Engagement Party Venues for Rent in Los Angeles, CA

Your Guide to Renting Engagement Party Venues in Los Angeles, CA

Engagement party tips

Engagement parties are an excellent way to celebrate your decision to tie the knot. Just remember, that there are no hard and fast rules on how to organize them. Some people throw big and loud feasts in big venues, while others throw an outdoor barbecue and have the time of their lives. The choice is up to the future newlyweds. Regardless of the style and number of guests, there are some helpful and general tips you should keep in mind. Take a look at a few of our best tips below:

Make a guestlist 

You can organize a feast for your family and friends, or limit your celebrations to family only. It’s all up to you. What you shouldn’t do, however, is to invite anyone whom you are likely not to invite to the wedding. The only exception might be if you are planning a destination wedding for a small number of family relatives. Overall, engagement parties are a great way to introduce the families and friends to each other and perhaps give you an idea of how you want your reception to eventually play out. 

Making a guest list will also help you determine the size of venue you will need, as it must comfortably accommodate all of your guests.

Set the date

Engagement parties are usually held around a month to 4 months after the engagement. This timing helps the couple get used to their new status before throwing themselves into any party organization. The date also depends on when the actual wedding will take place. Some people organize these events a year before tying the knot, and some even later. Many couples don’t hold these types of events at all, so don’t feel pressured to organize one if you don’t feel like it, or if you are on a too-tight budget. 

Decide who will host the party

Back in the day, the bride’s parents were in charge of throwing an engagement party. However, times have changed and now it doesn’t matter who is calling the shots. It may be the couple themselves, a person close to the couple, a few selected friends, or one or both sets of parents who may host it together. You can also consider organizing two smaller parties if you cannot agree on the date, style, or any other details. It’s also reasonable to hold more than one event if you and your soon-to-be other half come from different cities or live far away from your families. 

Set your budget

Don’t throw a big bash and waste your wedding budget on the engagement party. Although you may have it a bit easier if someone else is willing to cover all the expenses, it's best to be reasonable. The main purpose of any engagement party is to break the ice, have fun and spend some quality time together with your guests. You don’t need to spoil them with attractions. Save your best effort for the wedding itself! 

Choose decorations

You can decorate your venue as agreed upon with the venue, but we recommend not to copy the exact style you want for your wedding. Some venues on our website include decoration in the price so you can go for that, or you may want to hire a professional decorating company. You can also find inspiration on the internet and decorate it by yourself to keep a lid on your costs. You can always keep it simple, remember if you can’t decide on the decor–fresh bouquets and some candles always make a great impression! 

Decide on gifts policy

Many argue that gifts aren’t necessary at an engagement party. Think about your opinion on the subject and add a note to your invitations about whether the gifts are welcome or not. Current etiquette policy states that if the gift policy isn’t stated in the invitation, it’s up to the guests to decide. If they want to bring small, meaningful gifts, they have the right to do so.  

Decide on a menu 

You can either throw a party with a four-course meal or with small finger foods. It all depends on the venue you choose, and the weather if you choose an outdoor party. Ask venue managers if they provide food as part of an event package or if you will need to arrange an outside caterer. Check the event packages they have on offer– and make sure you understand what they include, and if drinks and beverages are included in the price. Always take the opportunity to ask about any special deals or discounts. Also, it’s best practice to inform the guests in the invitations about the type of catering that will be offered during the event.  

Send invitations

Make sure to include the most important information in your invitations such as location and tips on how to get there, your gift policy, and any R.S.V.P. deadlines, etc. Send them at least one month in advance to help your guests arrange their schedule and celebrate this milestone occasion.

Party venues across LA come in different styles and sizes so don’t think you will have to settle for anything less than what you have always dreamed of. Hop on Tagvenue’s platform and check out our curated list of amazing spaces all over the city in just a few clicks! 

FAQs about Engagement Party Venues in Los Angeles, CA

How much does it cost to throw an engagement party in Los Angeles?

Prices for restaurants start from $30 to several hundred dollars per person. Some of them charge per minimum spend and then expect the prices from $1000. As LA has beautiful weather all year round, there are many outdoor venues ready to host engagement parties from $300 to $1500 per evening. For indoor spaces, expect prices around $100  per hour, or $1500 per session. (All data from Tagvenue.com)

What are some great engagement party venues in LA?

Although LA is full of amazing spaces, here are some of our top picks:

Leather & Rose - this venue offers an intimate and casual speakeasy hideaway, perfect for making your engagement party feel exclusive yet fun! Cocktails, fantastic staff and good vibes are all part of the experience.

Bonaventure Brewing Co - this brewery offers breathtaking views of Downtown LA, and a special green and vibrant ambiance, perfect for engagement celebrations. 

Ballast Point Brewing - delicious handmade dishes and handcrafted beers, and just a stone’s throw from the Pacific Ocean. 

Do you need to have an engagement party?

It’s only up to the engaged couple! Don’t feel the pressure to throw an engagement party if you’re not into such gatherings, or you’re on a limited budget. Although such affairs are appreciated, they will in no way affect the success of your wedding.

Where can I throw an outdoor engagement party?

Los Angeles and its diverse surroundings offer magnificent places around every corner. Why not consider an outdoor engagement party on any of the city’s lovely rooftops, patios, or gardens. You can also go glamorous and rent a yacht in Santa Monica! Or why not rent an entire club space in Downtown Los Angeles. Tagvenue has many great venues on offer, so the choice is yours!