19 Engagement Party Themes to Celebrate Your LOVE

Nov 01, 2016

Planning an engagement party is a fun way to jump into the wedding planning process, and it can help prep you for planning for the Big Day itself. First, you need a theme that perfectly fits the two of you. Whether you choose a casual backyard soirée or go all out with a food truck fest, there are so many ways to host the coolest engagement party in town. Get ready to pop that Champagne — here are 19 engagement party themes to celebrate this exciting time in your life.

1. Golden Gatsby Soiree: Channel your inner Gatsby and Daisy with a roaring ‘20s-inspired theme. Set the vibe for the night right away with some jazz played off of some old records or, better yet, by a live band. (via Katie Stoops / Style Me Pretty)

2. Farmers’ Market Engagement Party: To keep your engagement party from feeling like any other summer BBQ, create a farm-to-table fete with your closest friends. For the decor, include vintage kitchen canisters, milk glasses and warm cookies to line the dessert table. (via Brian Leahy Photography / Style Me Pretty)

3. Whimsical Garden Party: If you and your love are already dreaming up a gorgeous garden wedding in the spring, go ahead and start setting the theme with a garden-inspired engagement party. For extra wow, include seasonal flowers hanging as a chandelier. (via Jeremiah And Rachel Photography / Style Me Pretty)

4. Casual Backyard Party: A backyard gathering is the perfect backdrop for an intimate engagement celebration. Simply fire up the grill and add some string lights to keep the party going all night long. (via Amber Gress Photography / Style Me Pretty)

5. Around the World Party: Celebrate your love for traveling with a globe-trotter themed engagement party. For decor, collect vintage objects like suitcases, books and cameras to add a special touch to your event, and have your guests sign a globe to keep you inspired as you plan your big day. (via Brittany Lauren Photography / Style Me Pretty)

6. Vintage Tea Party: This one’s for the elegant couple who drinks tea with their pinkies up. If you’re throwing a very small get-together, a tea party is a great way to celebrate. Mismatched tea cups, delicious biscuits and vintage decor will bring it all together. (via Charla Storey / Style Me Pretty)

7. Food Truck Fest: If the weather is on your side, an outdoor food truck fest is totally what you and your foodie S.O. need. What a great excuse to get together with your friends and fam, so lay out lots of blankets and snack on your favorite local food trucks. (via Carlie Statsky / Style Me Pretty)

8. Colorful Artsy Party: Sometimes a fun outdoor painting party is just what you and your sweetie need to get the wedding planning juices flowing. Best part? You can keep the art you and your friends create to start decorating your new home. (via M2 Photo / Style Me Pretty)

9. Beach Day Picnic: If you already live at the beach, use your resources to decorate for this ultra-relaxing beach picnic theme by gathering seashells and sea glass for your table. Bonus points if you use blue mason jars to bring out the colors of the ocean. (via Two Birds Photography / Style Me Pretty)

10. Tropical Luau Party: Embark on an adventure into the tropics with this fun engagement party theme. Lean on a tropical color scheme (think: pink, green and ocean blue) and accent with lilies and watercolor menus for each guest. And of course, don’t forget the leis! (via Brody T Photography / Style Me Pretty)

11. Peachy Brunch Soirée: You already know that brunch is everyone’s favorite meal, so get all your favorite people together for a casual gathering with waffles and mimosas. For a hint of chic, add gorgeous florals as centerpieces and personalized balloons for each guest. (via Erin McGinn Photography / Style Me Pretty)

12. Southern BBQ Party: Whether your guests are vinegar- or tomato-based fans, a BBQ tasting party is a no-frills way to celebrate you and your sweetheart tying the knot. Of course, you’ll want to serve spiked lemonade and sweet tea in mason jars to complete the theme. (via Laura Gordon Photography / Style Me Pretty)

13. Outdoor Clambake: Hosting a clambake to celebrate your upcoming nuptials is the perfect way to throw a casual engagement party. For sides, keep it simple and opt for corn on the cob and fresh watermelon. Just don’t forget the paper towels! (via Amber Gress Photography / Style Me Pretty)

14. Champagne-Only Soirée: Fill an old bathtub with your favorite bubbly and get the party started with this Champagne-only theme. Set up a table of mini desserts like petits fours and mini fruit tarts, and enjoy everyone toasting to your happiness. (via Jodee Debes Photography / Style Me Pretty)

15. Wine Tasting Party: Head to your local vineyard with your crew and have a wine tasting party guided by a professional sommelier. Not only will you have a great time, but this is also a great opportunity for you and your sweetie to find your signature wedding wine. (via Lori Paladino Photography / Style Me Pretty)

16. Tequila + Tacos Party: Nothing gets the party started like a margarita. Mark your engagement with this bold theme if you’re planning on a destination wedding anywhere in South America. Piñatas and sombreros welcomed. (via Style Me Pretty)

17. Rooftop Picnic: Whether you’re going for a formal or casual setting for your engagement party, a rooftop picnic is just what you’re looking for. Think: amazing views of the city skyline, farm-to-table food and your closest pals. It doesn’t get better than that. (via Pill Photography / Style Me Pretty)

18. Cooking Lessons Get-Together: Foodie couples, this one’s for you. Get your crew together and host a cooking class at your place or a favorite restaurant. Simply choose a starter, entree and dessert and get cooking. (via Charla Storey Photography / Style Me Pretty)

19. Glamping Party: If you and your partner-in-crime are big fans of the outdoors, think of hosting a glamping engagement party complete with chic decor and cozy blankets. Break out the twinkle lights, campfires and gooey s’mores. (via Millie Holloman Photography / Style Me Pretty)

Your big day is just starting! Check out all things Brit + Co Weddings, and follow us on Pinterest for more beautiful + creative wedding inspo.

This Spinach Artichoke Dip Is The Ultimate Easy Appetizer To Share With A Crowd

I could truly shovel spinach artichoke dip into my mouth via chip like there's no tomorrow. When an appetizer is so cheesy, warm, and comforting, I just can't get enough. Luckily, spinach artichoke dip is super easy to make at home, and our recipe yields a restaurant-tier serving of it!

Made with *two* different kinds of cheeses and all the traditional seasonings, you won't want another side dishever again after making this spinach artichoke dip. The best part is it's made quick with the help of store-bought components like frozen spinach and canned artichoke hearts. Let's get into it!

Ingredients For Our Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Photo by Antonio Filigno / PEXELS

1 (10 oz) package of frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
1 (14 oz) can of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

How To Make Easy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Image via StableDiffusion

Preheat your oven to 375°F.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained spinach, chopped artichoke hearts, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, minced garlic, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well until combined.
Transfer the mixture to an oven-safe baking dish, and spread it out evenly.
Bake for about 25 to 30 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
Once baked, remove the dip from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for an extra pop of flavor!
Serve warm with tortilla chips, crispy bread slices, or vegetables for dipping!

Notes For This Spinach Artichoke Dip Recipe

Image via StableDiffusion

Using frozen spinach and canned artichokes makes this recipe easier and quicker. You have the option to use fresh ingredients, if you want to!
Add a sprinkling of red pepper flakes if you want the spinach artichoke dip to have a kick of spice.
Keep an eye on the dip while it bakes, making sure it doesn't bubble over. If you're struggling to get that golden brown layer on the top, broil the dip for a few minutes at the end of its baking time.
You aren't totally limited to Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Though these cheeses make for the most traditional flavor, you can throw in some different kinds of cheeses to amp up the taste.

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Lead image via StableDiffusion.

Ryan Gosling’s “The Fall Guy” Is Actually A Rom-Com

Out of all of this May's movies (and all the 2024 movies, TBH) there's one I'm most excited for: The Fall Guy starring Emily Blunt and Ryan Gosling! I haven't seen a big, silly action movie in so long and they always prove to be the perfect summer movies because they match the energy we all have when we're this close to sunny bathing suit weather.

The Fall Guy 2024 is absolutely a movie made by movie lovers, for movie lovers. It's also director David Leitch's "love letter" to the stunt community, and gives them the celebration they deserve! While the Emmys have a stunt category, the Oscars don't, and Emily and Ryan actually brought it up while presenting at the 2024 Oscars. "The Academy's history runs deep with the fearless work of the incredible artisans of the stunt community," Ryan said in a voiceover during the show. "Stunt performers and the action they design continue to create some of the most memorable moments in the history of cinema."

While The Fall Guy cast got me into the theater, the movie had plenty of unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! Here's everything you need to know about the movie before you see it this weekend.