Alternative Engagement Party?

Those both sound fun. But I don't think it would make anyone less inclined to bring a gift. You could say on invitations "gifts not necessary" or something like that?

Don't refer to gifts at all on an invitation. It's a faux pas.

I think both of them sound fun, but I wonder if D&B would lead to less opportunities to mingle.

We had less of an engagement party than a "get the families together" cookout about 2.5 months after we got engaged. My parents threw a BBQ/crab party in their back yard, and we got the word out to FH's family that we just hoped for their presence there, and to not bring gifts. (Out of about 40 people, about 3 did bring gifts - people on my side.)

We are having a semi-large wedding (about 120-140), but only invited mostly immediate family and close extended family and friends to this party. Some had met before at a sad event, but I think everyone was glad for a happy reason to get together - and everything went well.

I think this sounds perfect!! Engagement parties are flexible and can be as casual or as formal as your want!

Engagement parties are not typically a gift-giving event, so I wouldn't mention gifts or no gifts at all. Some people might still want to gift you something anyway but they tend to be smaller gifts: a nice bottle or wine or champagne, a ring dish, or a wedding planning book or magazines.

https://www.weddingwire.com/wedding-ideas/how-to-plan-an-engagement-party

Thank you so much brides for your input! It is so appreciated!

@Karen I think you are right. If we have it at Dave and Busters people might go off into their own little families. At a bonfire there's no where else to really go, lol.

Have a nice party at the beach. Invite near and dears. Roast hotdogs and s'mores. It does not have to have an official title. No biggie.

We're having a big party the night before the wedding for our families to get acquainted.