advice on throwing an engagement party, please! (appropriate, planning, ceremony)

[DandiDay]

Hi there!
A bridesmaid (my DD) and I are planning to have an engagement party for her brother (my DS) and his fiancé. The main purposes are to have the fiancé meet my spouse's side of the family, who will all be here anyway, for his retirement ceremony and dinner on a Friday. Also, since both DS and the fiancé live several states away as well, it's a chance for everyone on this side of the family to celebrate the good news with them. They're both quite young, age 24 and 23, with Spartan living (DS is in training in the military).

We're thinking of having a small, casual brunch on Saturday, before everyone starts out on their long trip home (7 hours). His fiancé also has extended family (8 hours away) who may be attending the Saturday event. The fiancé's family far off across the country in another state, and can't come this go-round.

So! If any of you out there in CD land have thrown an engagement party, could you share any tips, advice, etc. on food, music, decorations, and any "get to know you" games? I've never been to one, so have no idea what to really do or plan! Do people usually (or don't) bring gifts of any sort? Any advice if I'm asked that question?

Also, if you planned one, please share what worked, what didn't, and anything you would have done differently.
thanks so much!!!
---Dandiday

[Pitt Chick]

Originally Posted by DandiDay

So! If any of you out there in CD land have thrown an engagement party, could you share any tips, advice, etc. on food, music, decorations, and any "get to know you" games? I've never been to one, so have no idea what to really do or plan! Do people usually (or don't) bring gifts of any sort? Any advice if I'm asked that question?

YMMV, but....

The engagement parties I have been to (and thrown) do not have games, do not have gifts, do not have decorations.
Music usually gets lost in all the chatter.
As far as food, you can eat out at a restaurant/park, or host at your house.

[Mattie]

What Pitt Chick said, except I have attended some where people (mainly family) did bring gifts. The games, decorations, etc are more appropriate for a wedding shower.

If the bride and groom are registered before the party, people who wish to bring gifts can pick from their list. Otherwise, I'd keep it casual, with an easy to eat menu.

[DandiDay]

thanks so much!
I was worried this would be a "project", one that I don't really have time for...considering the retirement and hosting the guests for that as well.

So, just some food and let it be? Great! Thanks again!
Dandiday