The Engagement Party
The old-fashioned bridal shower isn’t going away anytime soon. And the newer co-ed engagement party looks like it might just be here to stay. Who knew that getting engaged would kick off such a whirlwind of places to be and people to see? Fun, for sure. Relaxing? Not necessarily.
A little sisterly bonding time—gathering your girls for a day’s outing or an intimate dinner—might be just the thing you need to chill out before the pre-wedding madness really kicks in. Think of it as a way not just to celebrate your engagement, but to strengthen the circle of love and friendship that you want surrounding you when your big day comes.
That’s what Sarah Moran, owner of Burlington-based Cloud 9 Caterers, had in mind when she recently threw a party at her house to celebrate a friend’s engagement. As a professional entertainer, Sarah has some advantages over the rest of us. But drawing on her seasoned advice, there’s no reason you can’t pull of something just as perfect—and most important, perfectly you—custom-tailored to your inner circle.
Use what you know about your guests—probably quite a bit—to plan an experience that will be fun for all of you. Would you be happy at your home or a friend’s, sharing memories and laughs over drinks and hors d’oeuvres? Or would you rather spend a day at a spa, a yoga retreat, or surfing camp? If you don’t want to entertain (or clean up) at home, consider take your festivities out on the town.
No matter where you go or what you do, Moran suggests planning some kind of ritual that will help bring guests together—asking everyone to bring a poem or reading about marriage to share, for example. Or perhaps there are family traditions you’d like to continue—if your mother or sisters are joining you for the celebration, this can be a touching way to get them involved.
For Moran, of course, food and entertaining are synonymous. She suggests planning a menu that not only offers a taste of foods you love but also one that features local and seasonal specialties. Even if you’re serving dinner, have fun with some exciting hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour, too. Passing around four or five different little bites is a great way to keep things interesting—and asking pals to help serve will ensure that everyone gets to interact. Or set them on a table buffet-style with explanatory signs. Or both. The key is making people comfortable—including yourself. Focus on friendship—the reason you’re all there—and the little details will fall right into place.
