Your Complete Engagement Party Planning Checklist

Are you dreaming of a magical night to celebrate your engagement but want to avoid the overwhelm? Or maybe you’re after the perfect engagement party and not quite sure where to begin?

You’re in the right place. Planning an engagement party is the perfect way to bring your friends and family together before the wedding. But first, you’ll need an engagement party checklist to make it all happen smoothly and without stress.

Let’s walk through your planning steps and pull your celebration together.

Step-by-step engagement party planning checklist

Before diving into the details, here’s a snapshot of what goes into planning a stress-free engagement celebration:

1. Choose a host
2. Create a guest list
3. Set the time and book a venue
4. Create a registry
5. Send invites
6. Consider your vendors
7. Add the finishing touches
8. Map out your planning timeline
9. Confirm logistics
10. Check in with vendors
11. Prepare the venue
12. Set up a gift area
13. Offer party favours
14. Delegate where needed

1. Choose a host

First, decide who is hosting the event. Typically, the bride’s family hosts the engagement party, but those set traditions are becoming much more flexible. If both families live in the same city, throwing the party together can be a great option. On the other hand, you and your partner can throw the engagement celebration yourself if you want to drive the details. If your families live far apart, consider hosting two separate parties for each set of parents.

2. Curate your guest list thoughtfully

Once you know who’s hosting, it’s time to create a guest list. The engagement party is typically more intimate than the wedding, so think close friends and immediate family.

A key rule: everyone invited to your engagement party should also be on the wedding guest list. But not everyone on the wedding list has to come to the engagement party.

3. Pick a date and find a venue

Once the guest list is set, pick a date that works for key family members. Plan the party a few months after your engagement, so around nine to twelve months before your wedding is ideal.

Then, book a venue that suits the size and feel of your event. You might host it at home, in your garden, or hire a stylish event space. Peerspace is a fantastic platform for finding unique venues across the UK, from chic lofts in London to country barns in the Cotswolds. Many come with helpful extras like decor packages or vendor referrals.

Pro tip: Peerspace hosts are often event-savvy and can offer support from supplier suggestions to design ideas, ensuring your party feels effortless.

4. Set up a gift registry

While a registry isn’t a must, it can be helpful for guests who want to give something meaningful. If you’d prefer no gifts, make that clear on the invite. If you do create a registry, make sure it’s easy to access online.

According to etiquette experts, the registry shouldn’t appear directly on the invitation, but it’s perfectly fine to share it if asked or include it on your wedding website. Keep a record of who brings what so you can send thank-you cards later.

5. Send invitations

With a date and venue sorted, it’s time to invite your guests. Whether you go with digital invites or printed ones, try to match the tone of your wedding to keep everything cohesive.

You could even trial colour schemes or fonts you’re considering for your wedding stationery. Check out our engagement party invitation ideas for some creative inspiration.

6. Book key vendors

The next task on your engagement party planning checklist: hire any vendors you need. If you’re having food catered, a photographer booked, or music arranged, now’s the time to confirm them.

Hosting at a Peerspace venue? Ask the host for local catering or florist referrals. You might also hire a photographer to capture candid moments or even set up a photo booth for extra fun.

For smaller garden parties, you might opt for buffet-style catering or even a private chef for a more relaxed yet memorable meal.

7. Final touches that make it special

Once the logistics are in place, you can focus on the fun. What vibe are you going for? Is it laid-back and rustic or glamorous and formal?

Decor: string lights, bunting, floral arrangements, custom signage and cosy lounge seating can bring a garden engagement party to life. For a more formal setting, think candles, statement centrepieces and a chic colour palette.

Menu: crowd-pleasers include afternoon tea setups, charcuterie boards, grazing tables or even a barbecue. For a more elegant meal, opt for plated dishes and champagne.

Entertainment: lawn games like boules or Giant Jenga are perfect for an outdoor setting. Acoustic musicians create ambience, or you could go for a DJ or live band to ramp up the energy.

8. Plan the timeline

Outline a simple party schedule. When should guests arrive? When will toasts happen? Do you have speeches planned? Build in plenty of time for mingling and spontaneous moments so the night flows naturally.

9. Confirm your logistics

Run through your checklist one more time:

• Is the venue confirmed?
• Have the vendors been briefed?
• Does the caterer know the headcount?
• Are all arrival and setup times coordinated?

A clear plan keeps everyone aligned.

10. Check in with suppliers

A day or two before the party, do a final confirmation. Contact all suppliers and anyone helping out. Ensure everyone knows where to be and when. Don’t forget to confirm final numbers and special requirements.

---

Pro tip: If you’re hosting the event at a Peerspace venue, ask your local host for catering recommendations. You might also want to hire a photographer for the event. Some couples may have already had engagement photos taken, but having a photographer at the party means you can capture memories with your friends and family. You and your guests might also enjoy having a photo booth at the event as both a fun activity and a way to remember the celebration.

---

11. Prepare the venue

Whether hosting in your garden or at a hired space, take time to tidy and style the area. Clear clutter, clean surfaces and set up key zones: seating, food, drinks and entertainment. A clean, organised space ensures everything looks polished and welcoming.

12. Create a gift area

Set aside a designated table for cards and gifts, ideally somewhere out of the way but easy to find. Add a small sign, some flowers or a framed note expressing your thanks. It adds a thoughtful touch and keeps things tidy.

13. Give guests a small takeaway

Party favours are optional, but they’re a lovely way to thank your guests. Think small candles, personalised biscuits, mini bottles of fizz or locally made treats. Simple, stylish and memorable is the goal.

14. Delegate when you can

Don’t feel you need to handle everything yourself. Ask a sibling to greet guests, or a friend to manage music or photos. Sharing roles keeps things running smoothly and lets others feel part of your celebration.

From planning list to unforgettable celebration

You deserve to enjoy every second of your engagement party. Following this engagement party checklist means less stress and more celebrating. Whether you’re planning a glamorous soirée or crafting your perfect garden engagement party, this guide gives you everything you need to make the day your own.

Ready to go venue hunting? Explore some of the most unique and beautiful engagement party spaces available on Peerspace.

Celebrate your love. Share the joy. And most of all, enjoy every moment.