Before you’re knee-deep in contemplating centerpieces and crafting the perfect playlist for your wedding day, there’s the engagement party to plan! To us, this is the time to celebrate with close friends and family and should feel personalized and enjoyable for you. After all, the point is to celebrate you as a couple!
We’re big fans of backyard gatherings—anything that allows you to customize the vibe of the get-together without the pressure of tying everything back to your wedding decor. To keep it casual, rather than organize an official seated dinner, opt for a more help-yourself-roaming-mingling vibe (yes, we just made that up) where you don’t necessarily have to provide a seat for everyone.
With this in mind, we suggest a mix of standing table surfaces (cocktail tables), 1-2 lounge areas and a few dining tables where some guests can cycle through to sit and eat. Here are a few specific engagement party rentals that are perfectly practical, and can be tailored to your tastes and needs:
Lounges
When choosing your lounge pieces, think casual-al fresco. Outdoor sofas like our Mojito Rattan Sofa, Caipirinha Lounge Chairs for personality, and poufs to give guests a place to relax and chat. Mix in some accent tables for drinks and décor, and don’t forget warm lighting—string lights or lanterns can add the perfect touch. If you want a laid-back feel, you can even try mismatched pieces.
Taliaferro Photographs
Mingling
You’ll only need a few cocktail tables to make your backyard engagement party feel more put-together and functional. They’re perfect for giving guests a place to set their drinks while they mingle, and they create natural gathering spots without taking up too much room. We suggest our Fernet Cocktail Tables for any outdoor gathering, really!
Perry Vaile Photography
The Bar
You might not be able to squeeze a full bar into your backyard, but don’t fret! A smaller option like our Prohibition Petite Bar, pictured here used as a DJ booth, doesn’t take up too much room and it’s super cute. We also have a pink one if you’re looking for a little more color.
Essence Imagery
The Snacks
Skip the formal seated dinner and go for a laid-back snack spread instead! A backyard engagement party is all about mingling, so having a variety of easy-to-eat bites lets guests graze while they chat and celebrate. Think charcuterie boards, sliders, mini tacos.. now, where to put it? Even if you’re running out of room, there’s still a corner that you can fit a thin pub table like our Iron Horse.
Activities
Corn Hole is a perfect game to bring some laid-back fun to your backyard engagement party! It’s easy for guests of all ages to play, and it adds a little friendly competition without being too intense. Plus, it gives people something to do while mingling and enjoying drinks. You can even customize the boards with your initials or wedding colors for a personal touch. Convinced? Check out our Corn Hole Set. For more fun ideas, check out these 24 Engagement Party Games to Literally Get the Party Started.
Sparrow’s Heart Photography
Decor
We mentioned making the party personalized and here’s where that can really come in! Customize a rental like our A-Frame Sign with Flower Holder. Use vinyl to add your names or a monogram (if you’ve already decided on one). You can easily DIY some florals for this piece, just don’t forget some floral foam blocks to stick the stems into.
Heidi Elyse Photography
With the right rentals and a little creativity, you can turn your backyard into the perfect party setting without the stress of a formal event. Whether you keep it simple with lounge seating and snacks or add a few extras like a small bar and lawn games, the goal is to have fun!
