More and more as people are cutting cost, engagement parties are one of the first things to go. They aren’t like a bridal shower where the bride will definitely receive gifts. They are just a time to celebrate the couple getting engaged.

These parties are given very shortly after the couple gets engaged. They usually boast a gathering of close friends and family. Everything from appetizers to a full dinner to just desserts are served. Sometimes gifts are involved but not always.

Don’t scrimp! These parties can be so much fun–maybe even more fun than receiving gifts at a bridal shower…

Themes are a great way to give a uniform appearance and add a little fun.
1. Hawaiian Luau

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2. Romantic Paris

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3. Renaissance Fun

Whether you’re the bride or the girl who decided that she would be the one to bring all the details of the shower together, there are some shortcuts and ideas for saving time. Don’t stress about the day! If something doesn’t go according to the plan, it will just be a memory to laugh about later.

For the bride:

Buy your thank you cards/envelopes before the event. While you are opening the gifts, pass around a basket of the envelopes. Ask the guests to address an envelope with their information. This way you only have to write the thank you card, seal, and mail. It saves you a bit of time after the long day!

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Bring your man to the shower! Yes, I said bring him. You and your girls will want to be chatting and laughing after the day begins to wind down. He’ll be there to pack all those gifts up and tote them to the car.

For the hostess:

Use plastic utensils and paper plates. After the guests leave and you begin to clean up, the last thing you want to do is dishes! Party stores have plates and silverware that look like the real thing. You don’t have to sacrifice the look of real dishes for practicality.

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If you’re the caterer for the day, choose foods that you can prepare ahead of time. It is also easier to keep food cold than it is to keep it hot. In other words…you will be cooking seconds before guests arrive if you take the route of a hot meal.

Miniature wedding cakes are a great alternative to cake squares at bridal showers, as wedding favors, or on a tiered stand as an alternative to cupcakes. They can be as simple or ornate as you wish. And for those of you who are on a budget, these little cakes can be accomplished using more time than cash.

First step is a box cake mix. I chose red velvet. On a side note, this is just a chocolate cake with red dye. It can be iced with buttercream or a cream cheese mixture.

Follow the instructions for baking. If you have a large and a small muffin tin, these are easier to use. When they’re done, all you have to do is cut the mushroom tops off and you have a perfect circle for your base and top tier. As it was, even with my love of baking, a muffin tin is not in my cabinets. Therefore, I used a 9X13 casserole dish and cut circles out for my tiers.

Next step is to ice the layers. If you choose to use fondant, it does not matter if the crumbs show through the icing. If fondant is too time consuming, ice the cake layers once with the crumbs showing through, place in the refrigerator so the icing can stiffen for the next coat.

Fondant can be found in the cake decorating section of your local supermarket. 1lb should make about 15-20 mini cakes.

Pull it like taffy to make it pliable and the right consistency to stick to the cake without cracking. If it becomes too sticky or warm because of your hands, powder your hands with powdered sugar or flour (flour does not help the taste of fondant but I have found it works better. The sugar is too easily absorbed by the fondant)

It should be about 1/8th of an inch thick when rolled. If attaching any decorations, use a dab of water as a glue. The flower was made from six little balls of white pressed flat between my fingers and then pinched at one end. Place the pinched ends together and cover with a ball of fondant or buttercream to make the center.

Fun Tip: Fondant comes in white. If using dye to color a portion of your cake, make sure to complete the white details first.  I began working with the red  and my hands ended up pink. I had to scrub and scrub for it to come off so I could work with the white details without dying them as well.

Pre- Wedding Parties

Engagement Party-

After the couple is officially engaged and only when both of the couple can be present. (I would recommend holding it before the wedding, too, however!)Most engagement parties are small, intimate affairs. In general, just close family and friends are invited to celebrate the joy of your engagement.

Announcement Party

Bridal Showers-Traditionally, bridal showers are given by the maid/matron of honor, or close friend of the bride.

Bachelor Party-

The dinner may be hosted by the groom’s friends or by the groom himself, in much the same way the bride hosts the bridesmaid luncheon. It is the perfect time for him to pass out gifts of appreciation to his best man, ushers and groomsmen.

Bridesmaid Luncheon-

In appreciation and gratitude for their participation in her wedding, it is traditional for the bride to treat her maids to a party

Bridal Bunch-

The bridal brunch gives the bride an opportunity to spend quality time with members of her family who have come from far and wide to be with her on this special day

Rehearsal Dinner-

The wedding rehearsal is followed by a dinner for members of the wedding party. The groom’s parents traditionally are responsible for the financial obligation of the rehearsal dinner, however any other close relative or friend may do the honor.

Wedding Breakfast-

The wedding breakfast is most often hosted by a friend or neighbor of the bride, in honor of all those who have come from out-of-town for the occasion. This breakfast is a wonderful way to occupy and entertain guests who may feel in need of a warm welcome