engagement party ideas on a budget

You can celebrate an engagement without spending wedding money on it. The basics:

• Venue: your backyard, a local park, or the beach
• Food: a potluck, a DIY sandwich bar, or a dessert-only party
• Drinks: one signature cocktail instead of a full bar
• Entertainment: "The Shoe Game" or a DIY photo booth
• Decorations: make your own centerpieces and signs

What keeps the cost down: