When your friend, sister, or daughter gets engaged, her biggest objective is planning the wedding. But all the other celebrations in between—the engagement party, the bachelorette party, the showers—those are your territory. Not sure where to host them? We’ve got you covered. Each week, we’ll give you the scoop on a variety of locations for all the celebrations that come before the big day. This week, we bring you five great engagement party spots.
Engagement Party
The Nasher Sculpture Center
Photo courtesy of The Nasher Sculpture Center
This beautiful sculpture center in the heart of the Dallas Art District is perfect for the modern couple. Impress your guests with garden décor by Picasso, Matisse, and Calder. The contrast between the sculptures’ clean lines and the soft greenery creates beautiful tension that will no doubt enhance the romance of your evening.
- The museum offers its gardens for after-hours parties Tuesday-Sunday from 5:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. and all day Monday.
- The garden’s capacity is 180 seated and 300 standing.
- Although renting the space is costly (a rental fee plus a mandatory membership purchase), your fee includes admission for all your guests; tables, chairs, and tableware for up to 180 guests; and security and event staff.
- Wolfgang Puck is the Nasher’s exclusive caterer.
- The Center requires that a list of vendors be submitted three weeks prior to the party date for approval.
- Décor may be restricted if it endangers the art.
The Dallas Arboretum
Photo courtesy of the Dallas Arboretum
For after-hour parties, the Arboretum offers three different venues, each with its own unique flair. Each of the venues offers valet parking, state-of-the-art sound equipment, and tenting. There is also a $100 discount for using preferred vendors.
Rosine Hall
- A traditional 5,000-square-foot banquet hall that can be divided into smaller areas
- Accommodates up to 350 guests
- Views of the Dallas skyline and White Rock Lake
DeGoyer Estate
- The entire estate is 21,000 square feet.
- Features a covered Spanish Colonial Revival patio with a garden off of it
- Accommodates up to 200 guests
Alex Camp House
- The perfect venue for those who want the feel of an at-home engagement shower without having to actually host people at your home.
- Beautiful two-story, fully furnished, white brick house featuring art deco décor
- Boasts a private entrance and driveway
- Outdoor lawn and terrace overlooking White Rock Lake
- Accommodates up to 200 guests
The Dram
Photo courtesy of The Dram
For a lively bunch, The Dram nightclub offers private parties in its dark, velvet-couched lounge. The cozy and warm décor is welcoming, and the extensive bar and party atmosphere guarantee a good time will be had by all.
- Open Tuesday through Saturday
- Events can be catered
- Available for cocktail hour or an entire evening’s rental
- Valet and a private lot
- Takes special requests
Trinity River Audubon Center
Photo courtesy of the Trinity River Audobon Center
This is the perfect spot for those who want to be surrounded by raw nature. Located just eight miles southeast of downtown Dallas, the Trinity River Audubon Center offers 21,000 square feet of wetland-surrounded space to choose from for your event.
- Accommodates up to 300 guests standing
- Spaces include the Great Hall, Decks, Exhibit Hall, and Café
- 15-foot wall-to wall windows overlooking the Trinity River Forest
- Private events are handled through Bolsa events and catering.
- There is a minimum four-hour rental for private parties.
- Events Monday-Thursday are $400/hour and events Friday-Saturday are $600/hour.
Lofty Spaces
Photo courtesy of Lofty Spaces
For an easy, minimalistic atmosphere, Lofty Spaces is an excellent choice. The spaces are open, airy, clean, and simple.
- Offers a 6,000-square-foot loft space for an indoor party
- Offers a 6,000-square foot patio with city views for an outdoor party
- Rental includes tables and chairs, a sound system, video system, free parking with parking attendant, and clean-up.
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