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 18 Best Engagement Party Dresses of 2023

couple in engagement party outfits — Photo by Abby Jiu Photography

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 the Asos Edition Blouson Off-the-Shoulder Eyelet Dress or the Erdem Rea Belted Cutout Lace Midi Dress for your engagement party look. A modern wedding in the city more your speed? There are plenty of chic and striking dresses to make a powerful statement such as the Piccolo Ubud One-Sleeve Feather-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress or the Katie May Pretty Bird Dress. 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 are meant to have fun showing off your authentic style."

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

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.

Price at time of publish: $1,575

Revolve

View On Revolve

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.

Price at time of publish: $195

Lulus

View On Lulus

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.

Price at time of publish: $66

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

David's Bridal

View On David's Bridal

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.

Price at time of publish: $300

ELOQUII

View On Eloquii.com

Stay on top of the balletcore trend with this chic take on a tutu dress. The back and side boning give you support, while the fully lined skirt ensures nothing peaks through.

Price at time of publish: $129

Nookie Adore 2Way Strapless Dress with Detachable Bow

Revolve

View On Revolve

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.

Price at time of publish: $369

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.

Price at time of publish: $3,750

REVOLVE

View On Revolve

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.

Price at time of publish: $460

BHLDN

View On Bhldn

The back of your dress is just as important as the front, especially when it comes to posing for photos. This sweet lace mini features a gorgeous open back and comes in plus sizes as well.

Price at time of publish: $398

Piccolo Ubud One-Sleeve Feather-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

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 mules and shoulder-dusting earrings.

Price at time of publish: $1,830

Reformation

View On Reformation

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.

Price at time of publish: $398

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

Net-a-porter

View On Net-a-Porter

Size Range: UK 4-16 | Materials: Tulle, lace, chiffon (polyester) | Length: Midi-length | Shipping: Shipping rates vary | Return policy: Full refund within 28 days

For the bride-to-be whose aesthetic leans more classic and modest, this 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.

Price at time of publish: $655

Audrey Adele Pearl Overlay Sleeveless Midi Dress

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Your engagement party is the perfect occasion to don a sparkly dress. This shimmering style from Audrey Adele feels elegant and refined and features a pared-back mini slip with a mesh pearl overlay. We love this pretty pearl number for the bride searching for a simple silhouette with a touch of glamour.

Price at time of publish: $750

ASOS

View On Asos

Size Range: 0-14 | Material(s): Cotton | Color(s): White | Shipping: Free on orders $49.99+; $7 flat rate on orders less than $49.99 | Return Policy: Full refund within 28 days

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.

Price at time of publish: $225

Staud Irie Sequined Cotton-Blend Mini Dress

Moda Operandi

View On Bloomingdales View On Modaoperandi.com View On Saks Fifth Avenue

For daring brides who aren’t afraid of a bold engagement party look, we present to you this little white dress from Staud. 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.

Price at time of publish: $395

Lulus

View On Lulus

Size Range: XS-XL | Material(s): Cotton, nylon, polyester | Color(s): White | Length: Knee-length | Shipping: Free standard shipping on orders over $50; $5 flat rate shipping on orders under $50 | Return Policy: Full refund within 30 days

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.

Price at time of publish: $62

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

Anthropologie

View On Anthropologie

Size Range: 0-16 | Materials: Polyester dupioni | Length: Mini-length | Shipping: $4.95-$10.95 standard shipping | Return policy: Full refund within 30 days

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.

Price at time of publish: $598

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

Net-A-Porter

View On Net-a-Porter

We are 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.

Price at time of publish: $1,695

Meet the Expert

Alicia Lloyd is the supervisor of the styling team at Stitch Fix, a personal styling service that sends customers personalized shopping recommendations. They carry both casual clothes and pieces for special events.

What to Look for in an Engagement Party Dress

"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. You can tap into the ballet core trend with Bridal by ELOQUII Tie Shoulder Dress or go for a jumpsuit like Lulus Strapless Jumpsuit. Have fun with your style for this event, and lean into your personal aesthetic.

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 Us

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.

The 17 Best Bridal Shower Dresses of 2023 for Brides-to-Be

For the Fashion-Forward Bride

Retrofête Olivia Embellished Tulle Halterneck Gown

For the Minimalist Bride

Katie May Pretty Bird Dress

Best Jumpsuit

Lulus Power of Love White Strapless Jumpsuit

Best Tea-Length

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

Most Romantic

Bridal by ELOQUII Tie Shoulder Dress

Best Bow Detail

Nookie Adore 2Way Strapless Dress with Detachable Bow

For a Formal Event

Erdem Rea Belted Cutout Lace Midi Dress

Best Lace Option

Bronx and Banco Madeleine Dress

Best Open Back

Daughters of Simone X BHLDN Kellen Dress

Most Fun

Piccolo Ubud One-Sleeve Feather-Trimmed Crepe Mini Dress

Best Ivory Hue

Reformation Alani Silk Dress

Most Modest

Self-Portrait Tiered Lace-Trimmed Embroidered Tulle and Pleated Chiffon Midi Dress

Most Embellished

Audrey Adele Pearl Overlay Sleeveless Midi Dress

For Daytime Party

ASOS EDITION Blouson Off-Shoulder Tiered Eyelet Midi Dress

Best Party Dress

Staud Irie Sequined Cotton-Blend Mini Dress

Most Body-Hugging

Lulus Amazing Allure White Crochet Lace Bodycon Midi Dress

Best Details

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

Most Flirty

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

A Guide to Engagement Parties

Related Stories