18 engagement party dresses for the seriously stylish bride-to-be (2024)

FAQs

What does a bride to be wear to an engagement party? ›

Bride: Typically, an engagement party involves a co*cktail hour, so a nice engagement party dress or pants and a cute blouse work perfectly no matter the location. Everyone will be looking at your engagement ring so use a less-is-more approach to accessorizing and have a bit more fun with your beauty look.

"If it calls for co*cktail attire, guys should wear a jacket and tie, and women should wear a dress or a fancy pantsuit." Time of day can also dictate engagement party fashion. "If it's outdoors or during the daytime, you can opt for lighter fabrics and more casual outfits," Howard says.

Two dresses for the wedding are already standard for most brides – one for the registry office and one for the church or free wedding ceremony. The possibilities are endless and there are no limits to individuality. For every budget there are many alternatives now.

Mirror your personal style: Your engagement dress should mirror your sense of style because your wedding is a reflection of your love and individuality. Choose an outfit that makes you feel confident and beautiful, whether your style is trendy, romantic, boho, or vintage.

If you're keen on sticking with tradition, slip into something white. At co*cktail engagement parties, a statement white midi dress is always a good idea for the bride. These dress styles are ideal if you're wearing a white dress to your wedding and want to mix things up a bit for the engagement party.

Your engagement party theme should be a reflection of your personalities and interests. Consider selecting a colour scheme that aligns with the mood you want to create. Soft hues like pastel pinks or lavenders can help create a romantic ambience, while bright and bold colours can create a more energetic atmosphere.

While engagement gifts from parents to their children aren't required, they're certainly welcome and appreciated, especially if the couple is having an engagement party hosted by someone that's not one of their parents.

There's not one specific color the mother of the bride should wear. But unless you've received approval from the couple, it's best to steer clear from white, ivory or champagne hues as not to take attention away from the bride.

There's no set engagement party etiquette on this, but here is our advice: Keep it small- to medium-sized. You don't need to include everyone who will be on your wedding guest list. Keep the party intimate and special by inviting your closest friends and family members to raise a glass to your impending nuptials.

Traditionally, white is reserved for the bride on the wedding day as well as all events leading up to the big day. When deciding what to wear to an engagement party, steer clear of women's styles that may photograph lighter and appear to be white. Think blush, pale yellow or champagne.

How much do most brides spend on dress? ›

Generally, the average cost of a wedding gown is typically between $1,800 to $2,500. Off-the-rack gowns may be priced lower than $1,800, while more luxurious gowns can sometimes fall in the $3,000 to $8,000 range. Customized dresses can even cost up to $10,000.

On the other hand, black is totally allowed, and it's a timeless, elegant, flattering, mysterious and sleek choice. Black will look its best if the engagement party is a formal or semi-formal evening event. However, if the gathering is set to happen during daytime and in a more relaxed setting.

Traditionally, white is reserved for the bride on the wedding day as well as all events leading up to the big day.

For brides: Opt for a chic co*cktail dress with an epic pair of shoes—your wedding dress will most likely cover your heels on the big day, so use this as an opportunity to show off some great pumps or sandals. For grooms: A blazer or sport coat with a white shirt and pants make for good co*cktail attire.

By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colors, it will help bring all the attention to your faces, and let the eye focus on the way you and your emotions. The camera loves shades of soft pink and muted blues, mixed with sophisticated light neutrals like heather gray, creams, leather brown and white.