You or your favorite couple just got engaged and you want to share the news with the world! One of the easiest ways to do so is with an engagement party. There are a few options when planning these soirees; traditionally the bride’s family plans them, but today anyone can throw a party to celebrate upcoming nuptials.

Should you plan a party for your close friends, there are several things you need to know. Begin by letting the couple in on your plans. Unless you are part of their family, they likely will be surprised by your offer. Remember, they are busy and have a lot of people excited about their engagement, so do not be offended if they politely decline. Consider other ways you can help them celebrate.

If they accept your offer, work with them to choose a date. Their schedule is going to be packed, especially if they have a short engagement, so do not pick a date and just expect them to attend. This is an exciting and stressful time for the happy couple, so try to make the party as fun as possible for them.

In the same vein, work with the couple on a guest list. As mentioned, everyone invited to the engagement party should be invited to the wedding. You do not want to force the bride and groom-to-be to include someone on their guest list that they were not expecting.

Decorations can be as simple or over the top as you want. Remember, things that could be considered too much at a wedding may be perfect for the engagement party. Big heart balloons or colorful toasting flutes might be the perfect touch for a fun party.

Instead of a guest book consider purchasing a more unique way for guests to leave their well wishes. Look for a wedding-themed plate that can be signed. This will be a decorative addition to the couple’s new home. Decorative plates can easily be hung on the wall or turned into a fun centerpiece. Save the traditional guest book for the wedding!

If you choose to throw your own engagement party, here are a few things to keep in mind. It is a fun way to announce your engagement and for the two families to get to know each other, but it means you need to have your guest list set early. Everyone who is invited to the engagement party should be invited to the wedding or you will risk a number of hurt feelings.

Even if you are on a budget, you can have an engagement party. The best part about this event – you can make it as small or as large as you and your fiancée would like. Bottom line, even if you are feeling tight on cash, you can still have a great get together with the people you love most in this world.

Finally, if your engagement will be six months or less, it may seem a little close to the wedding and other parties to hold this event. Instead, consider having a lunch with both couples’ parents