So, you said yes—congratulations! After the happy tears, the flood of congratulatory messages, and the giddy glances at your ring, the next question comes up fast: Are you throwing an engagement party?
But if you haven’t officially shared the big news yet, your engagement party can also double as the perfect opportunity to announce it. You deserve to celebrate this milestone with your nearest and dearest (and we think you should!).
Whether you’re thinking of something simple or totally unique, here are some fun and heartfelt engagement announcement ideas in the Philippines to help spark inspiration for your special celebration.
First Things First: What is an Engagement Party?
Think of it as the soft launch of your wedding. It’s a casual (or fancy!) get-together to celebrate your engagement and bring everyone together before wedding planning gets serious.
Traditionally, the bride’s family would host, but nowadays, couples often take the reins or team up with friends and family to host the event.
There are no hard rules here. Whether you’re dreaming of a backyard barbecue or a formal dinner, this is your engagement party, your vibe.
Who Should Be Invited?
This isn’t your wedding guest list yet. Engagement parties are more intimate. Start with the people who truly matter to you: immediate family, close friends, and anyone who’s part of your future wedding entourage. If your friends have been with you through every moment of your relationship, they definitely make the cut.
Just a tip: Try not to invite someone to the engagement party if they’re not going to be invited to the wedding. It avoids awkwardness later on.
Engagement Party Theme Ideas You’ll Love
Picking a theme isn’t required, but it can help set the tone and make planning easier. Here are a few engagement party theme ideas that work beautifully in the Philippine setting:
- Tropical Chic – Think rattan accents, palm leaves, and a relaxed, island-inspired menu. Perfect for garden venues or even a beach trip.
- Rustic Boho – Lace, wood, and warm lighting. Great for intimate backyard parties or café rentals.
- Filipiniana Romance – Add local flair with Capiz lanterns, native fabrics, and heirloom dishes. Elegant and culture-rich.
- Sunset Cocktails – Rooftop views, signature drinks, and jazzy playlists. Chill, stylish, and totally IG-worthy.
- Backyard Fiesta – Your titas will love this. Karaoke, food trays, lechon, and a whole lot of love.
Whatever theme you choose, make sure it reflects your story and what you both enjoy as a couple. This is your first celebration together, so make it count.
What to Serve? Think Comfort, Flavor, and Fun
Filipino celebrations are all about the food. No one goes home hungry after an engagement party, so here are some menu ideas:
- Classic Pinoy Feast – Kare-kare, lumpia, pancit, and of course, lechon.
- Buffet with a Twist – Mix traditional and modern dishes (sushi, pasta, even Korean barbecue stations!).
- Cocktail-Style Bites – Perfect for rooftop or garden setups: sliders, canapés, mini tacos, and finger food.
- Grazing Tables – A crowd favorite. Cheeses, fruits, meats, and breads that double as décor.
- Dessert Station – Leche flan, cupcakes, cookies with your initials, or a cake that hints at your wedding theme.
Oh, and drinks! Have something for everyone. Fresh juices, mocktails, wine, and even a mobile bar for a long night of celebration.
What to Wear to an Engagement Party?
For the couple, this is your time to shine (again!). Keep it in line with the theme. If you’re doing Filipiniana, a barong or modern terno works. Are you going for casual chic? A linen dress or smart separates will do.
Guests, on the other hand, will appreciate a dress code heads-up. Add it to your invite—something like “Garden Chic” or “Smart Casual.” This keeps everyone photo-ready without the guesswork.
Should You Have a Program?
Only if you want to! A simple flow helps keep the event smooth:
- Welcome drinks and mingling
- A quick speech or toast (either by you or someone close to you)
- Maybe a short game or raffle
- Food, drinks, more toasts, more fun
This is also a great time to make your engagement official if you haven’t already.
Do You Need Engagement Party Giveaways?
Not a must, but a nice touch. Think small tokens that reflect your style or theme. Some couples give out mini succulents, candles, or even personalized treats.
10 Tips on How to Plan an Engagement Party in the Philippines
Whether you’re going for a casual brunch with your barkada or a garden dinner with the whole fam, these tips will guide you through the essentials of how to plan an engagement party with love, intention, and Filipino flair.
1. Decide on the Budget
Sit down with your partner and set a budget. Are you keeping it low-key or going all out? Include a buffer (around 10–15%) for last-minute costs like rentals, supplies, or extra guests.
2. Choose the Venue and Date
Once you’ve got a budget, it’s time to scout venues. Pick a date that gives you enough prep time and choose a venue that fits your guest list and theme. Home setups, private dining rooms, or scenic rooftops are all great options.
Book early, especially if your date falls on a “peak” month like December, Valentine’s week, or a long weekend. Be sure to plan for the weather if it’s outdoors.
3. Make a Guest List
Keep it intimate. Invite family, your closest friends, and your future bridal party. If they’ve been a big part of your story, they should be part of this celebration.
As a general guide, engagement parties usually have 20–50 guests. Make sure anyone invited here is also someone you’d want at the wedding.
4. Pick a Theme (or a Color Palette)
Engagement party theme ideas can be subtle or all-out. It’s totally your call. Even a color palette can do wonders. Think rust tones, whites, and greens, or pastels for a romantic vibe.
5. Send Invites (Digital is Perfect!)
Once your guest list and date are locked in, send out those invites! Digital invites through Canva, Instagram stories, or Telegram chats work well. Don’t forget to include RSVP details and the dress code.
6. Plan Your Menu
Filipino celebrations = good food. Whether you’re hiring a caterer, preparing home-cooked meals, or asking your tita to bring her famous baked mac, the food is what guests will remember.
7. Assign Tasks
You don’t have to do it all. Delegate! Your siblings can help with the Spotify playlist, your best friend can emcee, and your cousin who loves baking might want to make the cake. Give small roles for people who wish to help. It makes them feel part of the celebration.
8. Add a Personal Touch
Little details go a long way. Consider creating a slideshow of your love story, setting up a photo booth area, or giving out personalized engagement party giveaways.
These don’t need to be expensive. Print a few Instax photos, prep a quick game, or give away cookies with your initials. Thoughtful > flashy.
9. Document the Day
While you don’t need a professional videographer, it’s definitely worth having someone in charge of capturing moments. A friend with a good phone cam or a rented camera can do the trick.
10. Give a Heartfelt Toast
Say a few words to thank everyone. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Just be honest. You can also ask your parents, maid of honor, or best man to join in.
With all the planning and coordination, don’t forget to pause and soak it in. This is your first celebration as an engaged couple. Be present, have fun, laugh off the little hiccups, and let the joy of the day carry you.
Bring Your Dream Engagement Party to Life
Your engagement party is the first real celebration of your life together. It doesn’t have to be perfect, but it should feel personal and joyful. Whether you go all out with a glamorous theme or keep it chill and cozy, the most important thing is that you’re surrounded by people who matter, celebrating this beautiful new chapter with you.
Now that you know how to plan an engagement party, it’s time to bring your vision to life and have a blast while doing it. Happy planning, lovebirds!
