E-Party Planning: An Upper West Side Engagement Brunch

Let's plan a New York City Engagement Brunch, shall we? 

The wedding is hardly the only party one gets to plan once they become engaged. There are a whole slew of parties that come in between engagement and reception. And - if you love planning a party as much as I do, this affords you the opportunity to plan fun events that reflect you and your hubby-to-be!

The first party in the long line of wedding events is the Engagement Party! I think an Engagement Party is a great way to round up your nearest and dearest and toast to your exciting news. Some couples go all out and host a mini-wedding, while some have backyard BBQ's. Here are a few ideas for something in between formal and casual. I picture this Engagement Party for a fun, laid-back, city couple.

Every party begins with the perfect invitation. These invites from Wedding Paper Divas are just the right touch of "party", but still remain classy. I call this look "whismy-fun" and I think it sets the tone perfectly.

Wedding Paper Divas

Next up, comes the venue. One of my favorites spots on the Upper West Side is Gabriela's. It's a Mexican restaurant that is more upscale-gem then taqueria. They offer wonderful outdoor seating, or private spaces inside for groups. I think an afternoon brunch, completely with cocktails (of course), would be a great way to host a nice celebration but not break the bank. Brunch at Gabriela's is about $14/pp and includes one cocktail. This is great bargain over dinner, where entree's are closer to $20/pp and don't include a drink. 

Gabriela's

 Naturally, I'd be sipping on one of these bad boys:

Now, the guest list. Ultimately this comes down to who is hosting the event. If it were up to me, I would keep this intimate - immediate family and bridal party members. I think an engagement party is a great time to formally ask your wedding party members if you haven't done so already. It'd be sweet to have a card waiting for your Bridesmaids-to-be and her place setting. How cute is this one?

Rifle Paper Co

Last, but certainly not least, the attire. I personally feel that your engagement is the perfect excuse to wear nothing but little-white-dresses. This is one, I'm completely enamored with. It's sweet, but sexy too. 

SouthMoonUnder.com

So there you have it! An Upper West Side Engagement Brunch, perfect for the city couple that doesn't have a backyard to host everyone, but doesn't want to have it a Dad's country club either. Hope you've enjoyed the party!