“Okay, so smaller than the wedding? That’s the only criteria for an engagement party, right?”
These are actual words that were exchanged when we started toying with the idea of having a "low-key" engagement party for my Caroline and my brother at our parents' lake house in Cuba, MO.
Our intentions were good – with a wedding date picked a year away, and the bride and groom living in Houston, TX – we wanted to find a way they could celebrate their engagement with friends and family back in Missouri. These two have a lot of both.
The concept for our décor was simple – with the lake as the backdrop, we have a beautiful outdoor location requiring minimal decoration. We just needed a few special touches to make it feel like not-just-another-weekend at the lake. In keeping with the outdoor feel, we picked a few elements from which to grow our design – white, simple, burlap, aqua blue, lanterns, rustic. (Or so said my design notes.) And once we started getting the RSVP’s in, we knew one more word would get added to that list – tent!
Check out the below for our tips on pulling off an engagement party to remember, without breaking the bank!
Soon, this tarp would be a tent. (Don’t mind Caroline’s Dad & I “supervising” the workers.
Highlight the Natural Beauty
Since the backyard has a slight incline leading down to the lake, there was really only one feasible location for the tent. Part of it even encompassed a small gardening area that was still lively and flowering from the previous homeowners. Again, take full advantage of the natural decor and pretend it's on purpose! We added some twinkle lights around the edges for lighting at night, but the real focal point was the view of the lake.
You can't make lighting like this.
Divvy Up Your Spaces, But Tie Them Together
The lay of the land didn’t allow for one large space, but we made it work. We gathered under the tent for a central space to eat together, created a buffet under the porch, and kept separate drink stations, an area for pictures/the guestbook, and used the dock to house the main alcoholic beverage consumers. (Safety first?)
We used centerpieces to tie those spaces together – simple baby’s breath created a consistent feel across a variety of tables and surfaces. We loved this idea from the get-go because it's simple, lovely, and super cost-effective.
Pick One Thing and Make It Memorable
Because you could put up a seemingly endless array of décor, we opted to make two large pieces, and make them memorable. No one will forget our large Bride & Groom-Styled Dragonflies.
Simply adorable and unforgettable.
Okay, Maybe Two Things
Stealing another idea from Pinterest, out goes the traditional guestbook and in comes our rendition of “Dirty Jenga.” While many of the messages left by our friends and family were sentimental, there is no better way to describe some to all as simply: dirty.
Do not play in the presence of grandparents.
Don’t Forget the Party Favors
What does everyone need at the lake more than a KOOZIE?
Oh wait, did we create our own Frat there? Yep, yep, we did.
