So you’ve just gotten engaged (congratulations!) and you and your bride-or-groom-to-be are overflowing with excitement. Throwing an engagement party for your friends and family is a great way to celebrate the good news and prepare yourself before any serious wedding planning. We’ll give you a few tips on how to put together the perfect engagement celebration!

Host

Though traditionally the bride’s parents take care of the engagement party, there are no concrete rules on who has to host. In general, if you are planning the party, you should also take care of any expenses. Friends and family members may even volunteer to plan the whole thing, but don’t place any expectations upon others right off the bat.

Date/Location

Pick a feasible date within a few months of the actual engagement announcement. You don’t want to wait too long, but you also want to allow yourself some breathing time to plan. Picking an appropriate location is totally up to you and your fiancé(e). Whether it’s a restaurant, bar, or someone’s private home, make sure it matches your personalities and is comfortable for everyone.

Guests

Again, your guest list is totally up to you. You can include guests who aren’t on the wedding invite list, or you can exclusively invite people that will be attending the wedding. It may be most practical to work on your wedding guest list ahead of time, so as to avoid any awkward situations.

Keep It Simple

Remember – the engagement party isn’t designed to be stressful or too much of a burden. It’s a lighthearted event that is meant to embrace the love you share! Keeping it simple is always the best way to go. Happy planning!