So...We're Engaged...: Engagement Party!

So, we had our engagement party about 3 weeks ago. It was an exhausting affair, but ultimately successful. Everyone enjoyed themselves and in some cases spoke for the first time in years.

Traditionally, the party is held around 3 months after proposal, and is hosted by the bride's family. Obviously, I don't do traditional.

Instead of asking for gifts, we asked family members to each help towards to party. Our venue was one of a few that would allow both under 18s (children) and 18-21 year olds to attend. Most venues were very strict, and also pricey.

We booked the same venue that Sam's Mum and Stepdad had their wedding reception, and for most of our guests it was relatively local.

Our venue totalled at £220 for four and a half hours, including DJ and bar. Towards this, we paid £20. Family paid for the rest. Our food would of cost at least £300 if we had gone to a well known caterer, or even through our venue, so between our mothers, they managed to lay on an amazing spread for less than £150.

My Mum also made the cake, beautifully homemade and hand finished. This saved us at least £60!

I provided my own decorations for the venue, and including helium, spent less than £50. I simply spent the morning of the party wading through balloons and banners!

To keep the little ones happy, Sam's Mum, Mandy, provided loads of Haribo sweets and such like, and I made 'cookie monsters cakes'. Enough for one each for the little ones, and a few left over for the big ones!

Obviously, because it was my party, and Sam was working until later, I had to host. This can be very difficult when you're wearing 7inch heels, and don't know a lot of your guests! My advice, wear flats, and have someone else there to help! As soon as the last person had arrived, the first were leaving, meaning that I didn't get much of a chance to sit or eat anything much.

Sam ( the muppet in the navy blue shirt with red hair ) got suitably drunk, but thoroughly enjoyed himself.