What to Wear to an Engagement Party: Outfit Ideas To try

 

Weddings are a magical occasion, but they can also be a whole lot of stress. Not only for the couple getting married but for everyone who’s invited. Between the engagement party, bachelorette party, and the big day itself, there’s a lot of money to be spent, presents to be bought, and, of course, outfits to be planned. While we all know to go all out for the wedding outfit and to dress for a night on the town for the bachelorette party, we often end up stumped when thinking of engagement party outfit ideas. Whether you’re the bride-to-be or a guest at the event, deciphering what to wear can be tricky. Below, we show you some expert style tips on what to wear to an engagement party.

 

What Happens at an Engagement Party?

Engagement parties can be vastly different events. While most may be raditional cocktail parties, others can be formal dinners, afternoon drinks, or backyard barbeques. The one thing that they all have in common is that they’re a lot of fun! That doesn’t mean you can let loose and go wild, though. Have a good time, but act respectful of the occasion. When you arrive, greet your hosts first and thank them before you depart. Try to stay for at least a couple of hours (including speeches) or most of the night if you are close to the couple; during the party, alternate between circulating the room to talk to other guests, eating the delicious food provided, and dancing on the dancefloor. Most of all, remember to enjoy yourself on this happy occasion by dressing confidently and comfortably.

 

 

Engagement Party Dress Codes

When attending an engagement party, make sure that you check the dress code. You can usually find this on the invitation, but if not, consider asking your host. Dress codes make it easier to decipher what to wear to the occasion and help give you an idea of what others will wear so you don’t feel out of place. If you ignore a dress code, you may insult your host, so it’s always best to dress accordingly. Most engagements typically have a cocktail dress code, calling for dresses at, or slightly above, knee-length and high heels. If your party states a different dress code, however, such as semi-formal or dressy-casual, you may need to dress up or down accordingly. Use this helpful dress code guide to find the general styles you should wear.

 

 

Engagement Party Locations

Knowing the location of the engagement party is crucial to planning what you’re going to wear. The area and dress code will provide critical information for deciding which outfits are appropriate and which are not. The site of the event should also be given on the invitation. If it simply states an address, or you are unfamiliar with the venue, try googling for more information or ask your host. As a general rule of thumb, outdoor parties require a more casual dress code, including flats or wedges if on grass or at the beach. The weather should also be taken into consideration for outdoor engagements. If the party is indoors, dress up or down according to the venue. If it’s at a casual restaurant or someone’s house, dress relaxed but chic in your favorite weekend wear, but if the platform is a formal restaurant or function space, wear a polished dress and heels.

 

 

Engagement Party Outfits for the Bride

Planning your outfit can be easier and more complicated when the engagement party is your own. On one hand, you’re the one choosing the venue, theme, and dress code, and you can choose whatever you want to wear. On the other hand, what you wear will set the tone for what others will wear, and people will expect your outfit to be the best of the night. Our advice is to pick something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Choose a company that reflects your personality and the personality of your engagement party. Whether you want traditional white or something with a little more color, go for it if the dress feels right. It’s your engagement, after all!

 

 

Engagement Party Outfit Ideas for Guests

As an engagement party guest, you want to look fabulous but not as unique as you will on the wedding day. As most engagements specify cocktail attire, choose a fun dress with equal parts polish and party. Try to steer away from white unless you know that the bride-to-be isn’t wearing it. On the other hand, Black is fair game and can make an elegant choice for an evening event. Remember, it’s a celebration, not a business conference, so try to have fun with your outfit. Prints, bold block colors, and playful accessories can all be excellent choices for injecting energy into your party outfit. Speaking of power, make sure yours doesn’t drain too quickly with painful shoes. Plan a long night (or day) of circulating the room and dancing your heart out with comfortable yet fashionable footwear.

 

 

Engagement Party Outfit Ideas

All White

All white is the traditional outfit choice for brides-to-be at their engagement parties. The pure and classical color has been worn for many years and offers a timeless quality to engagement outfits. Very “bridal” in nature, wearing white at your engagement party will undoubtedly keep the spotlight on you for the event if that doesn’t sound like your thing, opt for print or color instead.

 

 

Prints

Prints are often an excellent way to turn up the style factor on an outfit. You want to stand out in a sea of dresses (at least a little!), and a print will help you do that. Fun and often filled with color, prints are perfect for those summer engagement parties. Choose a more simple cotton print dress for a daytime party or a printed silk number for the ideal after-five style.

 

 

Color Blocking

While prints never fail to pack a punch, block colors can often be just as impactful. Bold, striking, and more eye-catching than the usual black, bright block colors, such as magenta, cobalt, Fuschia, and tangerine, can create a standout dress. Likewise, this year’s favorite pastel colors, powder blue and soft pink, can create eye-catching looks that break free from the mold. Remember, if you choose a block-color outfit, keep everything else simple and understated, including silhouette, accessories, and hair. The color is your feature element.

 

 

Outdoor Engagement Outfits

As previously mentioned, the location of the engagement party is an essential piece of information for planning what you will wear. Outdoor engagement parties often occur in gardens, backyards, or even at the beach, so you must plan accordingly. Choose outfits that are more casual than formal, and wear appropriate footwear. As outdoor parties usually occur during the day, try a simple maxi dress or sundress instead of the usual cocktail attire.

 

 

Non-Traditional Engagement Outfits

Not every woman wants to wear a dress to an engagement party; the good news is that you don’t have to. If you feel more comfortable in pants and a top or prefer a jumpsuit style, go ahead and ditch the dress. As long as you still look stylish and dressed to the same degree of formality as the rest of the guests, a non-traditional outfit can be the perfect look.