Engagement Party Planning Tips

Here are some tips on pulling off an engagement party. It’s easier than you think!

1. Who Hosts?

Traditionally, the parents of the bride will host the engagement party. That is not the case anymore. It is not uncommon to hear of the bride and groom throwing their own party or friends and family may volunteer to throw you one instead.

2. When should I have it?

The perfect time to have your party is after your engagement and before the serious planning begins (unless you are enlisting a wedding planner to help you plan the engagement party as well you would not have even looked for one yet) . Don’t have it later than 11 months before the wedding. Give your guests enough notice before the party and the party serves as a great stepping stone before invitations are sent out for the wedding day

3.Who makes the list?

It use to be a serious faux paz to invite someone to your engagement party that you won’t invite to the wedding. These days the large number of destination/out of town weddings has altered that rule.

It is acceptable to have a smaller get together with new friends, co-workers and others who may not make the invitation list dues to numbers or other reasons.

4. What is it for?

This is a time to celebrate and share your joy with those close to you. It is a great time to introduce the two sides of the family and give them a chance to get acquainted.

5. Do I need a theme?

My best advice is to go with a theme, color scheme or concept that does not resemble your ideas for your wedding day. Leave the real gasping from your guests for the wedding day.

Click here to see more ideas on my Engagement Party Pinterest Board.

The Mariott Marquis DC: What a hotel!

I had the great pleasure of touring the new Marriott Marquis in downtown D.C. last week, and I think I fell in love.

Before I share more information about the hotel here are some facts about the Marriott family and brand.

1. The Marriott brand evolved from J. Willard Marriott's nine-stool root beer stand that grew into the Hot Shoppes brand.
2. This venture began in Washington D.C.
3. The D.C. Marriott Marquis marks the 4,000th hotel, bringing the Marriott journey full circle
4. A replica of the nine-stool root beer stand has a home in one of the hotel's restaurants

The hotel has 1,175 rooms and ample event space. 14 floors above ground and 14 floors below, this hotel is an architectural wonder. The vast lobby creates pockets for relaxing, working or to be social without getting overwhelmed by other guests. 

The Marquis ballroom is over 30,000 square feet and the hotel has an additional 75,000+ of event space to accommodate meetings or events of any size. 

The hotel has inside access to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, walking distance to Chinatown and metro accessible. 

I can't wait for my next excuse to stay a night in the city. This will be my first choice.