An engagement party has no fixed rulebook — it can be a backyard barbecue or a formally hosted dinner, and either is completely normal.
Who hosts?
Traditionally the bride-to-be's parents, but increasingly the couple themselves, a sibling, or close friends — whoever is willing and able is fine.
Who to invite
Common practice is to invite everyone who will likely be invited to the wedding itself, since it avoids an awkward situation later — but this is not a hard rule, especially for a smaller, more casual gathering.
How formal should it be?
Match the tone to the couple — a relaxed get-together with snacks is just as valid as a seated dinner with toasts. The one near-universal element is a toast or short speech marking the occasion.
Timing
Most engagement parties happen within a few months of the proposal, well before the wedding itself — leaving clear separation between the two celebrations.
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