An engagement party is a celebration of a couple's engagement. Traditionally the parents of the bride hosted an engagement party, but anyone, including the couple themselves, can host an engagement party.
Engagement parties are usually held within a couple of months of the engagement.
Etiquette dictates that guests do not bring gifts. Some guests may opt to bring gifts so you may want to create a small registry before the party.
Everyone who is invited to the engagement party should be invited to the wedding.
Engagement parties can be very casual, a full blown party, or anything in between.
An engagement party offers an opportunity for both sides of the family to get to know one another better, so consider an atmosphere where they will feel comfortable.