What do I wear to an engagement party?

According to Lloyd, there are no rules when it comes to dressing for an engagement party as the bride. "One of the more popular requests that I receive from clients are short dresses that have trendy silhouettes, or embellishments such as sequins or feathers," says Lloyd. "Another style that I'm seeing more of are brides opting for two-piece sets in a luxe fabric like silk."

Does my engagement party dress need to be white?

While tradition dictates that the bride wear white to the engagement party, Lloyd is all about breaking tradition, and says it's fine to experiment with different shades.

What accessories do I wear to an engagement party?

Accessories are another area where you can have some fun and make a statement with bold, trendy styles. Throw on some metallic heels or a sparkly clutch for a touch of glam. "Don't be afraid to use your shoe or accessory selections to add a pop of unexpected color," says Lloyd.

The 17 Best Engagement Party Dresses of 2024

Woman wearing a long white dress on a flowery background — Brides / Amelia Manley

While there are many wedding-related events to look forward to, your engagement party offers the perfect opportunity to debut your bridal style and sets the tone for your upcoming wedding. What's more, there are so many little white dresses and party-ready styles on the market for every aesthetic, venue, and season, you'll have no problem finding the perfect look to celebrate your new bride-to-be status.

Thinking of a destination wedding in the tropics? Opt for dresses crafted from breezy linen and cotton for your engagement party look. Is a modern wedding in the city more your speed? There are plenty of chic and striking dresses to make a powerful statement. Or maybe your wedding will have more of a minimalist aesthetic? "Don't hold back in adding your personality to your look," says Stitch Fix stylist, Alicia Lloyd. "You're meant to have fun showing off your authentic style."

We searched high and low to find engagement party dresses for every style taste and event theme. To narrow it down, we evaluated each dress based on silhouette, length, material, and color, as well as the season and venue it would work best for. Set the vibe for the rest of your wedding wardrobe (you still have the shower, bachelorette, rehearsal, and, of course, wedding day to contend with), and read on for the best engagement party dresses for every bridal style and budget.

RetrofÃªte Olivia Embellished Tulle Halterneck Gown

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter $1,575 View On Retrofete.com

What better excuse than your engagement party to wear something dripping in shimmering embellishments? We love this floor-length, halter-neck gown for a formal party in an upscale setting. Just add a pair of pumps and a glass of champagne to complete your look.

Revolve

View On Revolve $195

For the unfussy and minimalist bride, a slip dress is a complete no-brainer for any special occasion. Wow in this elegant delicate midi complete with a soft cowl back.

Lulus

View On Lulus $68

Torn between a dress or jumpsuit for your wedding? Why not have the best of both worlds by wearing a jumpsuit to your engagement party? This strapless design is extra flattering with a V-neckline and high-waisted pants that highlight your waist.

DB Studio Satin V-Neck Tea Length A-Line Dress

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal $300

If your personal style lends itself towards a more classic or traditional aesthetic, consider an unfussy yet structured style like this one from David's Bridal. Not only is the A-line silhouette supremely flattering, but this style also features an essential detail: pockets.

Nookie Adore 2Way Strapless Dress with Detachable Bow

Revolve

View On Revolve $369

Your engagement party kicks off the first of many celebrations, so why not go for a statement-making dress that will leave a lasting impression? This versatile style features a detachable train, perfect for when the party turns into late-night dancing.

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

For brides planning to throw a formal wedding, this stunning lace style is a gorgeous choice for a lavish affair. Best of all, the molded underwire cups let you forgo a bra.

REVOLVE

View On Revolve $460

We love a puff sleeve and this lovely lace style from Bronx and Banco is no exception. This midi dress would be right at home at a backyard bash or a chic city venue.

Piccolo Ubud One-Sleeve Feather-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter $1,600

We can't think of a more perfect outfit for an engagement party held in a chic city restaurant or swanky bar. Take your look to the next level with sparkly shoes and shoulder-dusting earrings.

Reformation

View On Reformation $120

Bring on the glamour in this silk ivory maxi dress. The halter neckline ties at the neck and waist for a customizable fit while the high slit, open back, and fitted waist show off your figure.

SELF-PORTRAIT Tiered lace-trimmed embroidered tulle and pleated chiffon midi dress

Net-a-porter

View On Net-a-Porter $328 View On Self-portrait.com

For the bride-to-be whose aesthetic leans more classic and modest, the Self-Portrait dress should definitely be on your radar. It's crafted from light-as-air chiffon and features a finely pleated skirt for added movement and an elegant embroidered tulle yoke with sleeves for a sophisticated and feminine touch.

Size Range: UK 4–16 | Materials: Tulle, lace, chiffon | Length: Midi | Shipping: Rates vary | Return policy: Within 28 days

ASOS

View On Asos $79

If you're having an outdoor engagement party in the spring or summer, you'll want to scoop up this lace dress ASAP. Not only is it the summer dress of our dreams, but it's packed with pretty details like floral-inspired eyelet lace, an alluring off-the-shoulder neckline, and trendy puff sleeves.

Size Range: 0–14 | Material: Cotton | Color: White | Shipping: Free on orders $50+ | Return Policy: Within 28 days

Staud Irie Sequined Cotton-Blend Mini Dress

Moda Operandi

View On Saks Fifth Avenue $123 View On Bloomingdales $198

For daring brides who aren't afraid of a bold engagement party look, this little white dress from Staud will do the trick. Designed with a relaxed A-line silhouette, and featuring an embellished bandeau, plunging neckline, and an oversized bow on the back with trailing ribbons, the Irie mini is the ultimate party dress. Plus, the bandeau is removable for a more pared-back vibe.

Lulus

View On Lulus $66

Not one for flowy silhouettes? Opt for this body-hugging midi. It's sexy, and sophisticated, and works for everything from a casual backyard bash to a dressy sit-down dinner. Its no-stretch fabric and adjustable straps offer a supportive fit while the side slit allows you to move around easily.

Sachin & Babi Pippa One-Shoulder Pearl-Embellished Mini Dress

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie $598

It's all in the details when it comes to this show-stopping dress from Sachin & Babi. It's crafted from luminous and light-catching silk dupioni and features a dramatic one-shoulder neckline adorned with a beautifully draped bow. Its flattering mini silhouette is embellished with all-over pearls for a look that feels undeniably elegant and glam.

Size Range: 0–16 | Materials: Polyester dupioni | Length: Mini | Shipping: $11 standard | Return policy: Within 30 days

Rime Arodaky Amalfi Open-Back Grain de Poudre and Embellished Tulle Mini Dress

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter $848

We're loving this combination of delicate flutter sleeves, floral embroidery, and a crisp minimal skirt. This style would be right at home at an engagement party set in a romantic garden or at a modern city venue.

white house black market pleated midi dress

Courtesy of White House Black Market.

View On Whitehouseblackmarket.com $80

If you're a fan of chiffon, you'll love this lightweight frock from White House Black Market. With a slightly flared, pleated skirt, a smocked waist, and a halter top with a high cuff neck, it's the perfect balance of preppy, feminine, and elegant.

Show Me Your MuMu

View On Amazon View On Showmeyourmumu.com $188 View On Zappos $188

An engagement party usually doesn't call for a full-length ball gown, but if you're not into shorter styles, you might consider a midi dress, like this flirty number from Show Me Your Mumu. The satin lends to a sexy, effortless vibe while the tie-ribbon shoulder straps offer a flirty, feminine touch.

What to Look For in an Engagement Party Dress

Style and Length

"While the wedding dress is often more formal, floor length, and structured, the engagement party outfit can offer a sense of fun and whimsy, while also being more casual and trend-forward," says Lloyd.

For instance, go with simple knee-length number like the Katie May Pretty Bird Dress to make a modern statement. Or you might consider rocking a jumpsuit, like the Lulus Power of Love White Strapless Jumpsuit. In any case, have fun with your style for this event and lean into your personal aesthetic.

Color

Brides often wear white to other events surrounding and leading up to the big day. White is always a stunning choice, and you can usually expect your guests to not be wearing it (so you'll definitely stand out from the crowd). That being said, it's not your only option.

You might opt for a white-adjacent color, like ivory, champagne, or silver. Reformation's Alani Silk Dress is a stunning off-white choice. Or you could break from tradition and make a bold statement with a brighter hue, like hot pink.

Season and Venue

You'll also want to consider the season, climate, and venue. For summer engagement parties and events held in warm climates, a shorter frock in a lightweight material will work—something like the chiffon Pleated Halter Midi Dress from White House Black Market. For evening or winter events held indoors, you might go with a more substantial, form-fitting option, like the Retrofête Olivia Sequin Dress.

FAQ

What do I wear to an engagement party?

According to Lloyd, there are no rules when it comes to dressing for an engagement party as the bride. "One of the more popular requests that I receive from clients are short dresses that have trendy silhouettes, or embellishments such as sequins or feathers," says Lloyd. "Another style that I'm seeing more of are brides opting for two-piece sets in a luxe fabric like silk."
Does my engagement party dress need to be white?

While tradition dictates that the bride wear white to the engagement party, Lloyd is all about breaking tradition, and says it's fine to experiment with different shades.
What accessories do I wear to an engagement party?

Accessories are another area where you can have some fun and make a statement with bold, trendy styles. Throw on some metallic heels or a sparkly clutch for a touch of glam. "Don't be afraid to use your shoe or accessory selections to add a pop of unexpected color," says Lloyd.

Why Trust Brides

Contributing writer Sophie Moore is a former fashion editor at Brides and is an expert in all things bridal attire, from couture wedding gowns to the perfect "something blue" accessory. She researches and sources the best fashion items for brides, grooms, wedding guests, bridal parties, and more.

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