by Jenny Storchenegger 
 If you choose to have an engagement party it can be as lavish or casual, as you like. Think of your engagement party as a practice run for organising your wedding. Here are some hints and tips to help you plan your special event and make it a day you and your partner will cherish forever?

Venue
Discuss the style of party you would like and venue options with your partner. Also decide on a guest list so that you know how many people to cater for.

A cocktail party, BBQ and fancy dress are very different styles and may require different venues.

You may choose a hall nearby, a hotel, function centre, a park for a picnic or your backyard.

When contacting a possible venue, be sure to ask:

• The maximum capacity, number of heads.
• Alcohol permitted. BYO or licensed?
• Back up plan for bad weather? If the function is in the garden can a marque be hired?
• If catering is included, ask about vegetarian and diabetic diets.
• Whether the facility is suited to children.

If you are having it at home, there are many catering services and party shops available to help cater for and decorate the venue.

Food
Think of the season and select food appropriately. Hot soup is lovely in winter however, salads and cold meats may be more appropriate in summer.

Try not to choose food that is too exotic, as it may not suit the tastes of all of your guests.

Invitations
These can be printed for you, you can buy pre-packaged sets or make your own. For more information, see Stationery and Accessories.

Usually, those who are invited to your engagement party will also be invited to your wedding.

When sending the invitations, include gift registry information if you have decided to register for gifts. This is only really appropriate if you have a large guest list.

Include an RSVP with the invitation for the convenience of your guests.

Mention how you would like people to dress, for example, if the event is a backyard BBQ in a paddock remind guests to dress casually. You don't want Aunt Dot's best going out shoes to step in a cow patty.

Be clear as to whether children are invited and be flexible where necessary.

Provide a map with the invitation if the venue is hard to find.

Send your invitations at least four weeks before the event.

Photography and video
You may choose to enlist the help of a talented friend or ask your wedding photographer if you can work out a package to include your engagement photos.

Formalities
Depending on the venue, you may have to consider hiring an MC (friends or family members tend to be good at this too), music (live or a disc jockey) and perhaps organise speeches.

If the party has been hosted in your honour be sure to thank the hosts publicly for their efforts and kindness.

Themes and decorations
A theme can be as simple as a particular colour trend where invites, table cloths, balloons etc match.

A more elaborate plan could be to host a dress up party such as a Hawaiian Luau.

There are many function decorators or hire places that can help you out with props, balloons, decorations and even tables and chairs. See hire companies and decorators on our website, for example.

Personal touches
You may choose to design a photomontage. You can include pictures of you and your partner and certain friends and relatives that show significant or humorous aspects of your relationship. This can be a real talking point.

You may choose to leave a signature plate out or pass a book to guests and ask them to write a message to you and your partner.

If you are having a large event, you may wish to leave a small gift or bomboniere for each guest or couple at the table.

You could supply guests with disposable cameras so that they can capture special moments that the photographer may miss.

For more ideas type ?engagement party? into a search engine on the web and you will find that people have posted their own web sites about their engagement parties. Here you will find photos and a wealth of advice and ideas from people who have just planned and enjoyed their engagement party.

Do's

• Consider your budget and work within what you can afford to spend.
• Be sensitive with the date you choose. If you choose a date around Christmas, accept that some people may not be able to attend. Make sure your guests are comfortable. Have plenty of seating and tables to suit the style of the event, and ensure they cutlery is right for the type of food you are serving.
• Be responsible. Ensure that you have a variety of non- alcoholic drinks available for those who will be driving home.
• Make time for all of your guests as best you can. If you are shy, walking up to a group of people with a plate of appetisers is a great icebreaker.
• Find some helpers if you are catering for the event yourself so that you don't spend the whole night in the kitchen.
  
• Give out of town guests information about hotels or places to stay in the area.
• Take the time to thank your guests for any presents you may receive. Follow up with a phone call or send a Thank You card.
  

Dont's

• Ask guests to pay for themselves at a restaurant unless your guests are very close to you and you know they won't mind paying.
• Combine an engagement party with a house warming or birthday party. Make it a special event in it?s own right.
• Spend your night making sure everyone is happy and forget about yourself!