Engagement Party Ideas for an Older Couple

Celebrate an older couple's engagement with a party.

Engagement parties celebrate the bride and groom and their impending nuptials, no matter the age of the couple getting married. But engagement parties can take many forms, and older couples might be most comfortable with an intimate celebration rather than an elaborate soiree. Talk to the newly engaged couple to get a feel for the type of party that would suit them, and choose an engagement party that satisfies their interests. After all, the engagement party is all about them.

Dinner Party for Couples

Invite couples who are close to the bride and groom, and host an intimate dinner party to celebrate their engagement. This adult-friendly dinner party gives the bride and groom time to mingle with all the guests, and they won't feel overwhelmed by large crowds. Serve the couple's favorite meal or one that has special meaning to them, such as the type of food they had on their first date. Offer a champagne toast and a celebratory cake after dinner. You can use simple decorations, such as vases full of fresh flowers atop your dining room table and your best china. The focus of this engagement party is the company, not the decor, so a clean, fresh look will work well for this celebration.

Afternoon Tea

Rather than an evening celebration that can turn into a late-night bash, host a relaxed afternoon tea to celebrate the couple's engagement. This engagement party idea works well for single friends, couples and families, so prepare for a big crowd. Serve traditional tea party snacks such as muffins, scones and cookies, but also offer some heartier snacks such as meat and cheese sandwiches for the men. Rather than the typical pastel decorations common at tea parties, choose a black and white color scheme for a gender-neutral look. Drape tables in black and white linens, or choose a damask pattern. Set up comfortable seating for your guests. Instead of a row of folding chairs, create lounge areas in your home by rearranging your furniture to put sofas, loveseats, chairs and ottomans together. Your guests of honor will appreciate the comfortable environment.

Family Cookout

Perhaps the bride and groom have been married before and have children from previous relationships. Include all of the family members in the engagement celebration by hosting a family-friendly cookout. Choose a park or your own backyard as the venue for this party, and keep things casual. You can toss some chicken, burgers or hot dogs on the grill, and ask guests to bring a side dish to share. Make cupcakes to celebrate the engaged couple, and let the families mingle and get to know each other. The engaged couple will appreciate an engagement party that includes their families, and this laid-back cookout will help blend the families and prepare them for the wedding.

References

• The Knot: Engagement Parties: How to Plan an Engagement Party
• Celebrations: Hosting an Engagement Party on a Budget