Guest list

Your engagement party guest list will most likely be determined by your budget. If you are hosting your own engagement party, make sure you set and stick to a budget. Pick family and friends you'd like to share this time with and send your engagement party invitation to those guests. Others that could not be included should receive an engagement announcement. This guest list can be a great start to your wedding invitation list although there is no etiquette that states that those invited to the engagement should be invited to the wedding.

Invitation

Pick an engagement invitation that suits your style. You probably haven't picked out any of your wedding stationery, so it is not a must that they match. Once you have settled on an invitation make sure you include lots of detail. Not only should you include time, date and location, but make sure to note the type of party i.e. cocktail party, dinner party, luncheon, etc. so guests will know what to expect. You should also make a note about who is invited; spouses and significant other are typically invited, but you should be clear about whether or not children are welcome. You should not mention anything about gifts – not even to say ‘no gifts please.' Your invitation is not a solicitation of a gift and your guest will decide if they will bring a gift or a note of congratulations.

Have fun! That is the key to this and any party. Once your engagement invitations are out, all you have to do is enjoy your party. Your guests will want to see you and your fiancé, congratulation and wish you well. Don't spend the evening tied to the kitchen stove or get stuck taking coats and serving drinks. Consider hiring some professional help with these tasks. While it is an added expense, it is money well spent as you will be able to enjoy your party. Playing hostess is fine for a casual get-together, but this is a party for you. Make every effort to make it enjoyable for you and guests who came to see you.

Traditions

Some brides-to-be are sticklers for tradition, while others buck tradition and rely on their own sense of style. For the record, there are some charming traditions associated with the engagement party. Whether you choose to follow these or create your own traditions is completely up to you. Traditionally, the engagement party is hosted by the groom's parents. This party was also a symbol of the joining of the two as the parents exchanged the dowry. One can see why we choose to stick to some and abandon other traditions. More recently, the engagement party has served as an opportunity for the families and friends of the bride and groom to meet and mingle.

Your engagement party doesn't have to be a formal affair. Your family and friends want the opportunity to celebrate this time in your life with you and this is the perfect opportunity. Don't miss your chance to be toasted and celebrated in your new – and brief – role of fiancé.