With a New Year comes a host of new wedding trends. The way individuals are proposing to their significant others is also evolving.
While very public proposals are out, celebrating with family and friends post-proposal with a well-timed party is very much in. We recently named throwing a proposal party as one of the best ways to enjoy that ‘just engaged’ feeling.
Here we take a closer look at proposal parties, why they’re so popular, and how to plan your post-proposal celebration like a pro.
The proposal party trend makes a comeback for 2023
Proposal parties were an emerging trend pre-pandemic and a prospect that excited many an engaged couple. Whilst Covid-19 saw the post-proposal party take something of a backseat (for obvious reasons!), they’re making a comeback as luxury marriage proposal planner Heather Vaughn from The Yes Girls explains:
“Many clients proposing are having guests present for the proposal again. A majority of our clients will utilize their privately rented proposal venue to host their guests following the proposal. These celebrations are not a 50+ guest party but many are opting to have 15 to 25 guests present.”
Proposal party vs engagement party: what’s the difference?
An engagement party usually takes place a few months after the big proposal, providing an opportunity for the engaged couple to mark the occasion with all those who are closest to them as well as grab some great gifts. In contrast, a proposal party is hosted immediately after the proposal.
The benefits of throwing a proposal party
Fresh from the proposal and feeling super romantic as a result, many people consider the perfect time to celebrate their engagement immediately after the question has been popped. A surprise proposal party also clears up the issue of who to tell first, with all your nearest and dearest there to officially hear the announcement at the same time.
Hosting a proposal party is a great way for family and friends to get involved, without actually being involved in the proposal. This means you can have the best of both worlds – a private proposal and a very public announcement.
Our proposal party planning tips
The best piece of advice we can give you when planning a proposal party is to keep it a secret – from everyone! While those proposing will have a hard enough job keeping the proposal a surprise, sharing the shock factor your new fiancée experienced with your family and friends will only add to the excitement and sense of occasion.
Remember, a proposal party needs just as much planning as any other event. Start organising and inviting people early, and don’t feel guilty that the party will be thrown under the guise of another occasion!
When planning, consider your budget. You don’t need to spend big to throw an awesome proposal party or blow the budget by inviting everyone you and your partner know. Keep your venue choice affordable and convenient, your guest list tight, and any proposal party extras on a budget to maximise the fun and minimise the stress.
Finally, time your party just right. You should give guests plenty of notice (at least one month), even if you aren’t being honest about the purpose of the party. Throwing a proposal party the day after the actual proposal is another tack taken by many looking to enjoy that time immediately after engagement together and absorb the news at their own pace.
