He's proposed, and most likely you're flashing your new engagement ring. Now it's time to plan the celebration, but where do you start?

Your engagement party is the perfect setting for the families and friends of the bride and groom to meet each other if they haven't already done so. Make yourself available at the start of the event to greet all your guests and introduce everyone. Mingle as much as possible so that your guests feel comfortable and relaxed.

You can celebrate in style with a swanky black-tie cocktail party, or a formal sit-down dinner, or maybe a casual serve-yourself buffet is more your style. Whatever you choose, remember that many of your guests may not know each other so you want them to be able to mingle comfortably.

Once upon a time, engagement parties were usually held at the home of the bride's parents, but nowadays most couples like to host their own engagement party. If you want to go all out, you can hire a banquet hall with full catering, a local hall or you could set up a marquee in your own back yard. The choices are only limited by your imagination (and wallet!)

Engagement Party Themes

Many couples like to choose a theme for their engagement party. Having a theme party helps break the ice with your guests and generally adds an element of frivolity the occasion. You can choose a 50s, 60s or 70s party, depending on the decade in which you were born, or an Hawaiian or Mexican party for something more exotic. If you prefer, the theme can be as simple as your choice of colors or the style of your decorations.

For a 50s, 60s or 70s retro look, decorate with lime green, purple, hot pink and yellow. If you'd like to go Hawaiian choose lots of bright greens, yellow and blue. For a Mexican theme, choose gold, purple and blue and have a pinata filled with candies for a bit of fun.

For a romantic theme, choose pastel colors and use tulle or organza to drape the tables, chair backs, stair railings and ceiling. Scatter rose petals and sparkles on the tables and light the area with twinkling fairy lights. Candles add a soft glow to your surroundings and can be used in a number of interesting and inventive ways.

Party and theme shops have a fabulous array of party items and props you can buy or hire for the night. You can check out your local shopping mall, or go online for the most wonderful array of balloons, streamers, party poppers, confetti, and candles.

Engagement Party Entertainment

Entertainment always seems to enhance the mood at a party, although it's not a necessity. A quality sound system and some lively CDs are certainly enough to raise the spirits of party-goers.

If your budget allows, you can hire a pianist or a string quartet to provide pleasant background music. If you'd prefer something a little livelier, how about hiring a juke-box, a DJ or maybe you'd prefer a mariachi band? Or you could hire a karaoke machine and invite your guests to contribute to the entertainment!

Set aside an area for dancing, then start everyone off with a special dance for the newly engaged couple. It will help prepare you for the wedding waltz!

Your choice of entertainment should match the tone and theme of the party, so make sure you choose the kind of entertainment that appeals to your tastes and makes you feel comfortable.

These days anything goes when it comes to engagement party ideas, so let your imagination soar and create a memorable experience, both for you as a couple and for your guests. Just remember to make it a fun-filled and happy experience and above all, enjoy yourselves!