Getting engaged is a momentous moment in many peoples’ lives, soyou’ll naturally want to celebrate the occasion. Throwing anengagement party can be a great way to spread the happy news toyour nearest and dearest, as well as taking care of any othertricky business that engagement entails – such as getting eachpartner’s parents to meet each other. If you choose to host anengagement party at your home, there are a number of things toconsider. Even if you’re reeling from the shock of your partner’sproposal, taking time to make sure everything is right with yourparty beforehand will mean you can relax on the day itself.Choosing what time to have your party can be determined by itspurpose. If you’re thinking of a family event, with lots ofchildren around and people making long-distance trips, a daytimeevent at weekends could be most appropriate. However, forgatherings of friends or colleagues, evening occasions usually workbest. It’s always a good idea to hold the party close to the timeof engagement too, to avoid seeming like you’re ‘milking’ theproposal – especially as, if you leave it too long, you riskgetting close to your actual wedding. How many people you choose toinvite will determine how formal or intimate the occasion is.Smaller gatherings can work well to give your closest friends andfamily members a chance to chat without distractions, while largerevents can be a chance to introduce everyone you know to yourpartner, and vice versa – though remember the wedding itself canalso achieve this. This is an important consideration to bear inmind for all aspects of your engagement party; there’s no need forengagement events to possess any of the formality or rituals of thewedding day. Not everyone who will be on your wedding list needs tobe in attendance, and there’s no need for international callingto gather relatives from across the globe for a ‘dress rehearsal’of the big day. The important thing is that you and your partnerhave a good time mixing with other people you love. If you haven’talready announced your engagement to your friends, and you’veplanned the event as a surprise, getting the timing right can becrucial – especially as some may suspect there’s something fishygoing on. Having a few bottles of champagne ready for theannouncement can be a great way to celebrate, and choosing to haveyour party catered – even if it’s taking place in your own home -can reduce the burden on you as the host, and let you mingle andenjoy yourself more fully.
