When I first got engaged, the usual flood of questions rushed at me—when’s the wedding? What’s your theme? Who are you inviting? But amidst planning the big day, my partner and I made an unconventional choice that became the highlight of our engagement: we threw an extravagant engagement party.

Many may scoff at the idea, wondering why pour time, energy, and resources into a pre-wedding bash when there’s an actual wedding on the horizon. But I’m here to tell you—it was one of the best decisions we made.

The concept was simple: we wanted to celebrate our commitment to each other with all of our friends and family without the constraints and formalities that often come with a wedding. We wanted it to be a reflection of us as a couple in the purest sense—fun-loving, adventurous, and over-the-top. So, we booked a venue that had an open rooftop with a stunning city skyline view, arranged for a live band playing all genres of music, from classic rock to pop hits, and secured gourmet food trucks offering everything from artisanal tacos to Belgian waffles.

The decor was another realm where we unleashed our creativity. We draped fairy lights across every surface, had photo booths with goofy props, and even set up an imprompt dance floor complete with smoke machines and laser lights. Our engagement cake was a four-tiered marvel decorated with hand-crafted sugar flowers—so indulgent that it rivalled traditional wedding cakes.

What made this party truly spectacular wasn’t just its extravagance but also its timing. It happened shortly after our engagement announcement, at a time when our excitement was at its peak. The joy we felt was unmatched because it was still so new; getting to share that with every person we loved was incredible.

Our guests still talk about that party. The beauty is that it didn’t replace our wedding celebration; it enhanced it. It set a precedent for fun and inclusivity that carried over into our wedding day many months later. That engagement party solidified memories just as poignant as those from our wedding.

So here’s my take: over-the-top isn’t necessarily wasteful or frivolous if it encapsulates who you are as a couple and brings joy to those around you. That engagement party wasn’t just another event; it was the best decision because it reminded us what these celebrations are truly about—sharing love and happiness in abundance.