Enter Your Wedding Era in One of These Engagement Party Dresses for Brides
Let's raise a toast to your engagement—and the official start of your bridal era. Since you're here, there's a good chance you're looking to kickstart this new season in style. Fortunately, there is no shortage of on-trend options when it comes to engagement party dresses for brides. Engagement party outfits should not only make you feel like a bride, but also the best version of yourself. Whether you're planning a sophisticated soiree or an intimate backyard barbeque, you should choose a look that reflects your own unique style and personality.
As a little prewedding gift to you, we're sharing the latest and greatest engagement dress ideas for 2025 and 2026 to-be-weds. They're all here and ready to shop, but act fast, 'cause we have a hunch these styles will sell out (the best ones always do). We've also put together some helpful tips to help you decide what to wear to your engagement party.
In this article:
What to Wear for Your Engagement Party as the Bride
What makes a great engagement dress, anyway? When it comes to engagement outfits for the bride, it really depends on the specific event and, of course, your personal style. When in doubt, consider these four things when shopping for bridal engagement dresses:
Dress Color
You might assume that your engagement party dress has to be white, but that's simply not the case (although if you did want to wear white, we've rounded up plenty of shoppable options below). The truth is that you can wear any color you want to your engagement party (and any wedding-related event for that matter). Pink engagement party dresses have been trending in recent years. There are even plenty of patterned options that work well for the occasion and don't compromise engagement party etiquette.
Dress Code & Theme
As the guests of honor, you and your partner get the privilege of setting the dress code and theme for each of your prewedding events. So, if you want to get all dressed up for your celebration, opt for a formal or cocktail engagement party theme. On the other hand, if you'd prefer to keep things laidback, a casual dress code is the way to go. Your chosen dress code and theme should influence the fabric and silhouette of the dress you choose. As a general rule of thumb, floor-length and mid-length gowns made from fabrics like satin, crepe and velvet lend themselves nicely to formal affairs, while mini dresses in fabrics like linen and chiffon are better suited for casual events.
Location & Weather
While you can't control the weather on the day of your engagement party, you can come prepared. If your celebration is taking place during a rainier time of year, be sure to pack an umbrella just in case. You can also opt for a long sleeve engagement party dress for a little extra warmth. One of our favorite ways to style a little white dress is with a cozy pashmina over the top. Not only do they add an elegant touch to your look, but they also come in super handy when cold weather strikes.
Activities
Needless to say, you'll want to be appropriately dressed for any activities you have planned during your party. If your engagement party games require you to be up on your feet and moving around, be sure to choose an outfit that allows you to do so with ease. This might mean opting for a pair of flats instead of heels. Similarly, if you're planning on hitting the dance floor, we recommend choosing a dress that won't restrict you as you show off your moves.
Engagement Party Dresses for the Bride
Looking to take wedding white for a test drive? A white engagement party dress or jumpsuit for brides is the way to go. Not only will it make you feel like a bride for the very first time, but it will also help you stand out in the crowd during your celebration. Psst: You can also re-wear your engagement party outfit for a number of prewedding events.
So, where do you shop for engagement party outfits? Well, if you're looking for on-trend elegant engagement dresses, you need to check out Meshki (AKA our latest obsession). For casual engagement party outfits for the bride, Abercrombie & Fitch is our go-to. We've even spotted the cutest plus-size white engagement dresses at retailers like Eloquii and Birdy Grey. Of course, you could always save yourself the trouble and opt for one of these 25 editor-approved options that are available to shop online:
Mini Dress with Detachable Bow
With a detachable bow that extends into a train, this white engagement party dress offers two looks for the price of one.
Size range: XS–3X
Plus-Size Mini Dress with Boned Bodice
The dance floor is calling your name. Answer it in this plus-size white engagement party dress with a breezy A-line silhouette and a boned corset bodice.
Size range: 14–32
Puff Sleeve Midi Dress
If you're hoping to get the most possible use out of your engagement party dress, go with this versatile puff sleeve midi dress that can be re-worn for a number of occasions. Use the code "PETALXKNOT" for 15% off your purchase.
Size range: XS–XL
Simple Midi Dress with Sweetheart Neckline and Leg Slit
Think of this simple wedding engagement dress as a blank canvas just waiting to be personalized with all your favorite accessories.
Size range: XS–3X
Convertible Satin Mini Dress
Detachable off-the-shoulder sleeves allow you to convert this satin mini dress into a strapless number in seconds.
Size range: XS–3X
Strapless Jumpsuit with Sweetheart Neckline
Who says your engagement party outfit has to be a dress? This strapless jumpsuit with a sweetheart neckline makes an elegant alternative. Use the code "THEKNOT20" for 20% off first-time purchases.
Size range: XXS–XL
Off-the-Shoulder Mini Dress with Long Sleeves
Pair this long sleeve engagement party dress with a set of statement-making heels or boots and you'll be set to take on the event in style.
Size range: XXSP–XLT
Strapless Lace Mini Dress
This strapless lace mini dress is a gorgeous option to wear to your engagement party, bridal shower or bachelorette party…Or better yet: All of the above.
Size range: XXS–3X
Bias-Cut Satin Maxi Dress with Cowl Neckline
Looking to dress to the nines for your celebration? With a cowl neckline and a bias cut skirt, this formal engagement party outfit is the way to go.
Size range: 2–12
Satin Corset Bodice Tea-Length Dress
Here's the tea: This strapless white dress in a tea-length silhouette is an unmatched option for all your prewedding festivities. And yes, it does have pockets.
Size range: 0–30W
High-Neck Mini Dress with Bow Details
Sometimes less is more. Case point: This short engagement party dress with a high neckline and mini bow embellishments.
Size range: XS–XL
Mesh Swiss Dot Midi Dress
This whimsical tulle gown with bows on the shoulders makes the perfect spring engagement party outfit. While you're shopping for your engagement party dress, get a head start on your bridesmaid dress search by adding 10 free fabric swatches to your cart with the code "KNOTFRIENDS".
Size range: XS–XL
Strapless Satin Maxi Dress
With so many ways to wear this simple white maxi dress, it makes an excellent addition to your wedding wardrobe.
Size range: XXSP–XXLT
Tiered Bamboo Sundress
This summer engagement party dress was practically made for a celebration on the sand. All you'll need to finish off your look is a pair of sandals and some sunnies.
Size range: XS–XXL
Mock Neck Knit Midi Dress
We're simply obsessed with this engagement party dress for brides. It's made from soft hybrid knit fabric and comes in two classic color options.
Size range: XS–XL
Off-the-Shoulder Maxi Dress with Long Sleeves
This engagement party dress with sleeves can seamlessly be dressed up with pumps or dressed down with sneakers. Psst: That means you'll definitely be able to re-wear it.
Size range: 0–14
Floral Jacquard Midi Dress with Spaghetti Straps
Planning a garden party? This outdoor engagement party dress with a floral jacquard print will perfectly complement your setting.
Size range: 0–16
Lace High-Low Dress
Here's an engagement party outfit that pulls out all the stops. I mean, check out that stunning high-low silhouette and floral lace fabric.
Size range: XXS–3X
Halter Neck Satin Mini Dress
When it comes to engagement party dress ideas, it doesn't get much cuter than this charming satin mini dress, which has a halter neckline and an open back.
Size range: XXS–3X
Satin Halter Neck Midi Dress
With a flattering halter neckline and dramatic open back, it's no mystery why this casual engagement party dress is a bestseller.
Size range: XXS–XXL
Tea-Length Tulle Dress with Off-the-Shoulder Sleeves
Here's a pick that's sure to fit just right. The tea length tulle dress comes in a wide range of sizes with the option to have it custom made to your own unique measurements.
Size range: 0–30 (Custom sizing available)
Off-the-Shoulder Bodycon Midi Dress
This elegant engagement party outfit is perfect for an event at an upscale hotel or country club. Just add a pair of patent pumps and you'll be set.
Size range: XXS–4X
Strapless Midi Dress with Lace Bustier Bodice
Flaunt your figure in this bodycon engagement party dress for a bride. It has a sheer lace bodice and a thigh-high leg slit making it an oh-so sexy ensemble.
Size range: XS–XL
Plus-Size Ruffled Midi Dress with Corset Bodice
From weekend brunch to all your prewedding parties, this tiered ruffle midi dress is sure to earn its place within your wardrobe rotation.
Size range: 14–28
Satin Bodycon Midi Dress
As one of the most affordable options on this list, you just might want to grab this cocktail engagement party dress in all three of the shades it comes in.
Size range: XS–XL