10 Awesome Engagement Party Themes With Invitations to Match

Who can say no to festive flowers, margaritas and maracas? Set the scene with centerpieces of mini cacti, marigolds, red cremons and hot pink cornflowers, and hang a few strands of multicolor papel picado party flags. Chips, salsa and guacamole are the perfect appetizers, while a build-your-own taco bar is easy for the main course and allows guests to make their own plates (bonus: this is a great option for guests with different dietary restrictions—dairy only resides in the cheese and sour cream, and most corn tortillas are gluten-free!). End the night with a good, old-fashioned piñata and have goodie bags on hand for guests to fill with fallen candy as a parting gift.

Katiedid Designs Fiesta couple’s shower invitation, from $15 for printable template; from $45 for printed invites, Etsy.com

Take that beach bash engagement party one step further with a “two less fish in the sea” theme. If you’re actually hosting on the beach, let the environment be the center of attention with games like cornhole and sand volleyball, and with a little bracket organizing, a competitive spirit can fuel the party vibes all night. Finish the evening with sparklers by the water for some amazing photo ops, or send wish lanterns up into the night sky.

“I Do” It Yourself Hooked on You engagement party invitation, $20 for printable template, Etsy.com

Why not keep the party close to home with a casual BBQ? Spread out red gingham tablecloths and tie up paper lanterns for extra light come sunset. Impress guests with an extensive condiments bar, including a range of sweet to spicy sauces. We recommend sticking to the classics when it comes to grilling, but in miniature portions: corn on the cob, burgers (for vegetarian or vegan guests, add black bean burgers to the menu), hot dogs or even grilled cheese for a kid-friendly option.

Puzzle Prints “I Do” wedding shower invitation, $15 for printable template, Etsy.com

This engagement party theme is perfect for the city-dwelling couple. Glitz, glam and tasty cocktails should be the focus of this evening affair—think: bistro lights, candles, metallic accents and custom cocktail napkins (and don’t forget the straws!). Treat guests to an entertainment mixologist, aka a bartender with mad cocktail skills. Bonus: This invitation can be printed or sent digitally!

Paperless Post I Love New York invite, from $1.15 each for print, PaperlessPost.com

Take advantage of the day that celebrates love to celebrate the couple’s engagement. Create an instant guest book by filling a table with Valentines. Ask guests to jot down some well wishes and suggest a date night idea. The food can anchor most of the decorations (but a few heart garlands wouldn’t hurt). Dishes of heart-shaped candies and a dessert table decked out with red and pink treats are just as sweet to look at as they are to eat.

Paper Source Mr. & Mrs. engagement party invitation, $44 for 20, PaperSource.com

Treat the couple of honor (and guests) to a seafood soiree. Arrangements of sand and sea grass accompanied by candle lanterns make the perfect centerpieces for this New England–inspired cookout—no flowers necessary. Cover tables with parchment paper and serve up corn on the cob, old-fashioned coleslaw and potatoes, and don’t forget butter pots! Set up a self-serve beverage station (think: giant ice bucket) with craft beers for a casual vibe. Complete the theme by customizing lobster bibs with a clever phrase like, “Pinch me, they’re engaged!”

Invitation Consultants You’re My Lobster invite, from $.78 each, InvitationConsultants.com

This invitation says it all—you can’t beat a wine bottle-shaped invite to a vino-themed engagement party. Set out a table of appetizers that pair well with different wines, from cheese to grapes, with signage that describes which food goes best with which wine. For any guests who may not know how to properly taste wine, place a poster by the bar that describes the steps of tilting, swirling, smelling and sipping. The perfect party favor? Mini bottles of red wine, with a label reading, “You had me at merlot.”

Checkerboard Bordeaux invitation, $268 for 25, PapyrusOnline.com

This theme is for the couple who wants to kick back by the campfire and cozy up with friends, family and plenty of blankets under the stars. Ask everyone to come prepared with a campfire story, whether it be of the scary variety or a funny memory with the newly engaged couple. No bonfire would be complete without s’mores, so make sure to have plenty of ‘mallows, grahams and fixin’s on hand, including some unexpected options like chunks of candy bars, chocolate-covered bacon or a caramel spread.

NotableAffairs couple’s shower Bonfire invite, $15 for printable template, Etsy.com

Is there a more classic way to celebrate an engagement than with an evening filled with bubbly and desserts? We recommend going with a Gatsby-esque color scheme of black, white and gold with plenty of metallic decor, whether that be balloons, streamers or sequin tablecloths. Once all the guests have arrived, kick things off by pouring champagne over an already-prepared tower of coupes.

Wedding Paper Divas Bubbly engagement card invite, $25 for 10, WeddingPaperDivas.com

If the newlyweds to-be aren’t the type for big, flashy parties, a dinner fete with close family and friends is the perfect solution. String lights above the length of the dining area, fill the table with romantic taper candles and finish the decor with a calligraphed menu at each place setting. Keep things feeling intimate with family-style food serving and multiple bottles of wine on the table—that way guests won’t need to excuse themselves to indulge in a refill.

Wedding Paper Divas blurred lights engagement card invite, $18 for 10, WeddingPaperDivas.com