Showers, parties, and gatherings; it seems as though the minute you become engaged the fun never stops! And why should it? Your family and friends are so happy for you that it’s no wonder they want to honor the occasion by celebrating with you. These events aren’t necessary, but they will certainly heighten the excitement leading up to your big day.

With so many pre-wedding celebrations it may be confusing to figure out what each one is about. Don’t worry! I am here to help you out. Below is a list of all the possible pre-wedding events and information about who should host, when it should be held, and who should be invited. So when your maid of honor asks who is supposed to plan your bachelorette party you can correctly tell her “You!”

Engagement Parties: The engagement party is a time to toast the future bride and groom. Traditionally the bride’s parents host it, but any family member or friend may do so. It can be a surprise party, cocktail party, dinner party, or any other type of casual or formal gathering. The guest list may be limited to close friends and family but can be as large as you’d like. Everyone who is invited to the engagement party should be invited to the wedding.

Wedding Showers: This celebration is used as a way to “shower” the couple with gifts. It is usually a small gathering of very close family and friends. In the past the guest list was often limited to women, but recently the popularity of “Jack & Jill” showers has risen. The shower can take place anywhere between two months to two weeks before the wedding and is usually hosted by friends of the bride (often the bridal party).

Bachelor(ette) Parties: These parties are a farewell to the single days. The bachelor party is usually arranged by the best man and the bachelorette party by the maid of honor. The parties can take just about any form: a barbeque, dinner out, day at the beach, sporting event, or going to a club. The guests should include the wedding attendants and sometimes the parents of the bride and groom.

Rehearsal Dinner: The day before the wedding most couples have a ceremony rehearsal. This is attended by the couple, the wedding attendants, and the couple’s parents. Often the rehearsal is followed by dinner. The groom’s parents traditionally arrange the dinner and invite the wedding party, the officiant,and parents and grandparents of the couple. The wedding party’s significant other should also be invited.

Other Celebrations: Other possible wedding-related celebrations include pre-wedding luncheons, parties for out-of-town guests, wedding after-parties, and morning-after brunches.

Still confused? Just relax and let you family and friends figure it out. No, really, I’m happy to answer any questions you have. Because from “I will” to “I do” I’m here for you.