Engagement party?

Question

I am planning my engagement party. does anyone have any ideas for games or giveaways? it is to b held the end of july at a lake. we have a pavillion reserved and will just have a cookout w/ hamburgers hot dogs chips sausage potatoe salad etc. i want cheap and simple but nice. well have a boat and theres swimming and playareas and sand. Now I am going to provide ice water lemonade and iced tea is it wrong to tell guests if they want soda to bring their own? its just it is expensive and some ppl r hoggish about it. i will provide a cooler w/ ice for their soda but i am recommending they mark their names on it. is this cheap or wrong for me to do? also, would it b lame if i decorated the tables w/ baskets w/ fresh cut wild flowers and deep candle holders w/ tea candles (so they wont blow out for when it gets close evening). what do u think about have 50/50's or chinese auctions. we just 2wnat to have a fun time. open to all suggestions! thnks!

Answer 1

First of all, congratulations on your upcoming nuptials! An engagement party should be primarily a way for family and friends to come together to celebrate the good news and the happy couple. How you choose to do it really is about what you want to do, how big your budget is and the intention of your party. Having a lakeside bash during the month of July sounds like a wonderful idea, especially since you are planning a barbecue and swim party as well. Here are some ideas to consider:

1. Dress up your hot dogs and hamburgers by also having some interesting breads and rolls to choose from. Consider alternative condiments in addition to your traditional ketchup, mustard, and relish. You might want to go with creamy horseradish sauce, chili sauce, blue cheese etc. to add some zing and personality to your meats.
2. Wild flowers in baskets are a perfect accompaniement to your outdoor theme. You might also want to conside floating candles, or even citronella candles in cute metal containers to ward off the evening bug fest that lakes always seem to get. You might also invest in some of the small lanterns they have at variety stores to add to the festive mood. Hanging white lights in the trees adds atmosphere and a magical feeling as well.
3. What you might want to consider is offering your guests their choice of iced tea, lemonade, bottled water and a wine based punch, as well as ice for any and all drinks they want to bring themselves. I think that sodas on a hot evening aren't nearly as refreshing as iced tea and lemonade are anyway. And, you don't have to apologize to anyone about your choice of beverages. Just let everyone know that if they want to bring something extra, its on them.
4. How about purchasing some extra fireworks on the 4th of July to do at your party? Some states have laws about using them after the 4th, so you ought to check and see what yours offers.
5. You might want to offer toasts to your respective families and ask someone(s) to offer anecdotes about how you and your fiance met, humourous stories and such to add to the entertainment of the evening. Also, having a "blown up" picture of the two of you for guests to write their best wishes on can be a memorable artifact in the years to come.
6. As cheesey as it sounds, a pinata might also be fun for guests to play with or if they bring their kids along.

Have fun!

Answer 2

I think it is your party and you should do any thing you please!! Your table covers and decorations sound simple but elegant, they always say less is more! Good luck and best wishes on the upcoming nuptuals!