Elke | founder of Eddie Design Studio and Soap Social
If you're looking for inspiration for your own engagement party, you're in the right place.
“What was meant to be a low-key engagement party quietly turned into a full brand job. Kind of kidding… but not really.”
We asked Elke a few questions about the night, and as you'd expect from a designer, the details did not disappoint.
Naturally, you have such a strong creative lens in your work as a designer. Tell us about how you leveraged your design instinct when planning your engagement party. Did it feel different because it was personal?
What was meant to be a low-key engagement party quickly turned into something closer to a creative project. The date happened to fall on Valentine’s Day, which naturally became the theme. It started with illustrated invitations Elke designed herself, something she loves doing but now often passes to her team at Eddie.
From there it snowballed. Menus, signage, handmade bunting, illustrated wine bottles and vintage tableware from op shops slowly built the atmosphere. Even her outfit became part of the story, a pink and red gingham dress handmade by her mum.
“We work with hospitality brands all the time,” Elke says. “I love creating little worlds and bringing an atmosphere to life, so it was impossible not to lean all the way in."
Paint the scene for us, what were people eating, drinking, listening to?
“The aim was romantic and generous, but relaxed enough that we could actually enjoy the night.
Food was a big grazing spread with cheeses, farmers-market meats, vegan dips and honeycomb. Family helped with pastas and salads, and Lachie’s brother made ceviche served with tostadas. My mum baked gluten-free and vegan cakes, and a friend made a strawberries-and-cream sponge that people were lining up to photograph before it was cut.
Drinks were DIY at a self-serve station we called Bar Valentine, where guests mixed Hugo spritzes, Ink gin and tonics, spicy margaritas and non-alcoholic spritzes with bowls of citrus and herbs for garnishes.
Decor was lace tablecloths, silver platters, gingham, candles and bunting everywhere. The playlist leaned happily into the theme, romantic classics like This Must Be The Place, Stand By Me and Harvest Moon.
The whole night felt warm, slightly chaotic in the best way, and full of our favourite people.”
What does hosting mean to you personally?
“For this celebration it was really about bringing people together. That said, I’ll always take any opportunity to have fun with the aesthetics.”
Did anything go wrong, and did it matter?
“The day before we were getting flood warnings, so the outdoor setup had to change. Hay bales meant for the garden ended up under cover, but everyone still fit perfectly and it only lightly sprinkled.
My only regret is not getting more photos of the bar and menus, but I was busy enjoying the fruits of my labour.”
What makes a gathering unforgettable?
“Good food and good drinks will always be talked about afterwards. People might forget the plates you used, but they’ll remember the ceviche or the cocktails.
More than anything though, it’s the feeling in the room, when people feel relaxed, looked after and a little spoiled.”
