Photo by Abby Jiu Photography
Your engagement party is the first of many wedding-related events, and serves as the perfect opportunity to set the tone for not only your bridal style but also your wedding style to come.
Thinking of a destination wedding in the tropics? Opt for dresses crafted from breezy linen and cotton 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. 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."
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.
With Lloyd's help, we found the best engagement party dresses for different venues, body types, and budgets. These looks don't compromise on quality or comfort, and certainly show off your personality.
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) with our curated round-up of the best engagement party dresses for every bridal style and budget.
Best Midi Option
Alexandre Vauthier Wrap-Effect Asymmetric Dress
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size Range: 2-12 | Length: Midi | Materials: Stretch Jersey
A chic city venue calls for a dress that is at once sophisticated and sexy. This daring midi features a plunging neckline, shoulder pads, and an asymmetrical skirt for a striking figure.
Price at time of publish: $3,340
Best Two-Piece
Reformation Barcelona Silk Two Piece
Courtesy of Reformation
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Silk
This silk set is both sultry and sophisticated—a lovely look for a bride-to-be who's not afraid to break with tradition. Best of all, you can wear the separates again.
Price at time of publish: $648
Best Bow Detail
Nookie Adore 2Way Strapless Dress with Detachable Bow
Courtesy of Revolve
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Mini | Materials: Nylon, Polyester, Spandex
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
Best Embellishments
Retroféte Dolly Sequin Feather Dress
Courtesy of Retrofete
Size Range: XXS-XXL | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Viscose, Ostrich Feather
Give them glitz and glam in this sparkling sequined maxi dress. With a thigh-high split and a feather trim, all eyes will definitely be on you.
Price at time of publish: $995
Most Size Inclusive
Bridal by ELOQUII Tie Shoulder Dress
Courtesy of ELOQUII
Size Range: 14-28 | Length: Mini | Materials: Polyester
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
Best Lace Option
Bronx and Banco Madeleine Dress
Courtesy of Revolve
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Knee-length | Materials: Polyester
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
Best Mini
Self-Portrait Off-the-Shoulder Guipure Lace Mini Dress
Courtesy of Net-A-Porter
Size Range: 0-10 | Length: Mini | Materials: Guipure Lace, Satin
This off-the-shoulder lace look is at once dressed up and effortless. Wear yours with sandals for a more casual vibe, or go with bright accessories for a pop of color.
Price at time of publish: $405
For the Minimalist Bride
Katie May Pretty Bird Dress
Courtesy of Revolve
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Knee-length | Materials: Polyester, Spandex
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
Best One-Shoulder
Whistles Adelaide One-Shoulder Dress
Courtesy of Whistles
Size Range: 4-16 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Polyester
This gorgeous gown feels totally Grecian and utterly romantic. For brides throwing an engagement party in the summer, this style is perfect for a garden or seaside celebration.
Price at time of publish: $699
Best Metallic
One33 Social Foil Jersey Ruched Midi Dress
Courtesy of Saks Fifth Avenue
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Materials: Metallic jersey with a foil finish
For brides looking to lean into the metallic trend, this style is an exquisite option for you. Keep accessories minimal and let the dress do all the talking.
Price at time of publish: $495
Best Open Back
Daughters of Simone X BHLDN Kellen Dress
Courtesy of BHLDN
Size Range: 0-5X | Length: Mini | Materials: Cotton, Polyester, Spandex
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: $675
Best Tea-Length
DB Studio Satin V-Neck Tea Length A-Line Dress
Courtesy of David's Bridal
Size Range: 0-14 | Length: Tea-length | Materials: Polyester
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
For a Summer Event
Self Portrait Tiered Broderie Cotton-Voile Midi Dress
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size Range: 0-12 | Length: Midi | Materials: Cotton
This light and airy number is crafted from 100 percent cotton making it a comfortable and stylish choice for summer engagement party celebrations. Pair yours with wedges and dewy makeup.
Price at time of publish: $510
Best Ivory Hue
Reformation Alani Silk Dress
Courtesy of Reformation
Size Range: 14-24 | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Silk
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
For a Formal Event
Erdem Rea Belted Cutout Lace Midi Dress
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size Range: 2-12 | Length: Midi | Materials: Cotton, Polyamide, Acetate, Viscose, Silk
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
Best Jumpsuit
Lulus Power of Love White Strapless Jumpsuit
Courtesy of Lulus
Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Polyester
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
For the Fashion-Forward Bride
Retroféte Olivia Embellished Tulle Halterneck Gown
Courtesy of Net-a-Porter
Size Range: XS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Materials: White tulle
Can you say sexy and classy? With its halter neckline and low back, this form-fitting dress is beautifully fierce and fashion-forward. Top it off with the matching gloves for a little extra glam.
Price at time of publish: $1,575
Most Fun
MAJORELLE Zelda Fitz Gown
Courtesy of Revolve
Size Range: XXS-XL | Length: Floor-length | Materials: Nylon
While some brides opt for a pared-back look when it comes to their engagement party dress, we love the idea of donning a floor-length gown for the occasion. This style features a sheer lace trim making it a light and easy choice for working the room.
Price at time of publish: $338
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 balletcore 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 her personal aesthetic.
Why Trust Brides
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.
