Are Engagement Parties Back? How Ella Rose McFadin’s Celebration Redefines the Trend

ENGAGEMENT

Once considered an optional affair, today’s engagement parties have evolved into carefully planned celebrations

TBJ EDITORIAL TEAM

January 25, 2025

Engagement parties are making a strong comeback. Once considered an optional affair, today’s engagement parties have evolved into carefully planned celebrations to set tone for their wedding journey. This resurgence comes as weddings have become multi-event experiences, often stretching over several days and including everything from bridal showers to welcome parties. Engagement parties, in particular, are enjoying a new wave of popularity as couples look for ways to slow down, savour the moment, and authentically celebrate their “yes.”

In the age of Instagram, couples are increasingly documenting and celebrating every moment of their wedding journey. From saying “yes” to the dress to cake tastings and honeymoon planning, these milestones are shared with friends, family, and followers. An engagement party is a natural way to kick off this journey, offering a chance to celebrate without the pressures of the big day. With the shift towards intimate gatherings, The post-pandemic wedding boom has also influenced how couples approach their celebrations. Many opt for smaller, more meaningful events, prioritising quality time with loved ones over large-scale gatherings.

Fashion and lifestyle creator Ella Rose McFadin’s recent engagement party is a prime example of how this tradition is embraced with fresh energy and creativity. Her chic Brooklyn soirée combined thoughtful, personal touches, modern elegance, and a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere that perfectly captured the spirit of today’s engagement parties.

Inside Ella Rose McFadin’s Engagement Party

Ella Rose McFadin, a 27-year-old digital creator and founder of Skin by Ella, celebrated her engagement this past Saturday, January 18th, at With Others, a trendy venue in Brooklyn. The event was attended by 45 guests, including close friends, family, and notable names from the fashion and lifestyle world. The choice of venue set the tone for the evening. Located at 340 Bedford Ave, With Others offered the perfect blend of modern charm and cozy elegance, creating a welcoming space for Ella’s guests to mingle and celebrate.

The Bride’s Look

Ella’s outfit reflected her minimalist yet fashion-forward style. She wore a stunning dress by Arakii, paired with hair styled by Madison Roulan, owner of Rule on Salon, and glowing makeup by Alexandria Scoffel @scoffstagram. The look perfectly embodied Ella’s “less is more” philosophy, emphasising natural beauty and effortless elegance.

Decor, Details & decadent Memories

Ella’s engagement party was a masterclass in understated sophistication. Florals by Flowers by Ford added a touch of romance with arrangements featuring garden roses and anthuriums. At the same time, custom napkins by Abbode and decor elements from The Ribbon on Top provided thoughtful, personalised touches.

Ella’s decision to document the evening through Super 8 footage and behind-the-scenes iPhone content added an authentic, relatable touch to the celebration. Follow the Bride captured the behind-the-scenes content.

A Focus on Authenticity: Ella’s decision to document the evening through Super 8 footage and behind-the-scenes iPhone content added an authentic, relatable touch to the celebration. It reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the ones captured candidly.

The evening’s guest list included notable names like Remi Bader, Lucy McFadin and Alyssa Lynch, adding a touch of star power to the intimate gathering. Guests were encouraged to embrace a chic, cocktail-inspired dress code, and the results did not disappoint.

How Engagement Parties are evolving

Engagement parties today are a far cry from the casual gatherings of the past. Here’s how they’re evolving:

Focus on Personalization: Today’s engagement parties are about personalisation, from custom decor to signature cocktails. Couples are finding ways to make these events uniquely theirs, whether through themed decor, curated playlists, or DIY touches like Ella’s bespoke napkins.

Quality Over Quantity: Engagement parties have become more intimate, with many couples opting for smaller guest lists. This allows for meaningful connections and quality time with loved ones, making the celebration feel more special. Blurring the Lines Between Formal and Casual: While some couples prefer the traditional dinner party format, others embrace unconventional ideas, such as themed parties, backyard BBQs, or cocktail soirées. The key is finding a balance that reflects the couple’s style while creating a memorable guest experience.

Ella Rose McFadin’s Engagement Party: A Blueprint for Modern Celebration: Ella’s engagement party stands out as a prime example of how to blend modern elegance with heartfelt details. Here’s what made her event a standout: Venue Choice: The intimate yet stylish setting of With Others created the perfect backdrop for the celebration, proving that the proper venue can elevate any event. Attention to Detail: Every element of Ella’s party was thoughtfully curated, from the floral arrangements to the personalised decor. These small touches added depth and meaning to the event, making it feel polished and personal.

A Focus on Authenticity: Ella’s decision to document the evening through Super 8 footage and behind-the-scenes iPhone content added an authentic, relatable touch to the celebration. It reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful moments are the ones captured candidly.

Are Engagement Parties Here to Stay?

The resurgence of engagement parties suggests they’re more than just a passing trend. In an era where weddings are becoming more personalised and multi-faceted, engagement parties offer couples a chance to celebrate their love story in a way that feels true to them. Whether it’s a small dinner with family, a backyard bash with friends, or a glamorous soirée like Ella’s, these events are about more than just marking the occasion—they’re about creating memories that will last a lifetime.

The answer for couples considering whether to host an engagement party seems clear: now is the time to embrace this tradition and make it your own. After all, as Ella’s celebration shows, there’s no better way to kick off your wedding journey than with a party that’s as unique and special as your love story.