The idea of an engagement party came to me when I was Googling something about first things to do after you get engaged and that was one of the things listed. I didn’t take time to read the actual articles about engagement parties, but if I had, I probably wouldn’t have suggested it. The thing is with anything involving a wedding, there is some type of rule attached to it. There’s a rule for who pays for what, and a rule about invitations and a rule about attire and food etc. It’s all too much, especially for two people who are not traditional by any stretch of the imagination. So like all things with B and I, we’re doing it our own way.

Theme: Hey We’re Engaged, Let’s Drink!

Location: Our Home!

Decorations: A clean house, residual cat hair

What We’re Serving: Miller Highlife, wings, veggie platter, tortilla chips and salsa, ruffle chips and dip, (pizza if more food is needed)

Responsibility of Guests: Transport, BYOB

Duration: Whenever people feel like going home

Who’s Invited: Most of the people we know in Chicago and it’s surrounding area. We’re planning on having a “couldn’t invite you to our actual wedding but here’s the sort of Chicago version of the reception” party after we get married. Anyone invited to our engagement party is invited to that too.

How We Invited People: Word of mouth and Facebook.

If you’re thinking this kinda sounds like a slightly fancier version of a frat party, you’d be correct, but to quote B, “If you can’t be classy, be trashy on purpose.” Also, we’re stoked to be engaged and with only a small budget for the wedding, the last thing we need is to blow a chunk of those funds on another party.

Never the less, we’re very excited. The point of these kinds of things is to celebrate your love with the other people you love right? I’ll let you know how it goes.