If you do have one, just be sure and say NO GIFTS on the invitations.

agree with jiggy. You can celebrate your engagement but make sure your guests understand that it's all on you.
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* partytime! *

I think an engagement party sounds like a ton of fun! If it was me, I would def stress the no gifts part, but also maybe only invite really close friends and immediate family... but that may be because I have HUGE family and am not as close with all of them as I am with immediate family and friends...

BUT this could be a good opportunity for families to meet each other prior to the big day...

Engagement parties are very normal, usual with bigger weddings, just put PLease No Gifts on the invite!!

A small statement at the bottom is appropriate - I especially like the phrase: "Please, no gifts - just your warm wishes." I think that makes it clear, while also emphasizing how much you value the company of your friends and family.

I recently went to a "House-Warming/Engagement" Party and they simply asked that instead of gifts everyone bring a dish or bottle of wine. I think that is reasonalbe and makes it more intimate and casual.

As mentioned in a few previous posts, emphasize 'No gifts' on the invitation. I think people will be grateful. I've felt raped and pillaged when hit with an engagement party, shower, and wedding gift - not to mention adding in being a bridesmaid half of those times. So the no gifts mention would make a lot of people breathe a sigh of relief. You just want to celebrate your happiness, and that's terrific.

I agree with all.. definitely make sure you say no gifts. If anyone opposes that, tell them they can bring their favorite dish to the party!

I have never been to an engagement party before. I didn't understand why your friend would say that you were greedy since I didn't think that gifts were expected. Now I learned something. All the above advice sounds good, with the "no gift" request on the invitation.

How about an engagement party instead of a shower? That's what I'm doing -- we're having our engagement party coming up, but I don't think I'm going to have a shower... or if I do, it will probably be combined with the bachelorette party, ie close friends only, not a shower which includes every female invited to the wedding. I like the idea of an engagement party better than a shower anyways -- after all, my fiance has a lot to do with the fact that everyone will be celebrating, so he should be included in the festivities!

From my experience, engagement parties generally aren't gift giving occasions...

The purpose of an engagement party isn't to receive gifts it is to announce that you are engaged and to celebrate with family and close friends. Some people may bring gifts but it isn't expected!! I say CELEBRATE!

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I wake every morning with the desire to save and savor the world... this makes my day difficult to plan.

Depending on how fancy your invitations are you should just say in a smaller font at the bottom "No gifts please" or "your presence is the only gift we desire."