Awwww a friend or a family member has just got engaged – Woop Woop! Soon enough they will be in the throes of wedding planning – but first, the engagement party!
Always an awesome celebration of love, this is the first of many wedding-related events that you’ll be attending and you want to make sure you look ON POINT. Plus there will likely be dancing!
Here we share lots of ideas and thoughts on what to wear to an engagement party…
Outfit Ideas for the Bride
Firstly, congratulations! This is going to be fun.
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In a way, choosing your engagement party outfit is fairly easy because you are the one who has selected the venue and set the dress code.
However, you are the star of the show and want to look fabulous for the event; it’s your time to shine!
Choose something that is perhaps a little unusual for you – a color you don’t often wear, or a style that you haven’t worn for a while, such as off the shoulder.
Premium Artificial Silk Crepe Long Sleeve Dress
Check Price on EtsySelect something that you feel really good in and that reflects your personal style, but most importantly, choose something that makes you feel comfortable and stylish. Only wear heels that you know won’t break your feet!
Some women want to get in the bridal mood by wearing white to their engagement party, but this is totally up to you! If you are having an evening event then perhaps something a little more glitzy and bright would be a fun idea.
Bridesmaid Ivory Feather Cowl Neck Dress
Check Price on EtsyOutfit Ideas for the Groom
Similarly, the groom is going to want to look and feel great for the occasion. Stylish and fun is a good ethos here… and remember it’s your special day too!
A new button-up shirt paired with chinos is always a good shout – again perhaps choose a color or pattern that you don’t usually wear.
Or have you thought about a colored suit? I love men in suits like this, a pale pastel jacket for summer events, and a darker shade for more wintry affairs.
Men's Rust Colored Suit
Check Price on EtsyIf you don’t feel comfortable wearing bold colors, you could always opt for a bright-colored pair of new shoes to make a splash!
AZAR Men's Red Velvet Slip-On Dress Shoes
Check Price on EtsyOptions for Female GuestsÂ
When choosing what to wear to an engagement party you will want to look great, but not quite as great as you will on the actual wedding day.
Firstly, have you been given a dress code? If yes, stick to it as much as possible.
If not, think of the venue the couple has chosen – is it formal or casual? What time of day is the engagement party? Is it an outdoor party or a formal dinner in a restaurant?
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Daytime
PRETTYGARDEN Women's Floral Maxi Dress
Check Price on AmazonFor a daytime engagement party, a floral dress is always a good option. Depending on the weather this could be a long maxi dress or something a little shorter if it’s hot. (Just not too short!)
This look can be made more casual with some cute sneakers or dressed up with some pumps or low-heeled sandals.
Or have you considered a jumpsuit? Always a winner, a jumpsuit can be dressed up or down with footwear as above, as well as your accessories.
If that doesn’t float your boat a skirt or tailored shorts will work well with a silk or lightweight cami for summer events.
If in doubt about how smart or casual you should dress for a daytime party, you can always ask the bride or someone in the bridal party what the vibe is.
Evening
Long Open Black Ponte Dress
Check Price on EtsyIf you’ve been invited to an evening engagement party then you will want to go for something a little more dressy and glam. Evening dos will typically be more dressy affairs than afternoon parties. This will give you a good starting point when planning your outfit.
Cocktail attire would be right if there is a black-tie dress code; choose something fun like a wrap dress.
ZESICA Women's Off Shoulder Wide Leg Jumpsuit
Check Price on AmazonIf it’s not black-tie, then a little black dress will always work although I do love a loud print or bold bright block colors. Whichever you choose, you can dress it up with heels, chunky jewelry, and a chic clutch bag.
Another great option is a dress, jumpsuit, or blouse that glitters or glistens… a sequin always makes me feel a bit more special.Â
Just a note on footwear; pick your shoes wisely, it is likely there will be dancing at this party so you don’t want to be in pain with high stilettos!
Options for Male Guests
MY'S Men's 3 Piece Slim Fit Suit Set
Check Price on AmazonFor male guests attending an engagement party, you want to be dressed up, smart and of course stylish.Â
If there is a black-tie dress code, make sure you wear a black tuxedo, and likely a tie or bow tie.Â
If it’s an evening affair but not necessarily a black-tie event, then a smart button-up shirt and chinos always work. Â
If the engagement party is a daytime event then you can certainly dress a little more casually and wear jeans. A smart shirt will always dress up the look when wearing denim. Sneakers would also work here, as long as they are not your old running shoes!
COOFANDY Men's Linen Textured Shirt
Check Price on AmazonAn engagement party is a great time to have some fun with your outfit choice, so if the mood takes you, then pick a bright heavily patterned shirt to make yourself known!
Can I Wear White to an Engagement Party?
I recommend avoiding wearing white to ALL wedding functions as a female guest. It’s just not worth the risk of upsetting anyone involved. So best leave that white dress on the rack!
Black, on the other hand, is totally fine, especially if it’s an evening event.