by Lindsey Linge

Created on: December 04, 2008

He went down on one knee, or maybe she beat him to it and now it's time to celebrate with an engagement party! While it is traditionally the duty of the bride's parents, anyone near and dear (including the couple) can host the party. No matter where the responsibility falls, make sure your engagement party ideas get put together in a way that creates the celebration of a lifetime! Well, at least until the wedding comes around.

While all of the limitless possibilities might come to mind first, it is essential to know your budget before any decisions are made. This will influence everything from when the party is to how the guests are invited. Once the budget is set, a general framework can be put together.

Make a list of everything you plan to include in the party and rank it in order of importance. Does inviting great-aunt Suzie and elementary school friends beat getting expensive champagne? It's all a matter of taste and preference. The happy couple should be involved in these decisions, no matter who is hosting the party after all, they are the ones being celebrated!

Start with the most important element and plan the rest according to how that element impacts the event. If you are using the restaurant where they went on their first date, find out when it is available and the number of guests it can accommodate. Then choose when to have it and who to invite. Alternately, if inviting anyone and everyone is the priority, make a guest list before choosing a venue.

Account for major expenses, like location, food and entertainment, before planning details like party favors and napkins. Then keep an eye out for good deals and opportunities to buy in bulk. Order anything that needs to be custom made well ahead of time so you can replace it if a mistake is made.

Run through the entire event mentally beforehand. Think about everything that will happen and make sure that you have what you need. Is there a spoon for the punch bowl and an extension cord for the deejay? Have someone else go through the party with you so that they can help you catch anything you may have missed.

When the guests arrives, let go of the stress you may have felt leading up to the party. Forget about whether or not you got enough ice and just enjoy yourself! The guests will be too busy congratulating the couple and catching up with each other notice minor slip-ups. The joy of the occasion is the real celebration!

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