Budget-Friendly Venue Ideas for an Unforgettable Engagement Party

Last updated on October 4th, 2024 at 12:59 pm

Congratulations on your engagement! Now comes the fun part: planning your engagement party. Let’s face it—engagement parties can get pretty pricey. There are a lot of different costs: the venue, food, drinks, decorations (like personalised engagement party banners), entertainment and much more. Without careful planning, the costs can quickly stack up. But don’t fret because we’ll help you plan an unforgettable engagement party on a budget! Let’s get started.

Selecting an Affordable Venue

First things first, you need to select a venue. The average cost of hiring a party venue today is somewhere between £500-600. To make the most of a smaller budget, you may need to consider some alternative venues to an expensive hotel function room. Here are some ideas to mull over:

Your own garden

A great way to save money on your engagement party (if you have enough outdoor space) is to host the party in your very own garden! Not only do you save precious pennies, you also create an intimate and personal setting to celebrate one of the happiest days of your life. To make your garden feel truly magical, why not hire a gazebo and string fairy lights around the edges?

A local park or beach

If you can obtain the right permits for the event, why not get married in a local green space or a beach? These natural settings offer a memorable backdrop for your engagement party. However, you do put yourself at the mercy of the weather!

Rent a cafe/restaurant function room

Renting a function room in a local cafe or restaurant is a cost-effective engagement party solution. These venues usually come with the amenities you’ll need, such as tables, chairs, and audio-visual equipment, so there’s no need to spend extra time and money renting these items from elsewhere. Make the occasion extra special by working with the establishment to create a personalised menu that reflects your tastes.

Cost-Effective Catering

Now, it’s time to think about catering. But don’t worry, there’s no shortage of food options available to you:

Buffet

Who doesn’t love a buffet? With so many food options to choose from, all of your guests will feel that they have been provided for. It’s a great way to save money, but it is time-consuming if you’re purchasing and laying out the food yourself. Don’t be afraid to ask friends and family members for help if you need it.

Food truck

Another affordable option is to hire a food truck for the event. They’re usually cheaper than traditional catering services, and there are plenty of cuisine types to choose from, including but not limited to Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and many more!

Appetisers

Another cost-effective option is to provide your guests with appetisers only. This works well if your party starts later in the evening when your guests have already eaten. We’re talking charcuterie boards, cheese and biscuits, wraps and sandwiches, all of which your guests can wash down with a celebratory glass of bubbly.

Decoration Ideas

Once you’ve decided on the food for your engagement party, it’s time to think about decorations. There are several ways to get your guests in the party spirit:

Lights

Nothing makes a party venue more magical than fairy lights. Hang them around your venue to make the place really shine. Or trending right now are personalized neon signs for weddings. They make for an amazing backdrop in photos, the dance floor or behind the head table. A touch that can be kept in your home long after the wedding too.

Balloons

Is it really a party if there aren’t balloons? Balloons are a fantastic way to fill a large space and give the venue a party atmosphere. To save money, opt for air-filled balloons instead of helium. Make sure to round up a few helpers to blow them up with you!

Chalkboard signs

Add a personal touch to the venue with chalkboard signs. Display the evening’s menu or provide more information, such as the evening schedule, and place the signs somewhere people will see them.

Window Blinds 

Intend to arrange your engagement ceremony in your own home and want to ensure both elegance and privacy at the same time? If so,  investing in window coverings, such as blinds, shades, and so on, is the best option. 

On the market, there are so many types and styles of window blinds and others available. It’s totally up to you whether you want to tilt only no lift blinds or adjust other stylish faux wood blinds, you can make a difference.

Entertainment Options

Now we come to entertainment. It’s really up to you how you go about this, as many people rely on a good playlist and a speaker to entertain engagement party guests. But here are a few more options just in case you need some new ideas:

Games

If you’re having a relatively intimate gathering, purchase some games for everyone to play. Some classic games include trivia cards, never have I ever, musical chairs, two truths and a lie, or even just simple charades!

DIY Photo Booth

If you’re feeling creative, why not set up a DIY photo booth? You’ll need a camera, a tripod, good lighting, someone to take the pictures and plenty of props. We’re talking silly hats, glasses and signs!

We hope these ideas help you plan your perfect engagement party. It just goes to show that even on a tight budget, you can still enjoy a fantastic evening surrounded by friends and loved ones.