10 engagement party invitation ideas and wording examples to toast the happy couple

After popping the question, it’s time to pop the Champagne—and what better place to do that than an engagement party full of well-wishers? If you’re in charge of throwing an engagement party for the new fiancés—or you’re planning one for yourself—make sure it all fits the style of the happy couple. Start with our engagement party invitation ideas while also getting a little creative with your engagement invitation wording.

What should be on an engagement party invitation?

 

As with the rehearsal dinner or wedding shower, engagement party invitation wording should include all the important details to make sure guests know what to expect. 

• Date and time: Include the engagement party’s date so guests can mark their calendars, as well as what time to arrive. Include an end time if you booked your venue for a specific window or if you don’t want the party to go too late.

• Venue location and address: Include your engagement party venue, whether it’s your home or local event space, with the full address. Consider adding a Google Maps link to the specific place—especially if it’s hard to find.

• The names of the happy couple: If you’re hosting an engagement party for someone else, you’re likely inviting guests who don’t know you personally. Include the names of the couple so the guests know whose party they’re attending. 

• The host’s name: Include your own name and the names of any cohosts. If both sets of parents are hosting, make sure everyone’s names are listed on the invitation as a courtesy. This also lets guests know who to reach out to if they have any questions about the engagement party. 

• Dress code: If you’re hosting a semi-formal or formal event, consider adding notes about the dress codes so guests can dress accordingly.

• RSVP details: Make sure guests know how and when to RSVP—as well as the RSVP deadline. Then, track your headcount with Paperless Post. 

Optional information to include in an engagement party invitation

If you’re inviting guests who live further away, consider adding additional information to your invitations, including:

• Directions to the venue
• Parking instructions 
• Travel and accommodation information
• Recommendations for restaurants or shopping spots to visit in town
• Gather dietary information and other concerns with Guest Questions.

Engagement party wording examples

The tone of your invitation depends on what kind of party you’re throwing. The wording you use for a formal cocktail party will be very different from the wording for a backyard barbecue. Read some of our favorite engagement invitation wording examples with complementary design ideas to get your wheels turning.

1. Formal engagement party invitation wording

 

Nothing says glam like gold or sparkling silver. Use an invitation like “Allegro” by Kelly Wearstler to set the tone so guests know to dress to impress.

If you’re hosting a formal affair, make sure the tone of your invitation wording reflects that, as well.

Celebrate the engagement of

Hannah and Arturo

at a celebration of their love,

hosted by Hannah’s parents, Kyle and Maria Sanderson

on Saturday, October 12

8:00 p.m.

Mariposa Country Club, Monarch Ballroom

2545 Skylark Ave.

Semi-formal dress code

RSVP to Maria by September 25

 

2. Casual engagement party invitation wording

Some couples prefer a beer-and-barbecue type of engagement party. If that sounds familiar, send the straightforward “BBQ Lovers” invitation for a sweet (yet savory) party to celebrate their love.

Keep the wording similarly casual with a message like:

Jayla and Micah are getting hitched!

Let’s celebrate with the only thing Micah loves as much as Jayla:

burgers and beer.

Hosted at Jayla’s parents’ house: 87245 Fiona Road

August 20, 12–5 p.m.

BYOB or meats

3. Funny engagement invitation wording idea

 

Marriage is all about making each other laugh. Use the funny “Real Love, Real Rock” invitation by Derek Blasberg to make your guests smile and comedic wording such as:

This just got real.

Cherie and Mike are engaged

(We can’t believe it either)!

Come celebrate with us on June 16 at 5 p.m.

at Mike’s brother’s lake house

at 34 Sweetwater Terrace

Yes, you can bring guests, and yes, there will be an open bar.

No, you don’t have to dress nice (unless you want to).

RSVP to Mike’s brother Gary by June 1 so the drinks won’t run out.

4. Romantic engagement party invitation wording

 

There’s never a better time to be romantic than in your engagement party invitations. Use the “Floral Heart” invitation by Rifle Paper Co. to capture all the love in the air.

Then add sweeping romantic language like:

Diana and Charlotte found their happily ever after.

Join us for an engagement party

hosted by their loving parents

to celebrate their everlasting love.

May 13

100 Briar Rose Park

Dinner, drinks, and toasts to the happy couple

begin at 8 p.m.

Cocktail attire requested

5. Themed engagement party invitation wording

 

Themed engagement parties are lots of fun to attend—and to host. Whether you’re planning a taco party, a beach party, or a “Doctor Who” party, use a themed invitation like “Mascarene” to get the message across.

Get guests excited about your party theme with unique and creative wording as well:

You’re my lobster!

Join us for a beachy engagement party celebrating

Manny & Byron

July 19

3–6 p.m. at Forest Beach.

We’re serving sandwiches and playing volleyball!

Let us know if you’ll be there

by July 5.

6. Outdoor engagement party invitation idea

If you’re hosting al fresco and looking for engagement invitation ideas, greenery is the way to go. For a summer engagement ceremony, garden party, or casual backyard bash, send the lush “Chincoteague” invitation by Paperless Post to set the scene.

Then add classic wording like:

Cheers to the budding couple!

Celebrate the engagement of 

Thomas and Georgina

at a garden engagement party

hosted by their best friends, Isla and Ian.

January 20, 7–10 p.m.

609 Lakeview Drive

Semi-formal dress code

7. Brunch engagement party invitation wording

 

For busy couples without many free evenings, a brunch engagement party may be the perfect fit. Send the sweet “Hydrangea Frame” invitation by Rifle Paper Co. to welcome guests to a midday celebration of love.

Add wording that helps set the brunch scene:

She said YES!

Clink mimosas with Annabelle and George at their brunch engagement party.

Hosted by Annabelle’s sister, Mira, and George’s sister, Yvonne.

October 14, 11–1 p.m.

Marmalade Cafe

900 Main Street

RSVP to Mira or Yvonne by October 7

8. Cocktail engagement party invitation wording

 

If you’re hosting a boozy soiree or cocktail hour, give guests a hint about the theme of the night with “Twinkle Fizz” by Paperless Post and toasty language like:

Pop, fizz, clink!

Cheers to Andy and Keisha

on their recent engagement.

Raise a glass to the future Mr. and Mrs.

at an engagement cocktail party

on September 17, 7–10 p.m.

at Harding Chateau, 34 Taylor Rd.

9. Surprise engagement party invitation wording

 

If you’re surprising the newlyweds-to-be with a top-secret engagement party, use the “Inkling” invitation by Stephanie Fishwick.

Make sure your wording is crystal clear, so guests know to keep quiet:

Can you keep a secret?

John and Jasmine are getting engaged!

Join us for a surprise engagement party

right after John pops the question

on May 12!

910 Hideaway Boulevard

Meet at 6 and park down the street.

Don’t tell John or Jasmine!

RSVP to Michelle by May 1

10. Engagement invitation idea for hosting your own engagement party

It’s your party—you can send the invitation if you want to! Celebrate your love with a cute pic in the “Huge News” invitation by Paperless Post.

Feel free to get a little more personal or sappy with your wording:

We’re tying the knot

and couldn’t be happier.

Join Leti and Diran

as we take our first steps toward the rest of our lives.

February 16, 8–10 p.m.

736 Goodwin Dr.

Please RSVP by February 9

Engagement party invitation wording tips

 

Unlike a formal wedding invitation, you’re allowed to have a little fun with your engagement invitation wording using a few of these extra tips.

• Be “you” on your invitation: Instead of formal phrases you’d typically find on wedding stationery, use wording that plays up your theme or expresses your personality. Use “we’re tying the knot” for a nautical-themed party or a funny quote from your favorite movie. 
• Choose a photo invitation if you want to keep it brief: On a photo invitation, you can upload a photo of the engaged couple, and the picture will take up most of the real estate on the invitation—leaving you with very little wording to edit or fill out yourself.
• Don’t add gift registry information to an engagement invitation: Don’t include registry information at this point. Registry links and information can come later when it’s time to send wedding shower invitations. You may want to also add a simple phrase such as “no gifts please” to your engagement party invitation so it’s clear. 
• Address your engagement party invitations in a way that matches your event: If you’re hosting a formal cocktail party, you can use full titles with first and last names. For example, “Mr. and Mrs. Tom and Jane Smith.” If it’s more casual, use just first and last names. For example, “Tom and Jane Smith.” If you aren’t sure, just address the guests you’re inviting to the engagement party as you would for another celebration, like a dinner party.
• Add a cohost to share the responsibility: Consider adding another family member or friend as a co-host to your invitation to share the communications and planning for the event. You can also add your cohost’s email address to your Paperless Post initiation to give them access to your event’s guest list, RSVP tracking, Guest Survey responses, and messaging.

Take the first step to forever with Paperless Post

 

Paperless Post has everything you need to throw the best engagement party ever. Once you’ve picked the perfect message for your invitations, it’s time to brush up on your engagement party etiquette. 

Looking for more inspiration on what type of party to throw? Browse our guide to engagement party ideas you’ll fall in love with. Before you know it, it’ll be time to pick out the save the dates for the big day!