Engagement Party

What you wear depends on the time and location. Defintely wear a nice dress or fancy pants suit. Gift--a nice bottle of wine or champagne.

I do not think a gift is necessary for these parties. But, if you want to bring something you can easily get away with a bottle of wine or champagne. I would give a card either way though.

I guess attire all depends on location, but cocktails & o'douvors usually indicate fairly dressy. I'd wear what I would wear going out to a nice dinner. I don't believe an engagement party is a gift-giving event, a card should do - but if you want to take something, a nice bottle of wine or something small but elegant. Don't go crazy with it. Have fun at the party!

I agree with all the other posts as far as wardrobe - nice dinner attire. And yes, bring a gift. My own engagement party was the first one I had ever been to, and 75% of the people brought gifts. We were asked to open the gifts by the hostess and the people that didn't bring gifts felt slightly uncomfortable. Many of the presents were things we could use at the wedding - a glass cake topper, engraved cake cutting set, engraved champagne flutes etc. We got a bunch of simple things like frames, silver photo albums, C. bowl/vases that could also be inexpensive. You don't have to spend much if you don't want to!

I would say a simple black dress and heels. Something nice, but not super formal. Also, I am recently married and remember readin in etiqutte postings and such that its not necessary to bring a gift to the engagement party. Gifts are usually for the shower or actual wedding, unless you would like to make a financial gift then its appropriate to do so at any point. Most of ours didn't exceed 100$, so whatever you feel is appropriate for the couple. (Side note: we went to a wedding recently where the bride and groom requested monetary gifts on their invites, and it seemed very tacky) good luck!

Do you know the couple, friends of the couple, or anyone else who is going? Give them a call and see what their thoughts are on attire and gift.

Also, where is the party taking place? Is it at a high-end private club, fancy hotel, chain restaurant, backyard of someone's home? The locale might be able to give you some hints as to how formal the event might be.

Good luck - this sounds like fun!

You don't owe anyone a gift for getting engaged. I would dress according to the atmosphere of where the event is held. Sounds like you don't want to go casual-just semi-dressed up. This also depends a lot on how concerned you are about what others think of you. I would NOT bring a gift--if you're very fond of the couple and they are close friends a bottle of wine might be nice at most. If you're terrified of being branded cheap or rude, perhaps call someone else you know who was invited and ask them what they are planning on. I've never heard of an engagement party, myself, so take my advice with a grain of salt if you feel I don't understand the social norms of your crowd. Above all, have fun! ;D

My experience has been dress up and bring a gift!

To be frankly honest with you I think people who hold engagement parties are rude. Here is why. Oh yes a gift is expected!!!! After the so called engagemet party, you will be invited to a wedding shower, once again expected to bring a gift. Oh wait then there is the wedding expected to bring a gift. 3 gifts one wedding how thoughtful of them to have invited you. This party is given by people who have money. Sorry to all you snobs out there who think I am wrong. BTW remember to dress nice for all 3 events. So maybe an outfit or two neds to be bought. Depending on where the wedding is held who knows how much per plate it will be. Now sit back and figure what the wedding will cost you. Oh there is no acceptions if you have fallen on hard times in this economy. good luck oh and BTW have super fun. I guess I have hard feelings about these things because all this happened to me. I think all in all the wedding cost me and my hubby over 700, oh and guess what they were divorced after 2 yrs. My feelings were I should have blown it all off dropped a 100 in the envelope , and said have a nice life. Once again have fun that's the most part remember it's not about you it's about the BRIDE AND GROOM.

I went to an engagement party years ago. It was held at a country club. And it was champagne and little fancy bits to eat. Everyone there brought a gift. they were things like china, crystal and silver. most of the people there were family. I was extremely uncomfortable. Where is this being held at? If its somewhere nice then a dress and suit for your hubby would be appropriate. I didn't see anyone giving cards with money. I think that came at the wedding. this was highend stuff from the registry. the kind of things that come in fancy boxes holding one place setting of silver etc. I would ask someone in the family these questions. If your invited to this function then your close to someone. have a good time.
S.

D B,
Wear something that is dressy casual, and if you sincerely want to bring a gift ask about it.

Have fun!

I agree with the previous post who said to wear what you would wear if you were going out for a nice dinner. As far as a gift, I don't think one would be necessary at an engagement party. However, if you want to give a gift, a bottle of wine or champagne or gift card would be nice. One memorable gift we received at our engagement party was a bottle of red wine. The giver enscribed a cute congratulatory note on the bottle itself telling us to drink it on our first wedding anniversary. I believe he used a silver/metallic sharpie pen for the writing. Over a year later, it was so special to read the note from our good friend (again) on the bottle and toast our first anniversary with the wonderful red wine.