Weddingbee

Do you know what is better than being able to accomplish all of the items on your to-do list during your only trip home before the wedding? Having friends help you to do so.

We were pleasantly surprised when Mr. Shortcake’s best man informed us that our first Saturday back in B.C. would  have to be booked off and vendor-free…he was, as he called it, throwing us a “Crazy Tropical Cheeseburger Liquor Engagement Party.”

(Energetic best man in question)

Mr. Shortcake and I were absolutely thrilled, as we had never had the chance to celebrate our engagement with friends before we had moved to Winnipeg. Read more…

I never thought that I really cared about having an engagement party until about a month or so into being engaged. I was ready to make sure everyone knew how excited I was, but I didn’t want to ask someone to throw us an engagement party. My mom and I talked about it, but she said she was already planning (and paying) for the wedding and that was about as much as she could handle. Can’t blame her for that. Mr. Hydrangea’s family doesn’t really throw engagement parties in his culture, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable asking them.

After thinking about it, and reading many articles online about how couples now throw their own engagement parties, I brought it up to Mr. Hydrangea and he, surprisingly, thought it was a great idea for us to throw our own. So we set a date and ordered some cute invitations (a sample is pictured below) online at Polka Dot Design.

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I’m a faux-tography buff. I like to think I’m wicked cool behind the lens, but deep down, I know better. Nevertheless, I persevere in my quest for perfect pics. Vacation itineraries revolve around scenic landscapes. At parties, I’m a temporary teetoaler in fear of missing photo ops. So if I had to rank what’s most important to me in planning the wedding, naturally, it’s that our photographer have the superhuman ability to be in all places at once, with preternaturally perfect lighting at his back.

Not that it will matter. Mr. Lovebug and I have an uncanny knack for taking the goofiest, most un-flattering pictures. Just take a gander at our engagement party:

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Our engagement party was this past weekend and it was an absolute blast. My bridesmaids really knocked one out of the park. We rented out a small bar on Queen Anne called the Great Nabob. It was perfect for us and our 50 closest friends. Balloons, cupcakes and alcohol–more than a girl could ever want! We had a black and white theme, which might have been a mistake….

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Question. So… if an engagement party is being thrown in your honor, it’s probably rude not to show up, right? I mean people will probably notice. Right? Yeah… I have a major problem.

My engagement party has been planned for months now. About 50 people have been sent invites, we rented out a small bar and I even have a new dress. Oh, it’s also next Saturday night.

My problem is this: I start my new part-time *dream* job at a radio station that Saturday. I have to be on-air during my party. Hilarious joke.

Best case scenario? I talk to my boss and push back my start date. Worst case? I show up hours past the party start time. Oh, Universe. I just love it when you mess with me!

Mr. Lily and I have amazing friends who threw us what I consider to be the most incredible engagement party of all time. Seriously. We’re talking 5 stars. Even if real stars like Johnny Depp (who’s awfully easy on the eyes) showed up, it couldn’t have been better. Good friends and lots of drinks were a major part of it, but the bar they had it at is one of my favorites in the City. It’s such a good place for any type of party that I had to share.

The bar is called Gstaad and it’s on 26th between 6th and Broadway. The owners are awesome and they have a private back room that they allow people to reserve for free. Plus, the Friday night DJ plays the best tunes. Our friends had them bring out big trays of champagne, which was a nice touch. Gstaad looks a bit like a Swiss ski lodge with a modern/sleek twist. The back room is like a cabin — it holds a ton of people and has comfy couches and side chairs. Here are some pics:

The main space:

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This past weekend, Mr. Lily’s lovely parents (who I adore) threw us an engagement party in the City. I just cannot rave enough about how wonderful it was to have our family together, and how completely fabulous the restaurant where they held the party was.

The restaurant is called Dani, and is in the West Village (Hudson and Charlton). The food — which was Sicilian with hints of Northern Africa — was spectacular! And the people who work at Dani were so accomodating and nice. They put together a special menu with Mr. Lily’s parents just for us and even printed up individual menus for each guest. Everything was perfect. I can’t wait to go back with Mr. Lily on our own!

Here are some pics of the space … and the food!

This is the area where the party was, although the tables were configured differently:

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Our engagement party (two Sundays ago) was a total success! The food was fabulous, the decorations looked great, my menus came in handy (especially for the great aunts and uncles, who kind of get lost in the shuffle when a buffet is involved), and everyone had a great time! Here are some photos from the affair:

Mr. Sunflower & I

The Bridal Party (take note of the woman holding the little boy - my MOH. She is yelling at her son on the floor in every single shot)

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I’ve been invited to an engagement party, and I’m sure I’ll be invited to the bridal shower and wedding ceremony as well. Do I bring a gift to the engagement party? And if so, what would you suggest?

Karen

This month’s In Style magazine had a great layout on monogrammed gifts. All of these would make wonderful engagement, bridal shower, or wedding gifts!

Monogrammed Coasters, Set of 100 - $39.75

Personalized Post-in Pack - $39.95

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