Are you the Bride and Groom who have just got engaged or going to get engaged soon? Or are you the host who is going to throw an engagement party for the couple? Or might be the bridesmaid and/or groomsman or the guest who is invited to an engagement party. Then, each of you would surely have this confusion, what to wear to an engagement party?

Here is your A to Z guide to decide what to wear to an engagement party. Whether you are the Bride, the Groom, the host, or the guest, you will certainly be able to choose your outfit with ease, will rock your day, and will collect lots of compliments and memories.

1. What To Expect at an Engagement Party?

Usually, engagement is an intimate function but smaller and simpler than the wedding. Mostly, closet friends and immediate family members are invited to the engagement party. 

Traditionally, the engagement celebration starts with the entry of the Groom and Bride, which is followed by the Ring ceremony. Guests meet, greet, and give gifts to the Groom and Bride. There would be lots of pictures and videos to capture memories. Apart from that, there might be some music and dance. Finally, everyone takes a meal and departs with sweet memories.

It might be possible that the couple already got engaged and now they want to give engagement parties to share their happiness with their loved ones. Also, they can give different engagement parties, like an engagement party for family and relatives at the formal venue and an engagement party for friends at casual setups.

Also, different hosts can organize different engagement parties for the couple. For example, business partners or office colleagues can arrange a cocktail party. Whereas, friends can arrange a fun and adventurous casual engagement party.

2. Etiquette Rules for Engagement Parties

Always remember that balance is key. If you are Bride and Groom or even the host, you are in charge!! You can decide your season, dress code, theme, venue, and timing. Each one has to follow you and has no control over it.

But remember, rights come with responsibility! You can fear being underdressed or overdressed. Surprisingly, you might feel more pressurized as you will be the center of attraction.

On the other hand, as a family, friend, or guest, you don’t have any control over other things apart from your overall look. So, you have to make sure that you don’t still the spotlight from the Bride and Groom.

But also make sure that you don’t feel out of space due to your engagement party attire. Moreover, please stick to the dress code requested by the host.

3. What To Wear To an Engagement Party: A To Z Guide

This is a huge question. Most of you would love to dress just perfectly. But you might be scared that you won’t overdo it or underdo it. And that’s a very common feeling. There are a few factors that you need to check before making the outfit choice.

3.1 Things to Check to Choose What To Wear To an Engagement Party

There are a few things that need to be taken into account before choosing your engagement party attire. Let’s see them.

3.1.1 Dress Codes

In present times, many hosts consider the dress code for engagement party outfits. For some, it might be a relief as it will narrow down the choices, whereas some might not be happy with limited options.

But overall, it’s a good idea. You must check your invitation, or you should have clear communication with the host if any specific dress code is needed to be followed.

There might be formal attire, a cocktail dress code with cocktail attire, semi-casual attire, or a relaxed dress code with casual attire. Also, there might be a pre-decided colour. 

• Colour

If the colour is pre-decided, then try to stick to it. Please try to avoid white colour at the engagement party, as it is known to be reserved for the wedding couple. Apart from that, do consider the season, time, and venue for the choice of colour.

Image by Sean P. Twomey from Pexels

• Theme-Based Dress Codes

Nowadays, most engagement parties are theme-based. For example, Hollywood themes, Disney themes, traditional themes, or non-traditional themes.  So, you should try your best to follow the theme.

3.1.2 Season

Certainly, you would not wear a dress which can make you feel uneasy due to the weather. If the engagement party is in winter, you will need to cover your full body, need to layer up according to the intensity of the cold.

On the other hand, in summer, you will need a light, breathable dress with minimal layering. If there is a sudden or unpredictable change in weather, you have to consider that.

3.1.3 Time

The time of the engagement party is an important factor in choosing the dress. From the perspective of colours to the overall look, daytime clothing will be different from the nighttime. Also, if the engagement party is in the noon or the evening, again you need to choose accordingly.

3.1.4 Venue

The venue of the engagement party is also a very important thing to consider. Firstly, you should check whether the venue is indoor or outdoor. Secondly, it can be religious, or formal, or it can be very casual like clubs, theatres, theme parks, and adventure parks. 

After considering all these things, you may have got half of the answer to your question of what to wear to an engagement party. Now, we will discuss who will wear what.

3.2 What To Wear To An Engagement Party: Engagement Party Outfit Ideas For The Groom And Bride

Here is the spotlight couple. As discussed above, being in charge of your engagement party, you would surely want to look topnotch and that’s your right too. 

When you decide on the dress code and theme for the engagement party, make sure you are confident enough. It is not bad to step out of your comfort zone, but you should remember that you should feel confident and comfortable in your outfit.

Nonetheless, Groom’s and Bride’s looks should complement each other. 

So, let’s take a look at your available outfit choices.

3.2.1 Outfit Ideas For The Bride

You are the bride-to-be and want to feel like the showstopper or main lead actress of the movie, or you might be a shy person who can’t handle too much attention. Overall, you just want one elegant dress which you can rock with ease. So, here you go.

• Colour

Either match or contrast the colour of your outfit with your Groom. Or being The Bride, you can simply choose your colour and ask your partner to choose accordingly!! You can also ask your bridesmaids to match or mix-match with you. 

• Formal

When you decide to go with a formal look, then you should choose elegant gowns.

Do consider venue, time, and weather. In winter, choose thick material and try to wear a full sleeve and a full-length dress. If possible, wear thermals inside. Apart from that, you can wear customized hand gloves and shocks that can complement your dress. 

For summer, select thin and breathable material. During the daytime, choose a pastel and brighter look. At night, you can have a bold and blingy look.

Don’t forget to choose jewelry, makeup, and hairstyle in advance. Do accessorize accordingly to complete your look. Also, choose your heels or wedges which can align with your overall look.

• Semiformal

When the engagement party is at hotels, clubs, resorts, and beaches with a semiformal dress code, you can consider a gown, cocktail dress, or short dress. You can dress pants or a full-length skirt with a shirt or a nice blouse. Similarly, you can also choose semi-formal suits or full jumpsuits. 

Again, don’t forget to decide your makeup, statement jewelry, and hairstyle in advance.

Please consider the weather and venue to choose the material and layering of your outfit. Do carry shawls, scarves, and overcoats which can go with your outfit, as at some places the weather would be unpredictable. Choose footwear and accessories accordingly.

• Casual

For a very casual get-together like a backyard barbeque party, tea party, garden party, or movie night, you can go casual keeping in mind that you are The Bride. 

There are plenty of options like a crop top with a skirt or palazzo, a short jumpsuit, a short dress, and a midi dress. If you are comfortable in long attire or due to weather you need to choose one, you can always go for full-length dresses.

For winter, you can also choose a white T-shirt and pair it with a cool and classy denim jacket.

Don’t forget makeup, accessories, and footwear. You can wear Crocs too!!

• Boho

Gypsy, Hippie, and baggy looks are in trend. From head to toe, just go Hippie. Mix and match colours and materials. Have fun with a relaxed dress code!

3.2.2 Outfit Ideas For The Groom

So, here is the Hero of this story. You need to choose style, colour, and accessories and complete the look for your Big Day.

• Colour

You can either match or contrast your outfit colour with your bride. Moreover, you can match, mix-match, or contrast your outfit with groomsmen too.

• Formal

If you have decided to arrange a party at a religious place, or you just love the formal look, then you should choose a three-piece suit with shoes.

Now, you need to consider whether and time. So, for winters choose warm, thick material for your suit. Also, consider inner thermal wear. Do not forget warm socks which can align with the overall look. In summer, select breathable material, preferably cotton blends. 

For the daytime party, you can choose a brighter look. For the nighttime party, you can go for bold colours and a blingy look.

Despite being a man, do not forget to accessorize. You have options like suit and shirt buttons, tie pins, lapel pins, and brooches. You can wear a tie if you want the perfect formal look.

Complete your look with a classy watch and formal shoes like loafers, derby, oxford, or boat shoes.

• Semiformal

If you decide to arrange the engagement party at hotels, clubs, resorts, and beaches with a semiformal dress code, you can consider a shirt and trousers with a blazer, a shirt and formal trousers with suspenders, and a shirt and blazer with denim. 

Don’t forget to consider the weather. In winter, consider a shirt and trousers with a blazer or shirt and a blazer with denim with thermal wear. In summer, you can choose a shirt and formal trousers with a suspender or shirt, waistcoat and trousers. Choose shoes and accessories accordingly.

• Casual

If you have planned for a barbecue party, tea party, pool party, or movie night, you can wear casuals. But keep in mind that you are the Groom. Again consider weather, venue, and time.

You can wear nice pants with a white shirt. Similarly, you can wear jeans too. For the winter, you can consider wearing a sports coat with denim and a turtle neck T-shirt. In summer, choose a button-down shirt with a cool pair of denims.

• Boho

Nowadays, Boho themes and looks are in trend. The Boho look is a gypsy look. For this look, you can also wear ripped jeans with loose shirts. You can also wear baggy clothes.

3.3 What To Wear To An Engagement Party: Engagement Party Outfit Ideas For Others

3.3.1 Color

If you are an engagement party guest, any specific theme is there for colour, just follow accordingly. Otherwise, choose colours and shades different from the D-day couple. Again this depends upon time, theme, and venue.

3.3.2 Outfit Ideas For Men and Women

• Formal

For formal dinners, men can wear formal suits and shoes, and women can wear formal suits, gowns, or dresses.

As discussed earlier, take into consideration the season, time, and venue. Carry extra layering to protect yourself from cold temperatures. 

• Semiformal

Men can wear a shirt and trousers or a shirt and denim. Women can carry semi-formal dresses of different kinds.

Choose your footwear and accessories which can align with the look.

• Casual

You can go casual but don’t just wake up from bed and land at the engagement party. That’s not the idea of the casual theme.

You can choose different prints, mix, and match, and rock your casual look like anything. For the outdoor engagement party, you can choose floral patterns.

The Boho theme is fun. Just try to play with your look. Men and women both can consider gypsy hairdos and fun accessories.

3.4 What To Wear To an Engagement Party: Outfit Ideas for the Host

If the bride and groom themselves host the engagement party, then obviously they get the choice from the above. But if you are parents, siblings, friends, or colleagues, you should dress like a second center of attraction. Of course, first would always be the bride and groom.

3.5 What To Wear To An Engagement Party: Outfit Ideas for the Bridesmaid and Groomsman

If you are asked to match with the Groom and Bride, then there are chances that your dresses will be getting ready with couples.

So, just team up with the couple and help them to decide best for their big day, and your look will follow accordingly.

Still, you can choose your accessories, jewelry, footwear, hairstyles, and makeup, so be prepared.

3.6 What To Wear To an Engagement Party: Outfit Ideas for the Children

It’s very soothing to the eye when babies, toddlers, and teenagers add charm to the engagement party with their appearance. 

Teenagers can follow the suggestions for men’s and women’s attires. Though, babies and toddlers are not expected to follow these strict rules. After all, their comfort, smile, joy, and free movement are most important for everyone to enjoy the engagement party.

Still, babies can mesmerize everyone with their innocent and eye-catching looks.

3.6.1 Outfit for the Girl

Dress them like Disney princesses or ferries and let them spread their magic at the engagement party.

3.6.2 Outfit for the Boy

Be alert Groom! As these little men can steal the heart of your Bride!!

They can rock three-piece suits to Boho look much, much better than any adult in the engagement party.

3.7 What To Wear To an Engagement Party: Try This When in Doubt

From all the above information, you might have got the answer about what to wear to an engagement party.

But sometimes, you decide to go to the party at the end minute, or you might miss checking the dress code and theme in advance. Now, you can’t buy a new dress or spend much time searching and choosing. Whether you are a man or a woman, you can just remember some dos and don’ts to choose the right outfit:

Do –

• Wear subtle colors with simple yet elegant makeup and hair. 
• Accessories moderately.
• Wear a black dress without a doubt.
• Simply dress in an outfit matching your eye color.

Don’t –

• Wear white or cream shades, as it’s already a known bride-to-be color and reserved for the wedding day.
• Wear too bold or blingy attire when you are not sure of the theme.
• Forget to add personal style to your overall look. 

4. Summary

In brief, engagement is an intimate function, and engagement parties can be arranged after the engagement too. It is a smaller function compared to a wedding, which is known to be a lavish affair. Mostly, very close ones and loved ones are invited to the engagement party.

The Bride and Groom are the spotlight persons, so everyone should make sure to not steal that spotlight from them.

Whenever you think about what to wear to an engagement party, you need to consider the engagement party dress codes, theme, season, time, and venue.

After that, pay attention to your closeness to the couple and the host. Then decide your color, style, footwear, complementary accessories, hairstyle, makeup, and other essentials.

Also don’t forget general outfit etiquette and dress appropriately. And also don’t forget to carry the gifts too.

So, from now on whenever in doubt about what to wear to an engagement party and want to choose a perfect outfit, just go through this blog and linked sites again. Have a rocking engagement party!!

Have you liked it? Then check this out: Best Clothing Stores Canada – 20 Canadian Clothing Boutiques

Do like and share this blog. Also, give your feedback and post questions in the comment box, we would love to have them. Have a nice day!

Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by Sathi Chakraborty