Simple engagement: how to organize a special and unforgettable event

Engagement is an important milestone in the life of the couple and can occur in different ways, according to the reality and wishes of the bride and groom. But most couples choose to have a simple engagement party, taking into account that they will already spend a lot on the wedding itself and the house trousseau, among other points.

Carol Rodrigues, ceremonial at Avec Toi, comments that the engagement is an intimate moment shared with those closest to them. Therefore, it makes perfect sense for the celebration to be genuine, affective and simple. However, a simple engagement also requires planning. Check out everything you need to consider below, as well as photo and video inspiration.

Tips for organizing a simple engagement

Ceremonialist Larissa Santos, from Seraphine Eventos, comments that the engagement party can be planned and executed with the help of friends and family (although there are companies in the market that specialize in this style of party).

There are countless possibilities when it comes to organizing a simple engagement. It all depends a lot on what the couple understands by simplicity, after all, what is simple for some people may not be so simple for others.

There are, for example, couples who hold an engagement party just for family members. There are those who call some close friends and, still, those who opt for an engagement for two. In any case, the engagement calls for planning and special care, as it is a unique occasion in the couple’s life.

Check below the main points that you should consider when organizing a simple engagement.

who to invite

“To promote a simple and elegant engagement party, it is important to pay attention to the number of guests present… As it has an intimate connotation and a shorter duration, your guests will need attention, and thinking about the closest ones will facilitate this dynamic” , comments Larissa.

According to the ceremonial, in a simple engagement, parents and siblings of the bride and groom, closest family members and the couple’s closest friends must be present. “Leave the conveniences for the wedding date”, she guides.

How long before to invite

Larissa explains that, as the preparation time for an engagement party is relatively short, the ideal is that the invitations are distributed to the guests about 30 days before the date of the event.

In some cases, the couple and family members agree when and how the celebration will take place, which eliminates formalities in relation to the invitation.

choice of location

Larissa explains that the choice of venue for the event comes right after deciding how many people will be present, what style the party will have and the menu to be offered.

“For example, if you want to host a dinner party, it is important that the space has tables and chairs for everyone present to be seated. If the bride and groom have space at home and/or a party room within the condominium itself, a positive point for the financial spreadsheet”, comments Larissa.

Other good options are a farm (family or rented), a restaurant or a simple ballroom.

Decoration

When decorating the engagement party, it is interesting to count on the participation and help of friends and family.

“The bride and groom’s story must be told through the elements present in the decoration. Getting your hands dirty making minimalist flower arrangements, separating family heirlooms, renting some elements to improve the decoration and spreading many memories through photos will guarantee a cozy atmosphere and with the identity of the couple. And as a bonus, unite the family even more”, comments Larissa.

Budget

Most couples don’t want to spend a lot when they think of a simple engagement. But even so, it is necessary to plan and budget for services and general expenses so that there are no negative surprises.

A tip is to keep in mind how much you want/can spend on the engagement, and then start with quotes. So, you already work with a “final value” and spend only what you can!

“Because it is an intimate and smaller party, any help from friends and family is welcome. Using personal and parental collections is a way to save on the party. It is important to always remember that, for couples who want to have a great wedding party, the savings and financial planning start from there”, comments Larissa.

There are good ways to save money when organizing your engagement. Some couples offer food and ask guests to bring what they are going to drink, for example. The decoration can be done at home, and the menu can be simple while still being delicious.

The most important thing is that the engagement has to do with the style of the couple and is a joyful celebration!

what to serve

The choice of menu is a determining point for the organization of an event. Check below for good menu suggestions for a simple engagement.

Barbecue

Larissa comments that the barbecue is an excellent option for a simple engagement party, as it dispenses with some protocols and makes the event more relaxed. “The contribution of friends and family in this case is also possible”, she comments.

Carol reinforces that, if the bride and groom are lovers of a good barbecue, why not do it to celebrate their engagement?! “As in the wedding, the bride and groom should seek to translate the couple’s personality into the event”, she says.

Lunch

Lunch is a great option for a simple engagement. It can be held at a parent’s house or on a farm, for example.

“If the bride and groom choose to serve lunch, they can and should count on the help of butlers and waiters in case they do not hire a specialized buffet, so that the hosts of the party are not overwhelmed”, guides Larissa.

“Reducing menu options is also important. Explore the salad options (three types), a type of meat, a side dish and a dessert (which can be cake and sweets)”, suggests Larissa.

If the couple chooses not to hire anyone, it is interesting to think of a very practical menu so that they don’t get overwhelmed. After all, an engagement is already an intimate celebration, so it’s essential that everyone present enjoys the party without worries.

Dinner

“When the idea is to promote a dinner at the engagement party, it is recommended that the couple have the help of at least one waiter. The menu can also be reduced, for example, with a pasta and two sauces options. It is also important to remember to offer food options for vegan and vegetarian guests, if applicable”, guides Larissa.

If the engagement dinner is very intimate, just for the couple and their parents, for example, you can do something very informal, serving pizzas or some type of cuisine that the family enjoys (Japanese, Arabic, etc.). But it all depends a lot on the style and wishes of the couple.

Cocktail

A cocktail is the most usual solution. “In a less traditional and more modern party, it’s easy to work with food stations and cold canapés and finger foods, passed in bowls that are easy to serve and handle. This makes the party more dynamic and informal”, comments Larissa.

If the bride and groom don’t want a lot of work, they can also see the possibility of having the engagement in a restaurant, so they won’t have so much concern about the menu.

The options are numerous. In any case, reinforces Larissa, it is important to think of a dynamic menu that is not too extensive, but that respects the time and climate of the event date.

“A cake table and sweets and a lot of personalization that tell the couple’s story (such as photos of their journey together until the order) are always the highlight of the party”, says Larissa.

40 simple and charming engagement photos to measure

With simplicity you can organize a beautiful and charming engagement, just use your creativity. Get inspired by some images!

1. A decorated corner may be just what you need for a simple engagement

2. Soft colors and wooden details form a romantic and beautiful decoration.

3. Picture frames contribute to a personalized decoration

4. A table full of details, but simple and charming

5. A simple engagement can be performed at home…

6. Or in a ballroom!

7. Bet on plants!

8. A message on the entryway table can enhance the decor

9. Because it’s the details that make all the difference!

10. How about betting on a wreath as a highlight of the decor?!

11. Because love lives in the details!

12. Flowers give life and romance to the occasion

13. A simple engagement for two can count on a surprise request

14. Red is all about engagement decor…

15. Leave the atmosphere romantic and full of life…

16. But green and white don’t disappoint either!

17. A simple and beautiful engagement can also be innovative

18. An intimate engagement looks wonderful with flowers

19. Lighting can make a difference…

20. As well as fruit in the decoration!

21. A heart of flowers placed on the mirror looks different and beautiful

22. A simple and beautiful engagement party can have themed sweets…

23. Or with a fancy cake…

24. The important thing is that it suits the couple!

25. A message can make a difference…

26. As well as a creative and personalized souvenir!

27. Simple rustic engagement is guaranteed success…

28. Just like a simple beach engagement

29. Succulents are great options for simple engagement party favors

30. The image of Saint Anthony can be used successfully in decoration

31. A simple blue and white engagement looks classic and elegant

32. When you can see the whimsy in every detail

33. The Mini Table idea is a sure bet for a simple engagement

34. Red and white bring a very charming contrast!

35. The decoration with yellow is charming and different…

36. Just like the combination of orange and woody tones is rustic and beautiful

37. A beautifully decorated corner could be all you need for a simple engagement!

38. The decoration can count on objects that make reference to the couple’s lifestyle

39. Lace can make any simple decoration much more elegant

40. A simple engagement is by no means synonymous with a dull engagement!

A simple engagement can bring together a lot or a few people, or even be an occasion for two, the most important thing is that it has the identity of the couple!

Simple engagement decoration step by step

Want to organize your engagement without spending too much?! Get inspired by the tips below and make the event decoration yourself!

Simple blue and white engagement decor

Hearts hanging on the wall are a charm and, to make them, you will basically use cardboard, colored paper, scissors and pencil. Check out in the video all the suggestions and the step by step for each element of the decoration.

Decoration for a simple and economical engagement

Rayane Oliveira tells how she organized her engagement spending R$200. The party was for the family and some close friends, in a restaurant. Check out all the tips in the video and get inspired for your decoration!

Rustic engagement decor on a budget

A decoration with Japanese lamps, which are all about rustic and look beautiful in the environment. Not to mention the decorative items that are things that…