Engagement Party Ideas at Home: For a Cosy Event

Getting engaged is one of life’s most memorable milestones. You’ve found the person you want to share your life with, now it’s time to share the big news with the people who matter most.

While many engagement parties take place at venues, the truth is you can host a beautiful and meaningful event right at home (or in a home you’ve hired for the day). In this guide, you’ll find a host of at-home engagement party ideas to help you transform your space into a warm, photo-ready setting for your celebration.


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


Table of contents:

Engagement party ideas at home: luxury edition

friends outside sharing beers
Source: Pexels / Kampus Production

Who says you need a hired venue to throw a luxurious celebration? With a few creative touches, your own home or garden can become the perfect setting for an elegant engagement party.

Nightlife under the stars

For a romantic, elevated vibe, host your celebration outdoors under the evening sky. During warm weather, lay out a dance floor on the lawn or patio, dress tables with floral arrangements and fairy lights, and set the mood with a curated playlist.

At-home hack:

  • Use your patio or decking to create a dance floor without extra cost
  • Space out seating for mingling and dancing
  • Line steps or railings with flameless candles for soft, ambient lighting

Balcony party

Urban flat with a balcony? Use it to your advantage. Serve canapés and sparkling wine while your guests enjoy city views. A balcony champagne toast makes for a perfect photo moment.

Poolside celebration

If your home (or your hired space) includes a pool, consider an elegant pool party. For a refined feel, set a dress code. Add floating candles, cabanas and light bites served by staff or on stylish trays.

Budget buy: Paper lanterns in white or soft hues add atmosphere once the sun sets.

Trendy tasting session

Create a luxurious at-home food experience by hiring a private chef or mixologist. Offer tasting menus featuring craft cocktails, artisanal cheeses or charcuterie. Decorate with statement florals to complete the high-end feel.

Coastal or lakeside vibes

If you’re lucky enough to live near a beach or lake, or can hire a place that is, lean into a breezy, relaxed theme with a touch of glamour. White linens, driftwood centrepieces with flameless candles and a seafood menu (think grilled lobster or oysters) make it both refined and relaxing.

Still need ideas for how to break the news? Our thoughtful engagement announcement ideas can help.

Cosy indoor themes for engagement parties

friends toasting glasses of wine
Source: Pexels / cottonbro studio

If the weather’s grey or you prefer something more intimate, these at-home engagement party ideas are just the thing.

Wine and cheese night

Few things are as effortlessly chic as good wine paired with fine cheeses. Scatter cushions near a fireplace or light candles for ambience and spend the evening reminiscing with friends and family.

Greenhouse garden party

Announce your engagement at a greenhouse garden party for a sustainable twist. Have guests pot their own flowers or herbs as keepsakes. When your wedding day arrives, those blooms could become part of the decor.

Brunch with friends

Brunch is the ultimate low-key engagement party idea. Serve pancakes, pastries, and fresh fruits, then toast with bellinis or mimosas for a laid-back yet celebratory start to the day.

Home cinema celebration

Make it all about your story. Set up a projector, show a montage of favourite memories, and create a relaxed atmosphere with popcorn, prosecco and cinema-style snacks.

Game night gathering

If you both love a bit of healthy competition, this one’s for you. Make it wedding-themed with “Mr & Mrs” style trivia or have friends write their best wishes on custom playing cards.

From nibbles to cocktails: menu ideas for at-home parties

Hosting at home gives you flexibility and control over the menu. Whether you’re cooking or bringing in help, these ideas will keep guests full and happy:

  • A grazing table with charcuterie for larger gatherings
  • A DIY taco and margarita bar for fun, energetic vibes
  • Artisan pizza paired with prosecco for a casual-chic feel
  • BBQ skewers in the garden for relaxed summer parties
  • A hot drinks and dessert bar for winter warmth
  • Artisan breads, soups and salads for early afternoon events
  • A full brunch spread: pancakes, muffins, coffee and bellinis for morning celebrations
  • A cinema-style concession stand for home theatre themes
  • Finger sandwiches and easy eats for outdoor or lawn parties
  • An ice cream bar and spritz cocktails for sunny days

Fun engagement party games that break the ice

people gathered around a guitar player under fairy lights
Source: Pexels / Ronê Ferreira

Activities help everyone mingle and make the party unforgettable. Here are a few crowd-pleasers:

  • The Ring Hunt – Hide rings (real or fake!) around the house or garden and set up clues for guests to follow
  • Couples’ Trivia – Let friends test how well they know the two of you
  • Open Mic Night – Give your guests a chance to share kind words, funny stories, or perform karaoke

Tailor your games to your crowd and add a personal twist where you can. For more ideas, explore this guide to engagement party games.

A low-stress timeline for planning your at-home engagement party

Planning ahead will help everything go smoothly. Here’s a general timeline:

Two months before:

Six weeks before:

  • Send out invitations
  • Hire any services (photographer, caterer, etc.)
  • Choose entertainment and games

Four weeks before:

  • Finalise your menu
  • Order or shop for decorations
  • Build your music playlist

Two weeks before:

  • Confirm RSVPs
  • Prepare and arrange your space
  • Test sound, lighting, and other tech

Final 72 hours:

  • Clean and prep the home
  • Double-check all supplies and setups
  • Enjoy the process—it’s nearly time to celebrate!

One last thing: keep it personal, whatever you plan

couple kissing in front of plants
Source: Made in Peerspace / James S.

Your place can be the perfect setting to celebrate this exciting new chapter. These at-home engagement party ideas are designed to spark inspiration, but the most memorable events are the ones that reflect you as a couple.

Whether you’re planning a low-key brunch or a starlit soirée, the people you love will be there to celebrate with you, and that’s what truly matters.

Worried your space isn’t right for an engagement party? On Peerspace, you can explore unique engagement party venues perfect for celebrating your special moment.

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

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