*This is a collaborative post on keeping your engagement budget-friendly
Getting engaged is one of the most important milestones in your life, so it’s only right that you want to celebrate it. An engagement party is the perfect opportunity to share your news with the people who are closest to you and it’s a given that you want it to be a night to remember. However, it can be easy to get carried away with spending amongst all this excitement.
On average, couples spend around £18,400 on their special day, so spending on a secondary party may seem like a bad idea. But don’t panic – you can have an unforgettable engagement celebration that is still budget-friendly when you follow the tips below.
The engagement ring is undoubtedly the main event and there is no denying that it can be very expensive. The process of choosing one alone takes a lot of research and patience, and finding the right match is a big decision. But the most expensive ring doesn’t automatically mean it’s the perfect one for you.
Consider diamond rings from high street jewellers, as they are often just as dazzling but come with a far cheaper price tag. If you’re working with a smaller budget, you can still get a fabulous ring. Replace diamonds with a gorgeous ruby or sapphire band or choose the cut of your diamond carefully if you have your heart set on them.
Why waste money on paper invites, when an entirely free option is waiting for you? You can cut costs significantly by opting for e-vites or online messages. Not only that, but it’s also much less time-consuming so all your focus can go on the more exciting details of your engagement party.
Invitations to your engagement don’t necessarily need to be as formal as to your wedding. The only important thing is that you give your guests plenty of notice and keep track of who has RSVP’d.
If flashy parties aren’t quite your style, don’t worry. You don’t need to invite everyone to your engagement party, especially when you’re going for a more intimate affair. It can be tricky to know who to invite to your engagement celebration, but your numbers will determine your venue.
For parties occurring at home or in your garden, a guest list made up of your family and closest friends is always a winner. You can enjoy your moment with the people who know and love you the most.
Don’t bother going all out for a meal to tell people about your engagement. If you’re hosting your get-together at home, you can buy snacks or even cook for your loved ones. Buffet-style dining is another great option to keep your guests fed without breaking the bank. You could even make the party a BYOB situation to cut spending money on alcohol.