Lifestyle and Relationships

Engagement party countdown

Count down to the perfect engagement party with our handy engagement party planner…

Choose a date and a venue ‐‐ you may want to host the party at home or in a hotel or restaurant.
Compose the guest list. People get booked up quickly so send a save the date card to your prospective guests.

Send out invitations, remembering to include directions and other details as appropriate. Ask people to RSVP.
Buy decorations and fun party favours from the confetti shop ‐‐ and don’t forget disposable cameras so that all of your guests can help to record the fun.
If you want to hire a DJ or entertainer do so now.
Decide what you want to do about food and drink ‐‐ will you concentrate on drinks, accompanies by a few nibbles, or will you provide a sit‐down or buffet dinner? Make a list of what you need to buy and prepare once you’ve decided. If you’re holding your party in a venue, you may want to hire a caterer.

One of your parents or your fiancé(e) may want to make a speech at the party ‐ discuss and plan this now.
For parties at home, decide whether you need extra furniture, crockery or cutlery. If so, arrange the hire now.

If you’re doing the music yourself, plan what you want to play. Make some mix tapes or CDs or, if you have a friend with decks and vinyl, ask if they’d like to step in.
If there is any food that can be prepared and frozen in advance, then now’s the moment.

If you’re holding the party at home, clean out your fridge to give you more space for party food and drinks.
Buy non‐perishable food and drink items and plastic cutlery, cups and crockery.
Remember to provide non‐alcoholic drink for drivers and young guests.

Start to decorate your house or venue and prepare food.
Make sure that you have cameras and a camcorder in working order and full of film.
Have you got enough corkscrews? If not, buy some!

Put plenty of binliners around the house so that people have somewhere to put empty bottles.
Put out food and drink and use paper tablecloths ‐ it makes cleaning up a lot easier
Clear away any valuables which might get smashed.