Engagement Party: So Who's the Master-Planner?

Traditionally, it is the task of the bride's parents to stage the cou­ple's engagement soiree. The groom's parents can then throw their own party, or both sets of parents can join together to host the fete. The celebrations usually take the form of either an informal meal; a cocktail session at home; or dinner at a restaurant. If both sets of parents have never met, consider a pre-party get-together for an ice-breaking session. Suggest a meeting at a restaurant or whip up some bites at home and invite your families over (if either or both your parents are divorced, the people who raised each of you should meet first).

An increasing number of couples are taking the lead and hosting their own engagement parties without the parents. Or, they'll arrange for a sep­arate event especially for the par­ents and relatives for the following reasons: Many of your friends may not be invited to your parent-hosted soiree because majority of the guests will be family and their friends; there's limited space; or the fact your friends don't know your parents well and may feel uncomfortable to let their hair down to celebrate your auspicious moment.

Your best friend or colleagues who are close to you can equally do the honours. On your part, be sure to thank the people who throw you a soiree with a nice note and flowers soon after the event. Most importantly, don't forget to have fun and bask in your newly engaged bliss!
Type of engagement do’s:

Instead of the usual cocktail affair or a round at the pub, consider having it alfresco, as this will save you the cost of hotel or restaurant.

Backyard barbecue - Nothing pro­motes conversation better than an open grill. Place members from each family with alternate seating to encourage them to mingle.

Outdoor activity - A friendly game of basketball or any outdoor game with a picnic is an excellent ice­breaker. Each team should be an equal mix of the bride's and groom's crew.

Pot luck & BYOB (Bring Your Own Bottle) - Perfect for a party of close friends. Have every­one bring a specialty of theirs with a bottle of wine each. Being with people you love will add to the comfort of the celebration. Not to mention you won't be bothered about the rules of fine dining.
Other ways to pare down costs:

Deformalise the food: Serve up casual low-cost finger foods. You don't need an expensive caterer to co-ordinate a royal dinner, instead ask close friends to help out with the prep work instead. If they're good friends, they'll be more than will­ing to help. That is what friends are for, right?

Skip the main course: Plan a cocktail party instead - appetis­ers, fruit juices and martinis only. Another great, economical alter­native: A dessert-only party.

Cut loose: Turn the celebra­tion into a night out on the town. After the first round of cocktails at a favourite bar, hand out dis­posable cameras, compile the candid pictures taken in a scrap book and hand it over to your mate as a special wedding memento from the girls.

Smart Girl Rule: In the Mood for Love

Everyone has a first love. That guy they were certain they will be with forever, the one they weaved their dreams around. Isn't that warm feeling wonderful? But if you ask friends who've been in love, they'll tell you it's far more exciting, if not complex, than a fuzzy feeling. The mere sight of him will make your palms sweat; set the butter­flies in your stomach fluttering; and when he acknowledges your presence, climbing Mount Everest will seem a breeze. Unfortunately, while love can make you do many a splendid thing, it can also cause you to commit a few relationship faux pas.

Smart Girl Rule #1 - Develop a Cool-Cat Ego

Ever heard of the expression "too much of a good thing is bad"? As much as you'd love to hear his voice every 10 seconds, the reality is, it's a bad idea. It'll make you seem desperate for his atten­tion and lacking a life of your own - which isn't why he fell for you in the first place. While it's cool that he knows you're into him, take it to the extreme and it's called stalking! A girl is true "girlfriend material" only if she has her own life and interests to focus on. It may sound romantic, but any guy will tell you that having a girl make her entire world revolve around him is a turn-off.

Smart Girl Rule #2 - Speak up

Girls who speak up about what they want and believe in come across as far more attractive than those who only make great arm candy. On that note, learn to speak your mind. If you're afraid to say what you think, you'll never get to know each other. No man wants to find out months into the rela­tionship that he never really knew his girlfriend after all. Remember that the sexiest thing a girl can do to a guy is to show him something new, is it a fresh perspective on world politics, a video game

Smart Girl Rule #3 - Be a sweet Little Mystery

Even if he was your soul mate, don't give away too much about yourself or there will be nothing left for his imagination. Don't start babbling your life story, family secrets, bad habits or weird fetishes, as soon as you start dating. Leave it to time and nature. That way, he'll keep com­ing back for more fascinating facts about you. Remember, guys won't want to read the rest of the book if they already know the story!

Smart Girl Rule #4 - Give Him Breathing Room

Experiencing new emotions such as jealousy, insecurity or even fear of losing someone spe­cial may make you possessive. That's okay, so long as you don't start treating him like chattel! Trust is essential to any relationship. Without it, you'll only have fear, paranoia and tears.

Smart Girl Rule #5 - Comfort Factor is Paramount

The jitter of being in love is a lot like having your period. Your body goes through many changes that will affect the state of your moods and emotions. But take it as another step towards maturity. And as your relationship deepens and moves towards your first kiss, remember: Just as getting the right panty liner is important to ensure that you stay fresh and confident all day, it's only right if that first kiss makes you feel comfortable.

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