddles. Label each one and add notes about flavour profiles for a touch of sophistication.

Garden bites: Pair your drinks with hearty bar snacks. Think sliders, hand-cut crisps, sausage rolls and artisan cheese boards.

Non-alcoholic options: Offer kombucha, botanical sodas or alcohol-free beers so everyone feels included.

5. Tropical garden paradise

Bring the beach to your garden with a tropical engagement party brimming with bright colours and bold flavours.

Island details:

Decor: Think palm leaves, rattan lanterns, paper parasols and leis. Provide flower crowns or sarongs for that holiday-at-home feeling, and invite guests to wear their finest resort wear to the island-inspired soiree.

Food: Grilled seafood, jerk chicken, pineapple skewers and fresh fruit platters set the tone. Cocktails (or mocktails) served in coconuts or pineapples seal the deal.

Vibe: Add steel drum or reggae tunes and keep the dress code light and breezy.

6. A Christmas in July engagement party

If the couple loves a bit of festive fun, flip the calendar with a Christmas in July theme. It’s unexpected, joyful and brilliantly tongue-in-cheek.

Festive cheer:

Decorations: Hang fairy lights and snowflakes from trees and tables. A mini Christmas tree or faux snow adds to the fun.

Entertainment: Offer an ornament-decorating station and play holiday classics. Bonus points if someone shows up in a Santa suit.

Gifts: Wrap engagement party favours in festive paper for that nostalgic Christmas-morning feeling.

Questions to ask when booking a summer engagement party venue

Before locking in your theme, choose a venue that fits your vision. Whether it’s a countryside barn, urban rooftop or seaside garden, here are a few things to consider:

Space & layout

• How many guests can the venue accommodate?
• Is there flexibility between indoor and outdoor areas?
• Does the space work for games, a pool or dining?
• Is there a weather contingency plan?

Food & drink

• Can you hire your own caterer?
• Is there a kitchen or BBQ area available for use?
• Can you bring and serve alcohol?
• Are there refrigeration or freezer facilities?

Seating & equipment

• Are tables and chairs included?
• Can you hire or bring in your own furniture?
• Is there shade, lighting and electricity access outdoors?

Entertainment

• Are DJs or live music allowed?
• What are the local noise regulations?
• Can you bring in extra speakers or use the in-house system?

You can find answers to questions like this and more by searching for venues on Peerspace. Easily filter your search for the perfect engagement party space to zero in on the venue designed for your celebration. With detailed venue profiles that include high-quality photos, capacity details, amenities lists and host rules, guests know exactly what they’re getting when they book on Peerspace.

Make your summer engagement party shine

Organising an engagement party is fun when you have a theme you’re sure everyone will love, and everything goes smoothly in the lead-up to the event. With Peerspace as your partner, you can put your mind at ease. Our hourly booking model ensures you only pay for the time you need, and our transparent pricing makes budgeting your big summer blowout a breeze. Check out engagement party venues near you.