Two of my very best friends are getting married next June! It's going to be the best month ever, and I can hardly wait.
So right now, that means there are two engagements to celebrate. One of these friends has cut back on how much or how often he drinks, just to help be a little bit healthier. But lots of his friends and co-workers keep wanting to take him and his fiancee out for drinks to celebrate their new engagement! A totally sweet and very kind gesture...but it can be a little awkward for people who are trying to drink less.
Anyway, this got us into a conversation about why, in our mid- to late-20's, celebrations have to be so connected to alcohol. I thought you guys could help me brainstorm a few ways to celebrate that don't involve hitting up the bar! Let me know in the comments and I'll add them to this list.
Here's what I've got so far.
- Brunch, of course! Who doesn't love breakfast food?
- Host a celebratory game night. Invite the newly engaged couple over with their favorite board game. Extra points (get it?) for keeping a big scoreboard! Kristie's and my new favorite is Hollywood Game Night. Hysterical.
- Take a class together. Sign up for an experience through a website like Verlocal or Groupon. Learn how to bake French macarons, make a letterpress poster, forage through Central Park, or go on a walking tour of your favorite city. You could also gift an experience just for the couple (helloooo massages) via a gift certificate.
- Have a picnic. This one's easy -- pack up a few favorite snacks (like grapes, a baguette or two, and some goat cheese) and spread a blanket in the nearest park. Bring lawn games and enjoy the sun! If the couple is more of the outdoorsy type, suggest a group hike.
- Make a donation. Find out what cause is near and dear to the intendeds, and make a donation in their name.
- Dance lessons. Lots of newly engaged couples will soon be hitting the dance floor -- offer the first lesson on you, and go together!
- Take the couple to a new (to them) used bookstore, and add to their future shared bookshelf. Follow up with a good cup of coffee.
- Go on a "dessert tour" of a few different restaurants downtown. Share and rate each treat!
- Make them a home-cooked meal inspired by the cuisine of their honeymoon destination.
I can't wait to hear your suggestions!
From the comments...
- J. Bannister: "I've found that other than going to an actual bar, almost anything that would normally involve drinks can be done alcohol-free. ...Other celebration ideas: have a bonfire; go out to dinner or dessert or coffee (anything coffee or tea related is awesome in my book); do something fun & active like mini golf, bowling, laser tag, or a sports game; cook a meal together or decorate cupcakes; go to a concert or play; or plan a visit to a local attraction (Peace Pagoda, anyone?)."
- Amy via Facebook: "My favorite engagement party took place right before Christmas. Instead of going out to bars, we had a potluck dinner at a friend's home and wrapped Christmas gifts we had pulled from a "Giving Tree" at a local senior citizen home. Many of the requested items were heartbreakingly simple: a pair of warm socks, a mug of my own, a soft scarf, so we threw in little extras to surprise and delight the recipients. Ultimately, instead of just toasting and turning a celebration of our friends' love into 'just another night at the bar' ... we passed the love on to others in our community who really needed it. Wins all around."
- Marilyn: "What about a cheese party? Everyone can bring their favorite cheese and shares with everyone. Of course there'll be other snacks too. :)"
- Carla: "Ooh, you can do a crawl of similar shops! It turns out like wine tasting, but instead you get cupcakes or visit candy stores or get a scoop of ice cream at different shops."
