Setting the Tone: Why Engagement Parties Shine at HMD Bar & Grill
Imagine popping the question, then celebrating in a room filled with friends, laughter, and the perfect soundtrack. HMD Bar & Grill turns that vision into reality. Our welcoming atmosphere strikes just the right balance between relaxed and upscale—think exposed brick warmed by soft lighting, comfortable seating arranged for mingling, and a stage that brings every note to life. Couples love us because we combine memorable music experiences with standout dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. Whether you’re looking for places to hold engagement party for thirty guests or a larger crowd, you’ll find space to mingle, dance, and savor each moment.
Tailored Music Packages to Match Your Style
Finding the right musical backdrop is essential—and we make it effortless. Our team works closely with you to pick the ideal package, ensuring your engagement party reflects your taste and mood.
Live Band Packages
Nothing beats the energy of live instrumentation. Choose from jazz trios to high-energy rock bands. Each package includes:
• Two 45-minute sets with a 15-minute intermission
• Professional sound engineer and stage manager
• Customizable song list—your first dance, crowd favorites, or a surprise mash-up
DJ-Only Offerings
For nonstop beats, our resident DJs keep the party moving. This package features:
• Four hours of music with seamless transitions between genres
• Wireless mic for toasts and announcements
• Personalized playlist consultation to capture your vibe
Hybrid Options
Blend the best of both worlds. Start with a live quartet during cocktail hour, then switch to a DJ who cranks up the volume for dancing. Hybrid bookings include setup for both acts and a dedicated coordinator to ensure smooth musical flow.
Packages for Every Celebration Size
From an intimate cocktail-style engagement to a full-blown reception, HMD has you covered. We match music and menu to the scale of your guest list so every detail feels intentional.
Intimate Gatherings (10–30 Guests)
– Acoustic duo or solo guitarist for a relaxed, conversational vibe
– Passed canapé service: three seasonal bites per person
– Cozy lounge setup with plush ottomans and low tables
Mid-Scale Receptions (30–60 Guests)
– Trio or quartet for live music, or DJ set with lounge tracks
– Buffet station featuring two signature entrées and a seasonal salad
– Social seating clusters to encourage mingling
Grand Celebrations (60–120 Guests)
– Full dance floor and lounge zones
– High-energy band plus DJ transition for peak hours
– Hors d’oeuvre stations, carving tables, and dessert bars
Chef’s Corner: Signature Creations & Seasonal Inspirations
At the heart of every HMD event is our culinary team, led by Executive Chef Marisol Reyes. Trained in coastal French cuisine and inspired by regional farmers’ markets, Chef Marisol crafts menus that balance bold flavors with refined presentation. Her philosophy: celebrate the season, honor the ingredient, and surprise your palate.
• Signature Entrée Spotlight: Coffee-Rubbed Beef Tenderloin
– Dry-aged local beef with a house-blend coffee and ancho chili rub
– Served with roasted heirloom carrots, parsnip puree, and microgreens
– Pairs beautifully with our Malbec or a New-Orleans-style Sazerac
• Chef’s Seasonal Creative: Chilled Melon & Prosciutto Soup (Summer)
– Honeydew and cantaloupe purée with mint oil and crispy prosciutto shards
– Light, refreshing, and appetizer-sized for cocktail hours
• Plant-Forward Feature: Forest Mushroom & Farro Risotto (Fall)
– Arborio rice, wild mushroom medley, aged Parmesan, and truffle essence
– Garnished with pickled ramps and baby arugula
Chef Marisol hosts quarterly menu-development showcases, where couples can sample new dishes and contribute feedback. These “Chef’s Table” events also spotlight local purveyors—like Baker & Bloom Greens and Riverside Heritage Poultry—so you can meet the faces behind your food.
Expanded Culinary Offerings
Beyond tasting flights, HMD provides full plated menus, buffet stations, and family-style service. Here’s a deeper look:
• Plated Dinner Options (Choose up to three entrées)
1. Pan-Seared Chilean Sea Bass with saffron beurre blanc, sugar snap peas
2. Lemon-Thyme Roasted Chicken Breast with wild rice pilaf
3. Vegan Moroccan Vegetable Tagine with apricot couscous
4. Maple-Glazed Pork Chop with sweet potato gratin
5. Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb with minted pea purée
• Family-Style Shareables
– Grilled Vegetable Antipasto Platter
– Slow Roasted Beef Brisket with Chimichurri
– Baked Polenta with Gorgonzola, roasted mushrooms, and balsamic glaze
• Dessert Collection (Choose two or three)
– Strawberry-Basil Shortcake Shooters
– Mini Lemon Meringue Tarts
– Gluten-Free Chocolate Olive Oil Cake
– House-Made Gelato Trio (vanilla bean, pistachio, espresso)
Dietary restrictions? We build gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and allergy-friendly menus tailored to your guest list. Every plate is clearly labeled and seamlessly integrated into the overall service flow.
Craft Cocktails and Beverage Bundles
Elevate your engagement party with handcrafted cocktails and curated beverage packages designed to keep spirits high—and flowing.
• Signature Cocktail Flight
– Lavender Lemon Fizz: lavender-infused gin, house lemon cordial, soda
– Spiced Pear Smash: rye whiskey, poached pear syrup, cinnamon bitters
– Classic Old Fashioned: bourbon, house-made bitters, orange twist
– Mocktail Add-On: Cucumber-Mint Cooler with lime and soda
• Low-ABV & Spritz Selection
– Aperol Spritz: prosecco, Aperol, soda, orange slice
– Seasonal Sherry Cobbler: cold-fortified sherry, fresh citrus, crushed ice
• Wine & Bubbles Bundle
– Four hand-picked wines (Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Malbec)
– Chilled prosecco or brut for toasts
– Branded glassware and chilled corkage service
• Craft Beer Trio
– Rotating local brews: pale ale, lager, stout
– Flight boards with tasting mats and detailed notes
• Open Bar Packages
– Classic: vodka, gin, rum, tequila, whiskey, mixers, garnishes
– Premium: top-shelf spirits, aperitifs, cordials, and a dedicated bartender
– Add-Ons: monogrammed stirrers, whiskey stones, personalized drink menus
Seasonal Specials and Add-Ons
Make your celebration unique with limited-time touches:
• Seasonal Menu Upgrades
– Spring: strawberry-goat cheese crostini, pea shoot & mint bruschetta
– Summer: heirloom tomato tartare, grilled peach & burrata skewers
– Fall: roasted beet & walnut salad, smoked apple-wood bacon bites
– Winter: braised short ribs with polenta, chestnut-maple mousse cups
• Interactive Enhancements
– Mixology Demo: learn to craft two signature cocktails
– Gelato Cart with rotating local flavors
– S’mores Station under outdoor heaters
• Décor & Atmosphere
– Custom uplighting, monogrammed gobo projection, seasonal floral arches
– Lounge furniture packages: vintage leather sofas, high-top tables, outdoor lounge on our heated patio
• Keepsakes & Favors
– Engraved champagne flutes, seed-packet favors, local jam jars
– Curated vinyl playlist or digital mixtape delivered post-event
Venue Customization & Hosting Options
HMD Bar & Grill offers versatile spaces to suit every vision:
• Indoor Main Hall (Capacity 120)
– 1,200 sq. ft. with exposed brick accent wall and built-in stage
– Adjustable lighting scenes: cocktail, dinner, dance
– Integrated sound system and wireless mics
• Private Garden Patio (Capacity 60)
– Heated, canopy-covered patio with string lights and fire pits
– Outdoor bar station and live acoustic performances
• Loft Mezzanine (Capacity 40)
– Intimate overlook of main floor—ideal for VIP lounge or dessert bar
– Private bartender station and buffet table
• Full Venue Buyout
– Exclusive access to all indoor and outdoor areas
– Custom floor plans, event branding throughout, dedicated entrance
Our in-house production team handles every detail: AV integration, stage design, furniture rental, and even fog machines or photo-booth backdrops.
Tech & AV Excellence
We pair your music and speeches with premium technology:
• Audio
– Line-array speakers, subwoofers, in-ear monitors for bands
– Multiple wireless and wired microphone options
• Visual & Lighting
– Stage wash lights, intelligent moving heads, and LED uplights
– Projection screens for slideshows or live video feeds
• Live Streaming Packages
– Multi-camera setup, director’s console, and broadcast-grade audio
– Private streaming link so distant loved ones can tune in
Community Nights & Special Events
We believe in giving back to the community that inspires us:
• Weekly Live Music Series
– Monday Jazz Jam: open mic for local musicians
– Wednesday Indie Spotlight: emerging singer-songwriters
– Friday Night Grooves: DJ sets featuring local beatmakers
• Monthly Tasting Events
– Beer & Bites Pairing: seasonal brews paired with chef-curated small plates
– Wine Flights & Vibes: winery takeovers with winemaker Q&A
• Charity & Fundraisers
– Rotate nonprofits for “Sip & Support” cocktail nights
– Portion of ticket sales donated, with on-site donation stations
Couples can incorporate community-focused elements into their celebration, such as signature cocktails that donate proceeds or local artist showcases.
Sustainability & Local Partnerships
We’re committed to eco-friendly practices and supporting neighborhood businesses:
• Farm-to-Table Sourcing
– Over 80% of ingredients from farms within a 50-mile radius
– Weekly market trips by our purchasing team
• Waste Reduction
– Composting food scraps, donations to local shelters, and full recycling program
– Biodegradable serviceware available on request
• Green Energy
– LED lighting throughout, high-efficiency HVAC, water-conserving fixtures
• Local Collaborations
– Featured craft breweries, distilleries, bakeries, and floral designers
– Preferential rates and co-marketing opportunities for event clients
Seamless Booking and Planning Support
We know planning can feel overwhelming. Our in-house event team handles every detail from start to finish:
1. Initial Consultation
• Discuss vision, budget, and guest count with your dedicated coordinator
• Venue tour to explore layouts, sound system, and lighting options
2. Menu & Music Selection
• Tasting session for culinary flights and beverage pairings
• Music consultation to refine live band/DJ set lists and timeline
3. Logistics & Timeline
• Customized floor plan and seating chart creation
• Detailed production schedule covering load-in, performance breaks, catering service, and breakdown
4. Vendor Coordination
• Liaise with florists, photographers, and rental companies
• On-site rehearsal for speeches, first dance, and special presentations
5. Day-Of Management
• Event manager oversees setup, timing, and last-minute adjustments
• In-house staff handles serving, clearing, and guest requests so you can focus on celebrating
Testimonials
“Our engagement at HMD was beyond perfect. Chef Marisol’s tasting flight stole the show, and the jazz trio created magic during cocktails.”
— Emma & Marcus
“From the lavender-lemon fizz to the hybrid music package, every moment felt personal. The patio lounge was our guests’ favorite spot!”
— Priya & Daniel
“HMD’s sustainability initiatives impressed all our friends. They loved learning about the local farms while enjoying the incredible menu.”
— Laura & Jackson
FAQs
Q: How far in advance should we book?
A: Reserve your date 3–6 months ahead, especially for peak seasons.
Q: What’s the minimum spend?
A: Packages start at $2,500 for 10–30 guests and scale based on selections and add-ons.
Q: Can we bring outside vendors?
A: Yes—photographers, florists, and decorators are welcome. They must comply with our guidelines.
Q: Are dietary restrictions accommodated?
A: Absolutely. We offer vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options.
Q: What’s the payment schedule?
A: A 25% deposit secures your date. Balance is due two weeks before the event.
Q: Is there a noise curfew?
A: Music can run until 11:00 PM on weekdays and midnight on weekends. Later end times may require special permits.
Ready to Book Your Engagement Celebration?
Your engagement is a once-in-a-lifetime moment—let HMD Bar & Grill make it extraordinary. Contact our events team today to schedule your consultation, taste our seasonal flights, and lock in your date. Reach us at [email protected] or call (708) 857-7910. We can’t wait to help you celebrate the night you say “Yes!”
