When planning your engagement party, you'll need to consider everything from food to formality.

Who do we invite?

Sit down with your fiancé and come up with a guest list. Make sure you only invite those people who you plan on inviting to the wedding. Consider family, friends, co-workers and obligatory invites.

What about invitations?

Depending on the formality and size of your party, you can e-mail, fax or phone your engagement party invitations. However, the most popular way is still via the postal system.

Consider using pre-printed invitations and simply fill in your information. This is a very budget-friendly option. Make sure you send your invitations two to four weeks before the party. It's best to allow a month so that out-of-town guests can make travel and lodging arrangements.

Do we need a theme?

While a theme isn't necessary, it's a lot of fun and is helpful when planning your party. If you have a theme, you can plan the invitations, food, music and entertainment around it. Theme ideas include:

• Hoedowns
• Costume parties
• Victorian themes
• Sock hops

What kind of food should we serve?

You can coordinate the food with the theme. If you're having a hoedown, why not serve barbecue and corn on the cob? If you host your party at a private club or a hotel, you may be forced to use their food, so ask what choices they offer. Remember, a buffet is less expensive and more party-friendly for mingling.

Where should we have the party?

Location is very important, so consider all of your choices before deciding. Here are some options:

• Your backyard
• A hotel ballroom
• A friend's house
• A local restaurant

If the location you choose is out of the way or is hard to find, make sure to include a map with your invitations.

What sort of entertainment should we have?

Music is a must. If you don't want to go all out and hire a band or a DJ, why not recruit one of your funny and bold friends to spin the night away? It'll be a blast!

If your party is formal, you might opt for a harpist, a jazz trio or a saxophonist to provide beautiful background music for your party.

Should we serve alcohol?

This depends on your beliefs, budget and guest list. Consider all three before offering alcoholic beverages. If you do provide alcohol, you also should provide transportation home for tipsy guests.