What To Wear To Engagement Party

Happy wedding season!

Engagements are exciting events, and engagement parties are just one way to celebrate such an exciting time. Engagement parties are a time when friends, family, and loved ones all come together to celebrate a newly engaged couple. 

Every couple is different, so every engagement party will be a little different too. Some are more casual, some are fancier, and some are a little bit of both. If you are unsure of how to style yourself for an engagement party, that’s what I’m here for. 

Here’s a whole list of outfit ideas for what to wear to an engagement party and what exactly this fun-filled party requires. 

What Is an Engagement Party?

Engagement parties generally happen closer to the proposal than to the wedding itself. It’s also one of the first steps of the wedding planning process. Traditionally, the engagement party is hosted by the bride’s family, but many modern couples host it themselves.

It’s a get-together to celebrate the newly engaged couple and begin the journey of the wedding process. It's a fun time with loved ones where there's often food, music, and games and just general socialization of the wedding party and family members. This is also the perfect time and place to swoon over the engagement ring! 

What To Know Before You Go 

Guests: Engagement Party Attire Etiquette

Ultimately, your final outfit will be decided by a lot of the party details. Before you head out, double-check the weather, location, and theme of the party you’re attending. For example, at an outdoor engagement party in July, you’ll probably want to leave your cozy sweater at home and on the rack.

Opt for a breezy sundress instead. Review all details, including location, time, and attire code. Just keep in mind those little details when choosing your outfit.

Remember that less is more: You want to look and feel your best, of course, but remember the whole reason why you are there. The last thing you want to do is come overdressed to an event like an engagement party.

Always keep an eye on the dress code, and ensure that no matter what you wear: don’t upstage the newly engaged couple on one of their special days. This means avoiding colors like white, as this is a traditional bridal color and style. 

The Happy Couple: Engagement Party Attire Etiquette

Now, if you are the bride or groom in this scenario, this is one of your many moments. Wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident as you enter into this new chapter of life with the person you love, and spend a few moments celebrating that with loved ones around you.

Don’t be afraid to shine a little bit brighter on your special day! 

3 Classic Engagement Party Looks for Brides: 

White Cocktail Dress

You can’t go wrong with a classic white cocktail dress for your engagement party. A high-fashion dress is simple, sweet, and wonderfully bridal. It’s good taste to wear white as well as the guest of honor at your engagement party, so all eyes are on you and your bridal look.

I can almost entirely guarantee that no one else will be wearing white to an engagement party so that you will stand out in the best ways possible. Pair this look with a pair of white heels or white boots to complete this look for any season or personal style. Oh, don’t forget to show off that diamond too! 

Floral Midi Dress

If you want to save the white for your actual wedding day, you can never go wrong with florals. Florals are classy and feminine and really help pull in some simple patterns and colors into your bridal look for your big party.

Depending on the season, the weather outside can help you identify which florals and colors to choose as well. Pastels are perfect for spring and summer, while deep colors are best for fall and winter. For fall and winter, you can still rock florals — try leaf or poinsettia patterns for a naturally stylish vibe. 

Regardless of the season and how you style, florals aren't going anywhere anytime soon, and I couldn’t be happier about it. 

White Jumpsuit or Romper 

For a modern twist on the classic white bridal look, I recommend a white jumpsuit or romper. This is a fun modern look for any bride, but especially one who might want to leave the dresses for the altar and wear pants at the engagement party.

This is also a cute, comfy way to wear a one-piece set that is very professional and classy. Trust me; you can totally rock this: Pair this look with some retro high-heeled boots to really make a statement and get ready to say, I Do.

3 Looks for Engagement Party Guests: 

Simple Pastel Blazer or Matching Pantsuit Set

When planning your engagement party look, focus on the “less is more” mentality. The day should be all about the newly engaged couple, so keep your outfit simple but classic.

A fab way to do this is with a simple pastel blazer or a matching pantsuit set. This is the ultimate way to be dressed up and classy without taking away the attention from the newlyweds. If pastels aren't for you, find out what the color scheme for the wedding will be and focus on that specific color palette for the engagement party. 

Floral Patterns

For a simple and subtle pattern to add to your own outfit as a party guest, you can never go wrong with florals. This works for multiple seasons, themes, and events in general, and its versatility makes it an ideal choice.

The floral pattern is also very romantic and intimate, which is perfect for this event. Florals are a fun and simple way to incorporate some color and pattern into your outfit. Just make sure to keep an eye on the amount of white in any floral background — if you’re not the bride, it’s best to keep the

Button Up + Slacks 

For a more casual affair, like events at a bar or picnic, you can never go wrong with a classic button-up and some slacks. Even if a dress code says “casual,” you probably want to avoid jeans.

This is the best moment to pull out a great pair of slacks and style accordingly. You may or may not need to add a tie or other details to this outfit, depending on the dress code. Remember, less is more, especially when you’re celebrating other people.

Time To Celebrate

Bottom line, wear something tasteful but not too bold. It’s a careful balance to look put together and nice but not overdressed. This day is about the special couple that you love, celebrating them and everything that is coming next for them.

It will mean so much to that special couple in your life that you are there celebrating them and the excitement to follow. No matter what your personal style is, don’t sweat an engagement party. Just go fully ready to celebrate the happy couple in whatever makes you feel and look your best (as long as it's in the dress code).

Have fun, and congratulations, whether it's you celebrating or someone close to you.

Sources: 

What To Wear To an Engagement Party: Dos and Don'ts | Yeah Weddings

What to Wear to an Engagement Party as a Guest | Brides 

The Complete Guide to Engagement Parties | The Knot

When Is Wedding Season? | Brides