12 quirky engagement party ideas that don't cost a fortune

It’s the time to get dressed up, invite all of your friends over and celebrate your engagement. Whether you’ve already started planning the wedding or you’re just living in the moment, it’s definitely worth thinking about your engagement party.

These days, parties can quickly become expensive and over-the-top. But if you’re anything like me, you don’t want to skimp out, especially on such a special occasion. That’s why I’ve created a list of the best engagement party ideas for 2026. They’re fun, wholesome and won’t cost you a fortune.

What are the best quirky engagement party ideas?

The best engagement party ideas are the ones that don’t cost a fortune. Things like: bring a board where guests share the cost and time preparing food; games night, where everyone brings a game instead of purchasing new ones; or books & brews, where you bring your favourite book and host a book swap.

1. Bonfire night

Host a bonfire night for the ultimate cosy and wholesome get-together. Have everyone bring blankets and chairs, and decorate your outdoor space with some fairy lights for that enchanting feel.

Put together a bonfire night playlist and stock up on marshmallows to toast on the fire. Get comfy and share your favourite memories. It’s the perfect idea if you’re looking for a low-effort, chilled vibe for your engagement party.

2. Books & brews

This is one for all of the bookworm brides. Ask everyone to bring their most-loved book and organise a book swap. Take it in turns to talk about your book recommendations while enjoying a selection of coffee-shop style drinks and sweet treats.

Have a go at making your own goodies to save some money - when I made my own pastries, it was surprisingly simple. It’s ideal for that adorable brunch vibe, and everyone leaves with a new book to read.

3. Pasta dinner party

Instead of booking an expensive meal out, host your very own pasta dinner party at home. Get dressed up in black tie attire, and have everyone bring a homemade pasta sauce and a bottle of wine to match. All you need to do is provide the pasta.

Create a Pinterest-worthy table setting with candles, homemade place cards, and a little bit of greenery here and there. I recently wrote about table setting ideas that won’t cost a fortune but still look impressive.

4. Whodunnit party

Put your heads together to figure out whodunnit with a murder mystery game. There are tons of fun games like Masters of Mystery that involve character-led roleplay, where you work as a team to find clues and solve the mystery.

Dress up as your players, figure out puzzles and race to the finish line before it’s too late. There are tons of affordable murder mystery case file games available on Etsy, too.

5. Nowhere to wear it party

Have fun playing dress up with friends and family. We’ve all got at least one item of clothing we’re desperate to wear, but nowhere to wear it. Turn your engagement do into a ‘nowhere to wear it’ party, and let loose for the night.

Whether it’s a floor-length ballgown and statement heels, a lifesize hot dog fancy dress costume, or you’re head to toe in the loudest leopard print, be bold and celebrate your style together. Snap some polaroids to remember the night.

6. Bring a board

If you’re after a low-key, relaxed way to celebrate, then you can’t go wrong with a bring-a-board night. This is an absolute go-to for my friends and me whenever we’re spending time together because it’s so cost-effective and delicious.

Essentially, you’re sharing the cost and time of preparing food by each bringing your own selection. Some good ones include a classic charcuterie, a cheese board, a dessert board, and a chips & dip board.

7. Dessert night

Calling all those with a sweet tooth – this is the one for you. Think of it like a bake-off without the competition. Ask everyone to make desserts, be it brownies, churros, or a 3-tiered cake wedding cake (well!), and indulge for the night.

Lay a table to display everyone’s delicious sweet treats and dig in. You can always make it more fun by making your own bake-off-style judging sheets for everyone. The winner gets a small prize.

8. Outdoor cinema

Invite everyone round for a cosy at-home movie night. Make your own popcorn, create homemade movie tickets, and have everyone bring their favourite sweets so you can make pick’n’mix bags. If you’ve got a projector, even better.

If the weather allows for it, why not host an outdoor movie night? Organise for everyone to bring blankets and construct the ultimate outdoor set-up in your garden. I’m talking twinkly lights, outdoor heaters and lots of cushions.

9. Pizza night

Forget the takeaway pizza - what if I told you that you can make your own for half the price, and twice as delicious? I’ve been making my own pizzas since the start of the year, and I’ve never looked back.

Have everyone bring their favourite toppings and create the ultimate pizza-making station. All you need to do is make the bases. I use self-raising flour and Greek yoghurt for the base (add semolina for that Domino’s-style crust), and passata and Italian seasoning for the sauce.

10. Homemade afternoon tea

When it comes to the perfect, sophisticated engagement party, you can’t go wrong with afternoon tea. But instead of going over budget somewhere posh, opt to make it yourself instead, with a little help from your guests.

Decide whose making what: scones, baked goods, and finger sandwiches. And all you need to do is supply the warm beverages and classy crockery.

11. Games night

Get the party started with a games night. Instead of buying new games, have every guest bring a different game - be it a board game like The Traitors, trivia or a pack of cards - and enjoy an evening filled with laughter.

Spread the cost of food by asking all guests to supply their favourite snack and drink, and create a spread for everyone to enjoy. Divide into teams and play a ‘who knows the couple best’ pub-style quiz.

12. No gift, just bring…

If all else fails or you’ve left things a little last-minute, then you can always rely on a ‘no gift, just bring…’ get-together. The only rule is that no one turns up empty-handed. Be it your favourite snack, a well-loved recipe, a book recommendation, or a homemade sweet treat, and you’re sorted.