You’re newly engaged and on cloud nine – congratulations! Whether you’ve been waiting for a while (yep, been there!) or it’s come as a complete surprise, there is no better excuse than to celebrate in style..!
Now to start planning the celebrations… Before you get cracking on jumping straight to the wedding planning, see below for some of our top tips and ideas for planning your engagement party in London.
When it comes to engagement celebrations, people can get pretty divided. Whether you want a big, boozy event or a more low-key affair with your closest friends and family, it’s important that you make the most of this exciting time. When getting engaged, there is such an overwhelming outpouring of love and, before you crack on with the wedding planning, try to just savour this feeling for a little while.
Cool Cocktail Bars and Perfect Party Venues
After a big party with your friends? Try hiring out The Ball Room at The Dead Dolls House, fitting up to 80 guests – we love the exposed brickwork vibes which can easily be styled and dressed up. Or, for the party animals amongst us, how about the luxurious The Vaults at Home House, complete with DJ booth and state of the art sound systems? The vaulted ceilings give an intimate and cosy feel but the metallics add a real taste of luxury and decadence, perfect for a special occasion like an engagement party.
If you’re after a more laidback yet stylish alternative for your engagement drinks is the Garden Terrace at The Hari in Belgravia, complete with retractable roof for year-round use. You can bask in the sun, or, if the weather isn’t playing ball, at least pretend!
When hosting a big engagement party, try not to get too carried away with the invites – guests will get easily offended if you invite them to your engagement party, but they then don’t make the cut to your actual wedding. Make sure you invite only those you know you definitely want there on your big day!
Wine & Dine
If you’re after something smaller and more intimate with just your nearest and dearest, hiring out a private dining area is a perfect option, allowing you to have some space and privacy. For spectacular city views, try one of the private dining rooms at Searcys at the Gherkin – time it so you’re up there for sunset to maximise the impressive views across the London skyline.
For a truly special experience, try the Kitchen Table Experience at London institution, The Savoy – 8 courses of divine food, served whilst overlooking the kitchens. Plus, the opportunity to get involved making it a little more interactive and memorable. Well worth the money, and something you and your guests certainly won’t forget. The perfect celebration for foodies!
If you’re after something fun but more low-key, opt for one of the many popular bottomless brunch options – let’s face it, all engagement celebrations should feature plenty of bubbly and a bottomless option is always the way to go! Our favourite is the classic brunch at Roka Aldwych, offering exceptional value with numerous small plates of exceptional food and unlimited bubbles or wine.
A seriously stylish alternative is Dalloway Terrace – centrally located in Bloomsbury so easy for your guests to get to, but tucked away in a quiet oasis. This garden hideaway is an Instagrammer’s DREAM, with florals and foliage adorning the walls and ceilings, and will give you all the inspiration you need for your wedding. It is the epitome of laidback luxury, with relaxed vibes but great food and a delicious selection of cocktails and bubbles. (Incidentally – whilst it can’t be booked, if you’re after another great cocktail bar or spot for weekend brunch, try their newly launched The Coral Room next door for seriously bold and luxurious styling – we’re in love!).
Whatever option you choose, make sure you make the most of enjoying the buzz of the engagement period – soak it all up and celebrate with bubbles galore before cracking on full steam with the wedding planning!
You only get this exciting time once and it’s important to make the most of it. And, with so many options available for your engagement celebrations, do feel free to get in touch if you need a hand with either planning, or styling, your engagement event.
Images:
- The Vaults at Home House
- Garden Terrace at The Hari
- The Savoy – Kitchen Table Experience
- Dalloway Terrace