Traditionally, engagement parties are held so families of the bride and groom (or "groom and groom" or "bride and bride") can get to know each other before the big day. But they are also a great way to announce—and celebrate—the momentous occasion ahead.

So, what’s the secret to throwing an amazing engagement party?

Whether you’re hosting the party yourself or organising one for someone else, say "I do" to these Top 5 Engagement Party Must-Dos.

Do: Keep it light

An engagement party is a celebration of two lives coming together. You want people to mingle and meet long-lost cousins or the best friends who are always off travelling. You might find this less easy at a formal sit-down dinner. Instead, think more casual party situation such as a BBQ, cocktail drinks and nibbles, or a beachside picnic where people can roam and mix.

Need help organising your event? Find an expert here. 

Do: Be careful with the guest list

As a general rule, you want to avoid inviting anyone to the engagement party who won’t be going to the wedding. There might be exceptions to this. For example, destination weddings with more intimate numbers or if you plan on eloping. What you don’t want is a situation where your guest says, "I can’t wait to see you at the big day! Oh wait, I’m not invited".

Do: Make it personal

This is the fun part. After organising times, dates and venues, give yourself a moment to play with ideas on how to make the party really yours. This might mean monogramed serviettes displaying the wedding date, a funny slideshow or a personalised playlist.

For a bit of fun, you could also collect light-hearted marriage advice from guests or pass around a card for them to write their best wishes. Small keepsakes and personal touches go a long way to making your engagement party memorable.

Whatever you decide, make sure you have all the party supplies you need.

Do: Celebrate the story

Who doesn’t love a good romance? Love stories are priceless. Everyone wants to hear how the happy couple met, and even if they already know, they want to hear the story again. Consider how to include this at the engagement party. Aside from the toast, you could create a relationship timetable that ranges from "1/4/13 Harry met Sally" to "3/2/15 Sally said yes!"

Do: Get snap happy

Lots of photos = lots of smiles.

Your engagement party is a special day so it’s important to record all those little moments – the meeting of the Dads, the groom(s)-to-be blushing delight and the teary mother of the bride (or brides!). To make sure someone is taking photos, hire a photographer or consider hiring a photo booth. If guests are taking photos on their smart phones, ask them to use a personalised hashtag so you can keep track of them.