Couples engaged to be married are invited to attend an Engagement Party Aug. 17 from 1-4 p.m. in the home department at Belk the Valdosta Mall.

This event will include displays of gift registry/wedding merchandise and feature refreshments, giveaways and drawings for prizes from Belk.

Certified wedding registry specialists will be on hand to assist engaged couples with registry selections desired for their new home and life together.

The specialists will help create a personal gift registry that includes selections of fine and casual china, silverware, crystal, cookware, kitchen essentials, bedding and bath merchandise, and more. The events are free and open to the public.

Dates and details of individual store events can be found at www.belk.com/EngagementParty or by contacting local Belk stores.

The nearest Belk store location may be found online at www.belk.com/stores.

Engaged couples who create or add to their Belk wedding registry can register to win prizes, including:

• Two travel vouchers (total value $1,200) for airline tickets or cruise

• $1,000 cash

• $1,000 Belk gift cards (three to be awarded)

• Two nights at the Inn on Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C.

• Carolee jewelry for the bride and wedding party valued at $2,000

One of each of the prizes will be awarded companywide and no purchase is required. Participating brides will also receive a wedding registry planner and a stylish metallic bridal clutch from Carolee (in select stores, while supplies last).

Couples may pre-register their contact information in advance of the event by calling the Belk wedding specialist at their local store or visiting www.belk.com/wedding.

Engaged couples and their friends and families can access Belk wedding registries at more than 280 Belk locations or at the Wedding Registry page at Belk.com.