If you have recently become engaged, congratulations! Now you’ve got to find a venue to host an engagement party.
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Your three main options will typically be your own place, your parents’ place or a hired venue such as a restaurant or hall. Each has its benefits and drawbacks, find out what is best for you!
The Pros of Hosting an Engagement Party at Your Own Home
- Control – Your home, your rules.
- Cost – Hosting at home can save on venue hire fees, but be mindful of hidden costs like renting extra chairs and tables. You may be able to borrow these items from friends or family, which can help offset expenses.
- Travel – No need to travel to or from a venue, and you can start setting up days in advance and postpone cleanup until the next day.
- Convenient Catering – While you’re managing things at home, consider hiring food catering to take the burden of cooking off your plate. This allows you to enjoy the event stress-free while providing your guests with a delicious meal without the hassle of prepping and cooking yourself.
The Pros of Hosting an Engagement Party at a Parent’s House
- Space – If your parents haven’t downsized, they may have more space than your current living arrangement, making it easier to host a larger gathering.
- Cost – If your parents or partner’s parents are hosting, they may also help cover some of the expenses, which can alleviate the financial burden.
- Shared Hosting Duties – Your parents and family might take the lead on organizing, allowing you to relax and enjoy the party. Catering could be a great solution here as well, letting everyone focus on the celebration while professionals handle the meal.
The Pros of Hosting an Engagement Party at a Venue
- No Cooking! – One of the biggest advantages of hosting at a venue is that you don’t need to worry about preparing food. Most venues offer in-house catering or allow you to hire external food catering, which means you can focus on enjoying the night without kitchen duties.
- No Cleaning! – Venues typically take care of the post-event cleanup, especially in restaurants. Some halls may require you to leave the space in the condition you found it, but overall, it’s a relief to not have to deal with the mess.
- Location – For friends and family spread across different areas, a venue can be a central meeting point, offering convenience (or equal inconvenience) for everyone.
Now that we’ve discussed the benefits of each option, what are the potential drawbacks?
The Cons of Hosting an Engagement Party at Your Own Home
- Space – If you live in a smaller apartment or house, it may be challenging to accommodate all your guests comfortably.
The Cons of Hosting an Engagement Party at a Parent’s House
- Location – If your parents live far from where you or most of your guests live, traveling to their home may be inconvenient for many people.
The Cons of Hosting an Engagement Party at a Venue
- Cost – Venues can be expensive, especially when factoring in event and catering packages. If you’re aiming for a beautiful setting with premium service, the price can quickly rise.
- Location – While venues can be central, they may also pose travel challenges for guests coming from afar.
