Rustic Garden Engagement Party

This post was inspired by my love of outdoor parties! What better way to celebrate your engagement news than to gather your family and friends in a beautiful summer garden setting. For an engagement party, you don’t have to invite everyone you know…just your immediate family and closest friends–including those you’ll ask to be a part of your wedding party. A good size for your party and your wallet is 30 or fewer guests. It should go without saying that everyone invited will be expecting a wedding invitation as well, so invite only those who you expect to see on your wedding day.

Don’t break the piggy bank for this event; ask a family member or close friend with a nice backyard to host. This will save you from paying for location fees and you’ll be able to keep the party going for as long as you like. Decorate with strings of lights and some lanterns, arrange different tables and chairs together–any of which can be borrowed–and don’t be afraid to use your family’s fancy china and glassware. Mix and match for a rustic table setting everyone will love. Using dish sets and glassware you already have saves money, and your guests will appreciate your entrusting them with anything other than paper plates and plastic cups. Set up a buffet table with two or three different types of hams, cheeses, and sausages. Include olives, bread, crackers, and a few spreads so that guests can make their own munchies. Have fresh seasonal fruits on hand, chilled and ready to eat: strawberries, pineapple, cherries, or your favorite mixed combos. For your drinks station decide on a themed or signature cocktail to pass around in addition to the standard bar mix: beer, wine and the mandatory champagne for the toast! Always a hit is strawberry lemonade with fresh strawberry puree for the non-drinkers. Provide entertainment with outdoor games like croquet or bocce ball while dinner is served.

For the main dish, think surf and turf. You can’t go wrong with grilled salmon, beef and vegetables. Setup a dessert or a s’mores station by a bonfire and you’ll be set for a wonderful evening of celebration.

{Inspiration Credits: Top Row: String Lights and Tiki Torch by Easy Outdoor Decor, Solar Shoji Lanterns by Eco Friendly Product Guide
Second Row: Rustic Table and Chairs by Country Living, Meat Platter by Colin Cowie
Third Row: Croquet Game, Grilled Salmon and Drink Flutes by Country Living
Fourth Row: Buffet Station by Southern Accents, Wagon Drinks Station and S’mores Station by Brides}

Dress nice, comfortable, and relaxed. Remember, you’ll be the center of attention for the day, and lots of pictures will be taken.

{Inspiration Credits: White Party Dress by ArdenB, Wooden Necklace by Ben-Amun, Wooden Bangle by Old Navy , Ivory Acruise Pumps by Debenhams, Mens Shirt by Topman, Men Sweater Duke Argyle V-Neck and Mini-Stripe Club Short by JCrew, Converse All Star Shoes by Zappos}