Engagement Party

The following is a planning checklist which includes the full list of tasks and activities you

may need to complete leading up to the party. The planning checklist is a guide and

remember that each party is different. By following this checklist and making small changes

to suit your party, you will be organised and sure to throw a successful engagement party.

The printable version of the checklist will allow you to make changes to the list to

Engagement Party Planning Checklist
When	Task	Complete
12 weeks prior to party	Consider the date of the wedding - If you plan to wed within 6 months, you may like to have the party in the next month or two; you may also consider a smaller party.
	Consider your wedding budget and wedding guest list.
	Discuss with your fiancé(e) what type of party you would like to celebrate your engagement.
	Discuss the budget of the party with the host/s of the party - allow about $15-$20 a head.
	Write a guest list for the engagement party.
	Discuss a date and time with the hosts of the party and confirm a date and time that is convenient for the couple and both sets of parents.
	Create an Engagement Party folder to file all information gathered with regard to the party.
	Choose a location for the party home or venue.
	Choose a theme.
	Begin searching for a venue. Be sure you understand the restrictions and limits of the venue.
10 weeks prior to the party	Book the appropriate Venue.
	Book entertainment, e.g. Band or a DJ
	Book Catering services (if required).
	Notify interstate guests about the engagement and the party date.
8 weeks prior	Print and Send Invitations.
	Create a contingency plan for an indoors party (only if you are having an outdoors party at home)
3 weeks prior	Choose decorations that suit the theme used in the invitations.
	Choose a cake design.
	Arrange help from family members and friends - you will need help on the day with serving food for a home party.
	Make a list of things you will need on the day such as extra tables, serving platters and other supplies.
2 weeks prior	Ask friends and family if you are able to borrow extra supplies such as tables and chairs etc.
	Contact party hire for extra supplies such as tables if you are unable to obtain these items from your friends and family. Arrange a booking for these items.
	Create a decorations and venue plan (if having the party at home) - consider where power points are for music and where you can hang things such as balloons. This may not be necessary if having the party at a venue.
	Make the cake and freeze it without decorations - only if you are making the cake yourself.
	Create a party food menu and a shopping list for food supplies - only if self catering.
	Organise Music for the party - only if you are using your own music.
1 week prior	Gather extra party supplies such as tables, chairs, serving platters.
	Go shopping and purchase all supplies for, decorations and food that can be prepared in advance and frozen. Also purchase supplies to decorate the cake. It is quicker to spend a day shopping to get all your supplies together. However, you may prefer to break this up over the weeks leading up to the party.
	Prepare any foods that can be frozen until the party - try making a different party dish each night of the week to decrease the daunting task of preparing food for a large group all in one day.
	Follow up with guests who are yet to RSVP
	Prepare your party clothes - choose what you will wear on the day so you're not worried about it when you don’t have the time.
2-3 days prior	Go shopping for remaining party supplies (perishable items that cannot be frozen) and any supplies you have forgotten along the way.
Day before	Defrost the cake - if making it yourself.
	Thorough clean the party area(s).
	Set up party area - lay out tables and chairs ready for decoration ( if the party is outside you may need to wait until the party day.
	Charge the camera and video camera.
	Hang decorations and place props (for an outdoors party you may need to wait for the party day).
Party Day!	Pick up or Decorate cake (allow 1-2hours).
	Prepare remaining food such as fresh food platters with fruit and cheese.
	Defrost frozen finger food and other frozen food dishes.
	Quick tidy up of the party area and house.
	Get ready to party!
	Have Fun!
	Clean up once guests have left.
Day after	Finish cleaning up party area
	Return hired party supplies
2-3 days after	Return borrowed party supplies
	Have your party pictures developed!
	Create a photo album dedicated to the day.
	Send thank you cards to guests.