From classic rock to bumpin' new pop songs, here's a curated list of crowd-pleasers.
Updated Mar 06, 2025Plan an Exciting Proposal Party With Your Closest Loved Ones
Answering all your FAQs on planning an unforgettable proposal party.
Illustration: Natalie Romine
You've just gotten engaged and wedding planning mode has officially begun (or is about to pop off along with some bubbly). But first! It's time to throw an epic proposal party with all your closest friends and family. This rite of passage is all about celebrating the next chapter of your life with your forever partner, and it sets the stage for all the wedding festivities to come. Whether you want to keep your wedding proposal party on the more cozy and intimate side or you're throwing a giant bash, we're answering all your most pressing FAQs so all goes smoothly.
In this article:
- What is a Proposal Party?
- When Does a Proposal Party Happen?
- Who Throws the Proposal Party?
- Who Pays for a Proposal Party?
- Who to Invite to a Proposal Party?
- What Should Guests Bring to a Proposal Party?
- How to Plan a Proposal Party
What is a Proposal Party?
A proposal party is the "just said yes!" celebration that usually takes place on the same day or sometimes within a few days of getting engaged. "Think engagement party, but with a hundred times the energy and charge after the most electrifying joy-filled moment possible," says Hank Stampfl, an event planner and the founder of Revel Rouge based in New York City. "You are in love shock and WHAM! Your closest people arrive right after the question to celebrate your 'yes!'"
Note that proposal parties aren't the same as an engagement party, even though the two are similar. The latter is usually planned weeks after the event and tends to have a more formal air about it. Proposal parties capture the initial rush of excitement and often occur within hours of the big question.
When Does a Proposal Party Happen?
Proposal parties usually take place on the same day or the day after getting engaged, while you're still basking in the exhilaratingly electric energy of getting engaged. "It usually happens on the day of the proposal, taking place immediately after the question's been asked, or it can be built into the event itself. We've done it both ways," says Jo River-Flyer, catering director at the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas. "Some people love the drama of walking into a room full of family and friends right after receiving a 'yes,' while others prefer a private moment first and then a celebration later that evening."
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
Who Throws the Proposal Party?
Typically, the person proposing plans the surprise proposal party. They may want to recruit a few of their closest friends or family to help coordinate details, especially since they may be busy popping the question while the finishing touches are put on the after-proposal party. Alternatively, you can hire an event planner to host your party at a venue where they cover all the details.
Who Pays for a Proposal Party?
The proposal party host is usually responsible for covering the costs, so that'd be the person who proposes. Of course, there are no hard rules here. Parents may wish to chip in or pay for the event, including the proposal party venue, invitations, decorations, food and photography.
Who to Invite to a Proposal Party?
Proposal parties are often intimate events attended by the newly engaged couple's close friends and family. "Invite the closest friends and family you'd pick up the phone and tell first," suggests Cecilia Romero, an event planner and owner of Miss 7x7 in San Francisco.
So it's less of the full wedding guest list and more of a curated crew. Think immediate family, best friends and your inner circle. To give you a better idea of size, River-Flyer says their proposal party guest lists are usually between 10 and 20 people.
What Should Guests Bring to a Proposal Party?
If you're a guest wondering what to bring to a proposal party, the best answer is yourself! If you're in on the surprise, then Stampfl says you can bring something small and celebratory, like a bottle of champagne, a hand-written card or some proposal flowers. Big hugs and happy tears work, too! "We have seen guests hide in bushes, behind trees and in restaurants to watch and film the magical moment," Stampfl says. "Nothing is expected except being a part of the most incredible day of your loved one's life!"
How to Plan a Proposal Party
From proposal decorations to sending out covert invitations, follow these expert tips.
Decide Whether You Want to Tell Guests
Romero says to decide early on whether your proposal party guests will know the reason for the gathering or if it will be a complete surprise. The latter tends to work best for larger groups where the beans are more apt to get spilled. If you trust your guest list to keep mum, you can fill them in.
Send the Invites
Send your proposal party invitations to family and friends, either letting them in on the secret or not. You can keep things low-key and under wraps by sending digital invitations that you can only access with a password or direct link from an email address.
Choose Your Venue & Decorate It
Choose a place that feels elevated but not overly formal; this is a more casual party compared to your wedding day. "Create a warm, romantic atmosphere with candlelight, great romantic music or a playlist of their favorite songs and a signature cocktail named after the couple," Stampfl says. "It's the little details that make it magical and memorable."
Hire a Photographer/Videographer
Hire a photographer, but make sure to hide them well! "You'll want those reactions captured, but nothing ruins the mood like a stranger waving a camera in your face as you're trying to propose—or be proposed to," River-Flyer says.
Double Check All the Details
Romero advises double-checking the timing and confirming every detail with the venue and guests to avoid any accidental reveals. If you need help coordinating everything, hire a proposal party planner or enlist someone you trust. That way, you can focus mostly on proposing, and they can handle the rest.
