How to Plan the Perfect Engagement Party or Couples Shower
The Perfect Party or Shower
A complete planning guide—plus why Brandt 1910 is the venue hosts love
As a venue owner, we see a lot of younger couples taking longer engagements to truly enjoy the season of life they are in. Engagement parties are less formal than the wedding day, more relaxed than a bridal shower, and full of excitement as friends and family gather to celebrate what’s ahead. In the Houston area, where guest lists are big, calendars fill quickly, and style matters, planning these events well can make all the difference.
Whether you’re a newly engaged couple hosting your own celebration or a maid of honor tasked with pulling everything together, this guide will walk you through budgeting, décor, drinks, invitations, games, entertainment, and a realistic party-day timeline. Along the way, we’ll also share why Brandt 1910 has become a favorite venue for engagement parties and couples showers near Houston.
Photos in this post are by Hamilton Photo & Video and feature rentals with Deluxe DJs.
Step One: Set the Budget (Before Anything Else)
Go ahead and start pinning décor ideas and picking out a signature cocktails, but don’t forget to define your budget early on. This keeps planning stress-free and avoids last-minute compromises.
Typical Houston-area budget ranges
- Casual in-home engagement party: $500–$1,500
- Mid-range couples shower: $1,500–$3,000
- Elevated celebration with full bar & décor: $3,000–$5,000+
Budget categories to prioritize
- Venue rental
- Food & beverages
- Alcohol & bar service
- Entertainment or games
- Décor & rentals
- Invitations & signage
Engagement Party Planning tip:
Choose a venue that already looks beautiful. A space with architectural charm, neutral tones, and good lighting reduces décor costs dramatically, one of the biggest advantages of hosting at Brandt 1910.
Choosing the Right Engagement Party Venue Near Houston
Your venue sets the tone for the entire event. For engagement parties and couples showers, flexibility matters more than size.
What to look for in a venue
- Space for mingling, not just seated dining
- Indoor comfort (Houston heat is real)
- Easy parking and accessibility
- Freedom to bring in your own food, drinks, or vendors
- A layout that works for games, speeches, and casual flow
Brandt 1910 offers a historic, warm setting just outside Houston with flexible indoor spaces that work beautifully for intimate gatherings and mid-sized celebrations. Hosts love that it feels special without feeling overwhelming—and guests love that it feels like a true occasion, not just another party room.
Invitations: Digital or Printed?
Engagement parties and couples showers are the perfect place to keep invitations simple.
Invitation options
- Digital invitations: Paperless Post, Greenvelope, or Canva (budget-friendly and fast)
- Printed invitations: Great for more formal couples showers or family-hosted events
What to include
- Date, time, and venue address
- Dress code (cocktail casual, garden chic, etc.)
- Registry note (if applicable—especially for couples showers)
- RSVP deadline
Timing tip:
Send invitations 4–6 weeks before the event to avoid conflicts with Houston’s packed social calendar.
Décor: Less Is More (When the Venue Does the Work)
You don’t need over-the-top décor for a memorable event—especially when the venue already has character.
High-impact décor ideas
- Welcome sign with the couple’s names (Brandt 1910 has a digital movie post out front for you to use, included with your rental)!
- Simple centerpieces (bud vases, greenery, candles) Again, Brandt 1910 has pieces you can use, included in your rental
- A focal moment: cake table, gift table, or photo backdrop
- Linen upgrades instead of excessive florals
At Brandt 1910, hosts often focus décor around one or two intentional moments and let the venue’s historic charm fill in the rest. This approach looks elevated, photographs beautifully, and keeps costs manageable.
Food Planning: Keep It Social
Engagement parties and couples showers are about conversation—not plated dinners.
Crowd-friendly food options
- Heavy hors d’oeuvres - Pier 36 does an AMAZING stationed feast that everyone enjoys
- Grazing boards or charcuterie
- Brunch stations (for daytime events)
- Dessert-forward spreads with a small savory option - I highly recommend Marini’s Empanadas for this!
Quantity rule: Plan for guests to eat comfortably, not excessively. Most guests snack and mingle rather than sit for a full meal.
Alcohol Needs: What (and How Much) to Serve
Alcohol planning is one of the most common stress points—but it doesn’t have to be.
Popular bar setups
- Beer & wine only
- Beer, wine + 1–2 signature cocktails
- Champagne or prosecco for daytime events
Simple alcohol estimates (per 50 guests)
- 4–5 bottles of wine
- 2 cases of beer
- 1–2 gallons of batched cocktail
- Plenty of non-alcoholic options
Brandt 1910 allows flexibility in bar setups, making it easy to tailor alcohol service to your guest list and budget while still keeping things polished.
Games & Activities Guests Actually Enjoy
Games should enhance the party—not interrupt it.
Crowd-approved favorites
- “How Well Do You Know the Couple?”
- Advice cards for the couple
- A memory or date-night jar
- Casual photo booth moments
Skip forced participation. Provide games as optional stations guests can enjoy naturally.
Entertainment: Simple Wins Every Time
You don’t need a full DJ setup, but sound matters.
Easy entertainment ideas
- Curated playlist with a speaker system
- Background acoustic music
- A short toast or welcome moment
- Slideshow or memory board
Brandt 1910’s layout supports music, mingling, and moments without overwhelming the space—perfect for celebrations that feel effortless. Our 15-foot projector screen comes with your rental, along with two microphones and a house sound system you can play music from with Bluetooth.
The Ideal Party-Day Timeline
Here’s a realistic timeline that keeps the event flowing smoothly:
1–2 hours before
- Vendor arrivals
- Décor setup
- Bar and food prep
Event Start
- Guests arrive, drinks served
- Light mingling
30–45 minutes in
- Welcome toast or short game
Mid-event
- Food fully available
- Open social time
Last 30 minutes
- Dessert served
- Casual goodbyes
Pro tip: Avoid over-scheduling. The best engagement parties feel relaxed, not rushed.
Why Brandt 1910 Is Perfect for These Celebrations
Engagement parties and couples showers deserve a space that feels meaningful—but not complicated. Brandt 1910 offers:
- A beautiful, historic setting near Houston
- Flexible layouts for mingling and activities
- A polished look with minimal décor needs
- Vendor flexibility and thoughtful amenities
For maids of honor, it simplifies planning. For couples, it creates a celebration that feels personal, warm, and unforgettable.
Final Thoughts
Planning an engagement party or couples shower doesn’t require perfection—it requires intention. With the right budget, thoughtful choices, and a venue that supports your vision, these pre-wedding celebrations become some of the most cherished moments of the journey.
If you’re hosting in the Houston area and want a space that feels elevated yet approachable, Brandt 1910 was designed for exactly this kind of celebration.
Give Brandt 1910 a call, text or email to learn about custom pricing and packages.
(979) 217-1772 (Call or Text)
Looking for more inspiration? Explore our photo gallery, pricing details, or testimonials from happy couples who’ve walked down the aisle at Brandt 1910. #Brandt1910, #Brandt_1910
