A bride’s guide to planning your own engagement party
Since I’m definitely the kind of bride who loves creativity and event planning, I’ve been having so much fun choosing the theme for my wedding and all the events leading up to it. After going back and forth for weeks, I finally landed on my color palette and it’s a complete 180 from the citrusy oranges, pinks, and yellows I originally envisioned. I’m now leaning into a soft, romantic vibe with shades of purple, maroon, mauve, and light pink… and of course, a sprinkle of lavender for good measure.
With my color palette already picked out, planning the engagement party instantly became so much easier. I headed to HomeSense and scooped up flute glasses, plates, silverware, and napkins. And basically anything iridescent I could get my hands on. That finish captures all the pinks and purples I love, and since I’m also a glitter girl at heart, anything with a little sparkle was automatically a yes. Between the mix of colors, textures, and shimmer, I was able to tie in so many fun elements while still keeping everything cohesive.
I used to be the kind of girl who always leaned toward simplicity. I even went through a full millennial-gray phase in my apartment. But now that maximalist home décor is everywhere, I’m totally obsessed. I’ve realized that as long as your colors are woven through your patterns and textures, anything can work. That’s exactly how I approached the vibe of my engagement party. All the elements just naturally fit together because they lived within the same color palette.
My theme also ended up pairing perfectly with my wardrobe. I already own so many lavender and pink pieces that finding an outfit for the engagement party was effortless. No extra shopping required, which I was thrilled about. I ended up wearing a pink sequin dress I bought from Anthropologie a couple years ago. I had only worn it for about two hours at my sister’s rehearsal dinner in 2023, so I was really excited to give it another moment to shine.
Anthropologie doesn’t carry this dress anymore, but here are a few sequin dresses that give off a similar vibe and inspire me.
Pink Long-Sleeve Sequin Mini Dress
Ivory One-Shoulder Sequin Mini Dress
Now let’s talk about the floral arrangements. I’ve collected vases over the years, so a budget-friendly way to bring flowers into the party was simply making a trip to our local grocery store. My fiancé and I actually lucked out and found the most gorgeous peonies, my absolute favorite flower. We also picked up plenty of blooms that complemented our palette, especially lavender.
We turned the whole thing into a little date night, brainstorming how to arrange the flowers in ways we both loved. There were no rules other than we both had to like the final look. The best part? No one realized we had arranged the florals ourselves. It just goes to show that if you enjoy the process and you think it looks fabulous, everyone else will too because they can feel your excitement and happiness. And honestly, that’s what matters most.
So there you have it! All my tips and tricks to plan your own engagement party. It doesn’t need to be this stressful process or most expensive gathering. Enjoy the process and pick out things you absolutely love. And don’t be afraid to reuse things you already have. It’s totally fine to be an outfit repeater. If you love the dress, wear it again and again!
If you need a cute checklist to follow, I’ve got you!
DIY Engagement Party Checklist
Choose Your Vibe
Pick a color palette you love
Make sure your colors flow through décor, textures & patterns
Don’t be afraid to switch directions if inspiration strikes
Style Your Décor
Look for iridescent or shimmering accents
Mix glitter, shine, and soft tones for a cohesive look
Shop budget-friendly stores (like HomeSense!) for party essentials
Use décor items you already own to save money
Plan Your Outfit
Shop your closet before buying something new
Pick pieces that match your color palette
Rewear a special dress that deserves another moment
Add sequins or sparkle to match the romantic vibe
DIY Your Florals
Grab flowers from your local grocery store
Choose blooms that match your palette (peonies + lavender!)
Use vases you’ve collected over time
Turn arranging into a fun date night with your fiancé
Follow no rules—stop when you both love it
Final Touch: Confidence
Trust your eye and enjoy the process
Remember: if it makes you happy, guests will love it too
Let your excitement shine through—it’s your celebration!
