Traditionally, the engagement party is hosted by the bride’s parents and is designed to announce the happy news to family and friends. This means that it is either your chance to get used to the bride’s mother being in charge (of the party, the wedding, and probably the whole of your lives) or it offers an opportunity to set the tone by making it clear that you wish to organise things yourselves.

Your engagement party should be a reflection of you, the happy couple, so keep the décor in keeping with your shared passions — whether those are supporting the same football team, travelling the world, or just hanging out on the sofa. If you want a colour theme, make your party sparkle to reflect (but not outshine) the sparkler on the bride-to-be’s finger. Keep the atmosphere full of romance by using sultry coloured lighting — candlelight is ideal, or soft reds and pinks.

Engagement parties are often fairly dressy affairs, but it’s up to you to set the tone. Your wedding’s the occasion for everyone to really go to town on their outfits, so you might want to make your engagement party a bit more casual. And remember, chances are that your guests will have to fork out for their wedding get-up, not to mention a gift, hotel accommodation and the all-important hen or stag do. Try not to impose any kind of dress code that might necessitate yet more expenditure on their part or you may find yourselves with a slightly shorter guest list than anticipated.

If you can contain your excitement long enough to break the happy news at your party then make that announcement the focal point of the evening. Choose a time when most of your guests have arrived but before everyone is overly “refreshed.” Get something musical to herald the big moment. If you know a tame bugler, piper or other live musician, get them to play a short fanfare. Otherwise, a loud blast of something fitting on the stereo should get people’s attention.

All your guests will want to congratulate you, and the girls will want to go into raptures over the rock, so it is important that you give them the chance to do so. If you find it easier, base yourselves in one place so that people can come and talk to you, but draw the line at Beckham-esque thrones.

Remember, you’re going to be expected to make a bit of a speech. It’s something you’ll have to get used to in the months to come, so the practice will probably do you good.

This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the finest canapés, whether you make them yourself, hire in professional caterers, or pre-order an assortment from your local supermarket. Go for things like smoked salmon blinis, vol-au-vents and honey-glazed cocktail sausages, or maybe an oriental selection of spring rolls, samosas and kebabs.

Champagne, champagne, champagne! Or cava, prosecco and Asti Spumanti if the budget so demands — no one will notice anyway. For a touch of colour, add in some crème de cassis to make a kir royale. Make sure you lay on plenty of orange juice for those who prefer bucks fizz or simply wish to stick to soft drinks. Make sure someone circulates with a bottle just before your big announcement, as doubtless everyone will wish to toast the happy couple.

1.	Let’s Get it On / Marvin Gaye
2.	Love and Marriage / Frank Sinatra
3.	All You Need Is Love / The Beatles
4.	Crashed the Wedding / Busted
5.	White Wedding / Billy Idol
6.	Diamonds Are Forever / Shirley Bassey
7.	Unforgettable / Natalie Cole & Nat King Cole
8.	Love Me Tender / Elvis Presley
9.	Nothing Compares 2 U / Sinead O’Connor
10.	You Are the Sunshine of My Life / Stevie Wonder

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