Wedding! Wedding! Wedding! Means Party! Party! Party!

The wedding season is peak time for celebrations. We celebrate love, family and unity. You've realized that he is that into you and you're finally making it legal. You'll want to party as long and as hard -and as responsibly - as humanly possible because after that comes the marriage. So why not start off with a bang?

The typical wedding-season soiree line-up includes the engagement party, the bridal shower, a bridal lunch/brunch, the bachelor party and the rehearsal dinner - all occurring prior to the wedding ceremony and wedding reception.

Here are some tips on doing it up right:

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What - THE ENGAGEMENT PARTY

Who - Thrown for the participants on the guest list by either the bride's or groom's parents, or the family friend. For example, this is the party that Wilona (from Good Times) would throw for Thelma & Keith.

When - Take at least three solid months to organize and coordinate schedules with as many on the guest list as possible.

Why - "His" and "hers" truly become "ours" when both families and BFFs (best friends forever) meet, mix and mingle in a relaxed and festive environment prior to the wedding.

Where - Try picking a place that bears some emotional significance or special memory for the happy couple, like the location of their 1^st date, where he/she proposed, or where they first met. It shows that you really gave it some thought and that sentiment can go a long way even if your dollars don't.

How (much) - Forget what you've heard: SIZE MATTERS. Check the wedding guest list, and then check it again. If your bride or groom comes from a large or extended family, weather permitting, you may opt for an outdoor setting. Remember, the engagement party should not cost as much as or more than the wedding.

Build on the theme of the wedding or choose décor that illustrates the bridal colors. You can even incorporate similar flowers from the bride's bouquet, if you have that information before hand. Keep it simple; that way everyone can have a good time and linger leisurely.

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What - THE BRIDAL SHOWER

Who - Thrown by a member of the bridal party (bridesmaids or maid/matron of honor) for the bride.

When - Anytime approaching the pending nuptials is appropriate.

Why - This is a cherished bonding celebration between the bride and her female guests. Men aren't usually invited to these affairs; it is more of a "girl thing", a time for the ladies to let their hair down.

Where - Try picking a place that is just for you and your party, a place where you can designate a spot for the bride's gifts. Usually, the bridal shower is held at someone's home, but it doesn't have to be. Many cities offer opportunities to rent a boat that tours around the city for the afternoon. This way, you can have a memorable day unique to you and your party, and you can view the city at the same time.

How (much) - Again, if the guest list is extensive, and if budget permits, consider renting a place for an afternoon or evening. Afternoon affairs offer freedom for self-expression and a change of pace from the ordinary bridal shower. Remember, there is no hard and fast rule for these celebrations, so have some fun with the planning and execution of the bridal shower. Whatever fun you miss out on here, you can more than make up for during the wedding reception.

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What - THE BRIDAL BRUNCH

Who - Thrown by the bride for her bridesmaids and maid/matron of honor.

When - Anytime near the approaching nuptials is appropriate. To make sure that out-of-towners will be available to participate, stay within 1-2 weeks of the actual wedding ceremony.

Why - This is a favorable time for the bride to show her appreciation and affection for her attendants, sometimes done via keepsakes.

Where - Since the guest list here is no bigger than the total number of bridesmaids, the choices for location are limitless. You can choose to stay in or to go out. A nice, low-key restaurant or a cozy mom & pop establishment lend to the intimacy of the affair.

How (much) - Weddings can be very costly, so you don't want to go "buck wild" here. Try cooking breakfast yourself to keep costs down. And since this celebration permits the bride to call the shots, you can even change the format a bit by catering or asking a family member (or members) to help in the preparation of food and even serving your bridal party.

You may want to have an informal cocktail hour, fire up the grill or let 'em eat cake - washed down by champagne of course. Be creative. This is your time to celebrate with those closest to you prior to your wedding day.

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What - THE BACHELOR PARTY

Who - Thrown by the groomsmen for the groom.

When - Within a week of, and up to the night prior to the wedding.

Why - Why not? Most wedding celebrations, including the wedding itself, tend to revolve around the bride-to-be. This is not so much a requiem for a supposed loss of freedom as much as it is a rite of passage.

Where - The locale must be able to accommodate the guest list.

How (much) - Generally, the bachelor party is nothing more than a great dinner with great toasts surrounded by great friends - minus the lap dancer named "Candy". You may want to be guided by the tastes of the groom. If he likes golfing, go golfing with a grand meal afterwards. Choose something that will bring you closer together as a group and build memories at the same time.

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What - THE REHEARSAL DINNER

Who - Thrown by the groom's family for the bridal party and the bride and groom's immediate family.

When - The night before the wedding, usually immediately following the wedding rehearsal (hence the name 'rehearsal dinner').

Why - One final hurrah with close friends and core participants before the wedding ceremony. This is the time when the best man gets to recount memories of him and the groom riding big wheels through the neighbor's rose garden.

Where - Wisdom dictates somewhere near the rehearsal location or any hotel accommodations; this way, participants can leave immediately and rest up prior to the wedding ceremony.

How (much) - This should be simple. Rehearsing the processional, the recessional, how to walk, where to sit and where to stand can be quite tiring. Most participants in this phase of the wedding celebration cycle just want to eat and sleep before the wedding. This celebration is akin to Sunday dinner at grandma's house - warm, friendly and enjoyable.

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Remember, you are allowed to be creative and you are allowed to have fun. Tailor your festivities to the likings of the bride and groom.

Take lots and lots of pictures to capture every planned and unplanned moment. If budget permits, hire a photographer for each affair; if not, pick up a couple of disposable cameras and station one at each table, or each plate and have guests capture candid shots of the festivities. Incorporate activities or hobbies followed by a glorious or simplistic meal.

Even when the wedding is over, the memories of the festivities leading up to it will linger on forever.

Cheers!