Although tradition dictates that a bride’s parents should host her engagement party in their home, modern couples seem much more apt to take matters into their own hands with an engagement party that’s chic, unique and planned to delight their guests.

One of the best ways to ensure that everyone has a great time at your engagement celebration is to encourage guests to mingle by setting up your event in one of these charming and casual atmospheres with engagement party invitations to match:

• The Wine Bar: Perfect for an adult-only affair, wine bars offer a range of appetizers and a wealth of libations for your guests to share. If that doesn’t get them chatting, nothing will!

• Your Backyard: Host an afternoon barbecue or string up lights for a sweet, starry celebration in your own backyard! Your guests will love the intimate setting.

• The Park: Let the kiddies run wild with a daytime soiree in a nearby park. The outdoor setting will encourage guests to sprawl on picnic blankets while they talk about what a great couple you make.

• A Champagne Brunch: Pick your favorite hotel or cafe and crowd your loved ones inside for a sweet little brunch to celebrate your love. You are sure to make lasting memories over eggs and mimosas!

• Your Favorite Restaurant: What better way to share your style as a couple than to host your event at your favorite restaurant or the location of your first date?

When I got married, I am pretty sure I had one of the best maid of honors ever.  Not only was she a great friend, but also an amazing party planner with keen attention to detail.

A few weeks ago, my MOH and I threw her brother an engagement party.  After perusing the Wedding Paper Divas website, we chose the Zebra Stripes Bachelorette Party Invitation, but had it personalized to fit an Engagement party.

Taking the color and design from this invitation, my friend developed the entire theme of the party, carrying the small details through to the centerpieces, decorations, desserts and more.  She managed to transform not only her living room but her garage into a festive, zebra-print atmosphere!

The zebra lanterns above were a great find at World Market and can be purchased online.  The centerpieces were handmade by us and came out so chic!

The bride-to-be even got in on the action with her gorgeous zebra-print heels!

This party is a great example of how any invitation can set the theme, tone, or colors for an event.  Check out the amazing selection on Wedding Paper Divas and find new, innovative color combinations and themes for your wedding or party.

I am obsessed with anything miniature.  If a “mini” version exists, you know I have to have it.  When I was little, all I wanted in the world was a dollhouse.  Mini furniture, mini people…and all so realistic!  As we speak, I have a set of miniature glass animals on my desk that never fail to amuse me.

That’s why, when I saw these mini wedding cake pans on Amazon, I could not stop thinking about them.  I can’t wait to host a bridal shower or engagement party and make a tiny cake for each guest with these adorable tins.  Better yet–gather the bridal party together and make a night of baking and decorating the cakes to surprise the bride with.  Who wouldn’t love such a sweet treat?!