Depends on the religion and other traditions of both families. If you don't know, use your traditions as a rule of thumb. If you are of different religions/backgrounds and don't want to ask them directly, I suggest asking a friend of a similar background.
It does not really matter whether it is the groom or bride's parents who call. In many cases the groom's parents call, but, etiquette does not dictate this.
No.
Traditionally, the brides parents give an engagement party and the party is to be held in their home. Although now, engagement parties can be hosted by anyone close to the couple. Today the parties can be as formal or casual as you wish to make it. It's also becoming more common for the couple themselves to throw a "couples shower" at their home or another venue which can be much like an engagement party.
Bride is to bridesmaids as groom is to groomsmen. Bride is to maid of honor as groom is to best man Here brides are to bridesmaids as grooms are to the best man.
The groom buys the engagement ring and band for his bride to be and the bride to be buys the band for the groom.
The groom should buy the engagement and wedding ring for his bride to be and the bride to be should buy the groom's wedding band.
* The Bride and Groom sit in the middle of the head table and the bride is on the Groom's right; then her Maid (or Matron) of Honor; then the Bridesmaids. To the left of the Groom is his Best Man and the Ushers.
At Hasidic and Orthodox Jewish weddings, the groom is escorted by both fathers and the bride is escorted by both mothers. At other Jewish weddings, the bride and groom are escorted by their parents with the father on the left and the mother on the right.
I believe that engagement party speeches should be limited to the Fathers (of Bride firstlt, then Groom) and to the Groom and or the Bride or both if they so wish. This occasion is to enjoy the celebration with family and friends and should not be burdened down with too many or too long winded speeches. Ken
The opposite gender of bride is bridegroom, or groom.
Whoever bought it.
It is not a Western tradition for the parents of the groom to buy the bride's engagement or wedding ring. Your son would buy the engagement ring and wedding ring generally as a set. He can either take his fiance into a jewelry store and let her pick out the ring or, he could choose an engagement ring (along with a wedding ring) and take a chance she will like it.