Engagement Party Guide
How to Plan an Engagement Party in Austin, Texas
Planning an engagement party is the perfect excuse to celebrate your love and set the tone for your wedding festivities. It’s a chance to gather your closest friends and family, share your excitement, and officially kick off this new chapter in your lives. If you're a couple in Austin, Texas, or are tying the knot at Lone Star Oaks, you're in for an unforgettable event surrounded by the natural beauty and charm that this location offers. From selecting the guest list to choosing the perfect theme, venue, and menu, planning can feel overwhelming, but with the right tips, it can also be a joyful process. This Austin Texas engagement party guide is here to help you craft the ultimate engagement party, ensuring every detail—from the decor to the vibe—sets the stage for the celebrations ahead.
Before we get started, we’d love to introduce ourselves! As a small business wedding venue, we’ve had the honor of hosting hundreds of weddings and special celebrations over the years. We’re all about transparency when it comes to pricing, and we’re always happy to answer any questions you have—whether it’s before or during your venue tour.
Contact us today to check available wedding dates and schedule a tour of our space. While you’re here, don’t forget to browse our real wedding gallery for a little inspiration and a peek at some of our favorite past events!
10 Reasons to Plan an Engagement Party
Celebrate Your Love: Share the excitement of your engagement with family and friends.
Bring Everyone Together: An engagement party is a great opportunity for both families to meet and mingle.
Set the Tone for Your Wedding: It’s the chance to introduce your wedding style or theme.
Pre-Wedding Photos: Take stunning photos together at the party to document this milestone.
Share Your Proposal Story: Give your guests a chance to hear your engagement story firsthand.
Meet the Wedding Party: Introduce the bridal party to the larger group.
Enjoy Good Food and Fun: Who doesn’t love an excuse for a great meal and a glass of champagne?
Engagement Toasts: Give your close friends and family the chance to toast your future.
Break the Ice: Guests who meet now will feel more comfortable at your wedding.
Just Have Fun: Planning the actual wedding can be stressful; an engagement party is all about celebrating worry-free.
Elyse Bonner Photography
Who Gets Invited to an Engagement Party?
The guest list for your engagement party typically includes close family, best friends, and anyone you consider important in your life. Since this is a smaller event compared to the wedding, it’s okay to keep it intimate. Remember though, anyone invited to your engagement party should also be invited to your wedding.
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10 Engagement Party Traditions
Formal Invitations: Consider sending printed or digital invitations to set a formal tone.
The Toast: Expect heartfelt speeches from parents, friends, or even the couple.
A Themed Secret: Some couples like to subtly hint at the wedding theme.
Wanderlust Peaks Photography
4. Cake Cutting: It’s like a mini preview of your big day.
6. Custom Cocktails: Create a drink inspired by your upcoming union.
7. Engagement Games: Icebreakers like trivia about the couple are always a hit.
8. Ring Reveal: Showcase the sparkling ring to family and friends.
9. Flower Decorations: Start the wedding vibes early with beautiful blooms.
10. Welcome Gifts: Send guests home with small tokens of appreciation.
11. Photo Moments: Hire a photographer to ensure there are amazing memories of the night.
Wanderlust Peaks Photography
Who Pays for an Engagement Party?
Traditionally, the bride’s family hosts and covers the cost of the engagement party, but modern etiquette is more flexible. Sometimes, the couple themselves or friends pitch in. It’s also becoming increasingly common for everyone to share hosting duties, depending on the budget and circumstances.
Blu Tree Studio
10 Reasons to Host Your Engagement Party at Lone Star Oaks
Lone Star Oaks is the premier rustic-chic venue to host your engagement party in the Texas Hill Country. Here’s why you’ll love it:
Blu Tree Studio
Stunning Scenery: The backdrop of oak trees and the Texas landscape creates a romantic setting.
Indoor and Outdoor Spaces: Choose from cozy indoor areas or wide-open outdoor spaces.
Intimate Atmosphere: Perfect for hosting small, meaningful celebrations.
Exceptional Service: Their event staff will ensure your engagement party is seamless.
Photo-Worthy Views: Capture your engagement memories in a picture-perfect setting.
Exclusive Use of Venue: You’ll have complete privacy for your party.
Customizable Decor: Add your unique touch to match your wedding vision.
Flexible Catering Options: Enjoy the freedom to choose your favorite local caterers.
Convenient Location: Close to Austin while providing that quintessential Hill Country vibe.
Reputation for Excellence: Lone Star Oaks is praised by couples across Texas for its stunning events.
Kit & Caim Photography
25 Popular Engagement Party Restaurants in Austin
If you prefer to host your celebration at a local spot, check out these fantastic Austin restaurants for your engagement party.
Uchiko
Aba Austin
Mattie’s
Loro
Fonda San Miguel
Hestia
Jacoby’s Restaurant
Suerte
Olamaie
The Peached Tortilla
The Salt Lick BBQ (for a casual, iconic vibe)
Barley Swine
Juniper
ATX Cocina
TLC Austin
Odd Duck
Honey Moon Spirit Lounge
Sway
Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar
Carve American Grille
Contigo
Red Ash Italia
Deckhand Oyster Bar
Eberly
The Domain’s North Italia
Hosting an engagement party in Austin will kick off your wedding celebrations in style. Whether you host it at amazing venues like Lone Star Oaks or in one of Austin’s exciting restaurants, the key is to focus on what represents you as a couple.
Need some help planning? The staff at Lone Star Oaks is here for you! Book your engagement party at Lone Star Oaks and receive expert guidance to make it a night to remember.
To learn more or to schedule a tour, visit Lone Star Oaks today. If you're in search of a Texas Hill Country wedding venue featuring a chapel, outdoor wedding ceremonies and luxury indoor receptions, breathtaking setting for your wedding photographs, consider Lone Star Oaks as your destination. Contact us today to schedule a venue tour.
We are excited to showcase our beautiful wedding venue, including the enchanting chapel, picturesque outdoor ceremony area, elegant indoor reception spaces, and all the distinctive features they offer. You can find more images on our gallery, Instagram, Facebook and TikTok.
Elyse Bonner Photography