Tips to help you plan the perfect engagement party

With the warmer weather, people everywhere are preparing to get married, which includes getting engaged. Hoping for a perfect engagement party? Rule #1: It's never too early to start planning! Here are some other great tips to help.

A traditional engagement celebration is a cocktail party at the home of the bride's parents. A country club is another excellent formal venue.

• If your guest list includes people such as business partners, a formal location is appropriate. Don't forget to set aside an area for a receiving line to greet your guests as they arrive.

An engagement party need not be overly conventional.

• Try setting up the party in the comfort of your own home for a more casual appeal. As a general rule, it's best to keep things simple.

Did you and your better half meet on the beach? This may be the perfect location for your engagement party.

• Don't underestimate the effectiveness of a beautiful natural backdrop, like trees or a mountainside. A casual brunch or a picnic in the park can be the breath of fresh air you want.

You may choose to create your own flower arrangements and prepare the food yourself.

• Consider setting up an area underneath the stars at night.
• Hang stylish paper lanterns from a canvas tent or tree branches.
• Use potted plants and flowers to add grace and style to your backdrop.

Be bold with your choices, if you'd like. After all, it's your engagement party, so choose what pleases you.

To create elegant table settings, you may choose to drape solid-coloured tablecloths of a shade matching your wedding decor.

• You could select a simple yet elegant centrepiece, such as a vase filled with your favourite flowers. Loose petals often look nice sprinkled about.
• Twinkling lights and candles will add charm and romance.
• Photo collages also make nice table centrepieces. Pictures of you as a couple add personality and charm to your event.

What's an engagement party without party favours, food and music? A reason to go home early! To keep your guests entertained and having fun:

• Don't be afraid to place various wedding favours around that may add laughter and conversation, including gag items like a ball and chain.
• To avoid boredom, select foods that are interesting to look at and delicious to eat.
• Don't forget to include music to sidestep any awkward silence.

Planning the perfect engagement party can be done with ease as long as your personality is the main ingredient. Remember, you can create a beautiful event that will be remembered by all for years to come with a bit of planning, a touch of imagination, and a whole lot of love!