Engagement Party or Couple's Shower
for the Soon-to-Be-Wed

There's only a small window for this party; right after the engagement is announced and before the wedding plans begin. The couple is not yet bogged down with wedding plans and overwrought with problems caused by over-zealous relatives. Thus, they deserve a "one last good time before we start planning the wedding" party, don't you think?

• Invitation: Pick a cartoon out of Herbert I. Kavet's "Rules for Engaged Couples" published by Boston America Corp. The book includes 101 rules to follow as an engaged couple, complete with graphics on each. I'd pick a favorite (such as #46 at right) and duplicate it on an invitation at your local Kinko's.

• Decorations: Blow up different cartoons from the book and use them as placemats, menu boards (mounted on foamcore with a cardboard easel), centerpieces and more. If you are not creative, you can take them to a freelance artist or cartoonist and have him redo them in color. For a festive look, add balloons on the tables, at the gift table or by the sign-in board.

• Menu: Casual and fun. Depending on where you are having this event, pick food that allows your guests to move around and talk with people. Or stick to heavy hors d'ouerves and luscious desserts. Your friends will love it, and it won't cost you a fortune!

• Activities: Make a sign that starts with Number 1 and let the guests add their rules to the list. Have them come with rules, and give the microphones to those who have the nerve to read theirs to the group (you may want to give a prize or two). You can even ask them to bring the party as part of the entertainment. After all, according to the author of "Rules for Engaged Couples," the engaged couple will be "entering a world filled with new situations and relationships." They will thank you for the advice, I promise.
    
• Favors: Look no further than our personalized candy bar wrappers.