By: Heather Burkett-Ocasio
If you know me at all, you know I’m obsessed with celebrating. I love parties in all shapes—flashy, quirky, or quiet—but you might think I had the most elaborate wedding ever.
…Surprise! I didn’t.
No engagement party.
No bridal shower.
No bachelorette party.
No rehearsal dinner.
We had a cozy ceremony in my brother’s living room. Fifteen people. Pizza. One beautifully imperfect day that happened just the way we wanted it.
That said, as a self-proclaimed party aficionado, I will admit—my mind still drifts to the celebrations I didn’t have. If I were planning my wedding today, you’d better believe I’d twist up the fun. Here’s how:
🎯 Engagement Party: Sabotage Mystery Party (Secret Agent Edition)
Think high-energy fun meets undercover intrigue. A Sabotage Mystery Party brings people together like nothing else—and reveals more than just secrets.
Here’s how it works:
- Guests receive personalized character cards with agent names and secret assignments.
- One guest is secretly assigned as the Double Agent.
- We play five hilariously competitive party games, switching up teams after each round.
- Your mission: Figure out who’s sabotaging the fun without getting caught.
- At the end of the party, everyone casts their vote.
- If the group guesses correctly, the winning guesser gets the prize. If not, the saboteur takes the win.
Why it works: It’s fun, unexpected, and interactive—and when you drop the real surprise at the end (“We’re engaged!”), you’ve created a core memory your guests will never forget.
🎬 Bachelorette Party: Bride vs. Groom Video Scavenger Hunt
Picture it, the Bride’s Squad vs. The Groom’s Crew! It’s 45 minutes of pure chaos, with the videos and pictures to make sure the memories last a lifetime.
Here’s how it works:
- Divide your party into two teams: Bride’s Crew vs. Groom’s Crew.
- We provide a fully customized list of quirky, photo-worthy, and heartfelt video challenges.
- Think lip-syncs in public, reenacting how you met, or interviewing strangers for marriage advice.
- Each team completes as many tasks as they can within a set time frame.
- At the end, everyone regroups to watch the footage on a projector for a fun-filled finale.
Why it works: It’s hilarious, fast-paced, and creates tons of footage you’ll treasure forever. It’s not just a party—it’s a living highlight reel of your love story and the people supporting it.
📸 Thank-You Party: Photoshoot Party with Tina Minshall
Interested in a Bridal Party Brunch, but want something a little more interactive? Our Photoshoot Party Package is a wonderful way to celebrate your nearest and dearest. Designed for 12 guests or less, this intimate affair is about truly celebrating those who are celebrating you!
Here’s how it works:
- Your closest friends gather in a relaxed setting filled with games, and laughter.
- Award-winning photographer Tina Minshall captures individual portraits and group moments.
- Each guest receives an 8×10 professional portrait.
- You can turn the photos into:
- A stunning wedding photo wall
- Personalized decor for the rehearsal dinner
- Framed parting gifts at the wedding
Why it works: It’s intimate, meaningful, and a genuine way to honor your inner circle. Plus, who doesn’t love leaving a party feeling their best?
Would I change my wedding day? Not for the world. I found my person, and that’s what matters most.
But I firmly believe every couple deserves pre-wedding parties that reflect who they are.
Whether you’re keeping it chill or going all out, there’s always a way to make it magical, meaningful, and entirely you.
Looking for ideas that go beyond the expected? Let’s twist it up. 💜
- Events With a Twist
- Heather Burkett-Ocasio;
- @EventsWithATwistJax
- EventsWithATwist.net
