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Updated Dec 13, 2024How to Plan the Ultimate Rooftop Engagement Party
Host a sky-high celebration with mesmerizing views.
Photo: bbernard / Shutterstock
Whether you or someone you love just got engaged, that's a big reason to celebrate. Revel in the excitement alongside family and friends with a rooftop engagement party boasting jaw-dropping views. Host a mid-day brunch al fresco, watch the sun dip below a city skyline or dance under the stars from a rooftop venue. No matter where you hold your soiree, we have the tips and ideas you need to know, along with venues across the US.
In this story:
- How to Plan a Rooftop Engagement Party
- Rooftop Engagement Party Ideas
- Rooftop Engagement Party Venues
How to Plan a Rooftop Engagement Party
When it comes to planning an engagement party at a rooftop venue there are a few things to keep in mind. Make your engagement party checklist with these tips.
Find Your Venue
Choose a rooftop venue with a view you love, whether it's of your favorite spot in the city, a breathtaking mountain range or near the ocean. Make sure it's large enough to accommodate everyone on your guest list. Also, take into consideration any street noise and if it is accessible for all of your guests.
Make a Rainy-Day Backup Plan
Check with your venue about a backup plan for an unexpected rainy day. Depending on the severity of the rain, this might include tents and awnings to keep guests dry or an indoor room with a similar view. Take wind into consideration as well as you decide on décor.
Choose Your Decor
Enhance the beauty of your rooftop view with minimal party decor. This can include lanterns, twinkle lights, potted plants and small engagement party centerpieces. If not already provided, opt for weather-proof furniture with comfy cushions where guests can relax and take in the setting.
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Hire a Musician or DJ
A rooftop venue is a great spot for dancing, or simply mingling with close family and friends. Hire a DJ to get your party started, or a musician to provide relaxing background music. Ensure there is a good spot for them to set up and they have access to electricity if needed.
Serve Food with Warm Temperatures in Mind
If you're hosting your rooftop engagement party during the spring or summer, or even a sunny fall day, keep the heat in mind when selecting your menu. Hot temperatures can wreak havoc on certain foods like whipped cream frosting, mayonnaise-based sides and chocolate. Keep these foods in a climate-controlled area or avoid them altogether.
Rooftop Engagement Party Ideas
Picking your engagement party theme is part of the planning excitement. Find inspiration for your event with these rooftop engagement party ideas.
Sunset Engagement Party
Watch the sun dip below the horizon alongside your guests with a rooftop engagement party that takes place during sunset. Continue your celebration into the evening hours with dancing or serve dinner under the stars. Twinkle lights and candles create a romantic ambiance once the sky is dark.
Brunch Rooftop Engagement Party
Host a weekend brunch al fresco with a stunning view in the background. Serve mimosas, chicken and waffles, eggs benedict, sliders and an assortment of desserts. An earlier event time also gives guests the option to spend more time together after the celebration or catch a satisfying afternoon nap.
Summer BBQ Party
Celebrate your engagement with a summer BBQ soiree. Include bright colors in your engagement party decor, or go with a classic red, white and blue motif. Engagement party food items might include a burger bar with creative toppings, grilled veggies, fruit kabobs and frozen cocktails. Make sure there are lots of shaded areas to keep guests cool or host your event in the late afternoon or early evening when the sun isn't as strong.
French-Themed Rooftop Party
Say "oui" to love with a French-themed rooftop engagement party. Treat guests to a fancy charcuterie spread, macaroons, French wine and crème brûlée. The only thing missing is the Eifel Tower in the background (but you can include mini versions in your décor).
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Hollywood Glam Rooftop Engagement Party
Literally roll out the red carpet for your guests with a Hollywood Glam-themed party. Ask family and friends to dress in their best black-tie attire and hire a photographer to snap their photo as they arrive. Hand out awards throughout the night for cute categories including "best mother of the bride," "funniest uncle" and "best couple" (which goes to the to-be-weds, of course).
Rooftop Cocktail Party
Instead of a full meal, serve heavy hors d'oeuvres and cocktails during your rooftop engagement party. Get creative with signature cocktails that represent the to-be-weds. Keep your rooftop engagement party short, or extend the celebration and add a variety of desserts to your menu.
End With Sparklers
You don't have to save the sparklers for your wedding send-off. This is a celebration, after all. Light sparklers with friends and family and get excited for the to-be-wed's upcoming nuptials. It's a fun way to end your rooftop engagement party on a high note.
Rooftop Engagement Party Venues
Celebrate the to-be-wed's next chapter at one of these engagement party venues that boast incredible views.
Monarch Rooftop in New York City, New York
Host a rooftop engagement party in NYC with the Empire State Building in the background at Monarch Rooftop. This is New York City event venue is located in the heart of Herald Square in Midtown Manhattan. The 5,000-square-foot space is situated on an 18th-floor penthouse and can accommodate up to 200 guests. Mingle with guests on lush sofas while you enjoy a signature cocktail from the natural wood bar. Interior spaces boast floor-to-ceiling windows and glass ceilings so you won't miss any of the breathtaking view.
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown in Chicago, Illinois
The Royal Sonesta Chicago Downtown is a unique and intimate place to celebrate the newly engaged couple. Book the 1,660-square-foot Penthouse Terrace at this engagement party rooftop in Chicago. With room for up to 200 guests, the Chicago event space is also home to interior spaces with floor-to-ceiling windows in case you need to retreat inside. There are also overnight accommodations on site, which is convenient for out-of-town guests.
Fado Irish Pub, in Atlanta, Georgia
With views of the Buckhead skyline, the rooftop garden at Fado Irish Pub is a gorgeous spot for a rooftop engagement party in Atlanta. Gather 150 of your friends and family for a standing event, or a close group of 50 for a seated dinner. This Atlanta event venue has a partially covered space with wood and stone details, along with distinct décor that makes you feel transported to Ireland. The venue also offers add-on services including special cocktail stations and casino night entertainment.
Knight Sky Dallas in Dallas, Texas
Invite up to 175 guests to a rooftop engagement party in Dallas. Knight Sky Dallas has a rooftop deck with expansive views of the city skyline that are stunning day or night. Cozy couches and minimal décor create an inviting space to gather with your loved ones. The event venue in Dallas also has indoor rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and a contemporary interior.
The Balcony Orlando in Orlando, Florida
Nestled between The Plaza Towers, The Balcony Orlando has an elegant and urban feel. This event venue in Orlando sits 11 stories above the city with views of Lake Eola and the downtown skyscrapers. Host your rooftop engagement party in Orlando on the 10,000-square-foot outdoor space with room for 500 guests. The 6,000-square-foot gallery is an indoor option in case of inclement weather.
