Enter Your Wedding Era in One of These Engagement Party Dresses for Brides

You'll steal the show in one of these fashion-forward looks.
collage of three engagement party outfits for the bride
Images, left to right: David's Bridal, Birdy Grey, Anthropologie
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by
Sofia Deeb
sofia deeb headshot
Sofia Deeb
Assistant Fashion Commerce Editor
  • Sofia writes and edits articles for The Knot Worldwide with a specialty in fashion and e-commerce.
  • Prior to The Knot Worldwide, Sofia was a writer for Santa Barbara Life and Style Magazine.
  • Sofia studied cultural anthropology and journalism at the University of California, Santa Barbara.
Updated Dec 18, 2024
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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

Short bridal dress with large bow
Photo: Birdy Grey

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

Short ruffle strapless dress
Photo: ELOQUII

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

Long ruffle milkmaid bridal dress
Photo: Petal + Pup

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

Minimalistic midi white dress with leg slit
Photo: Park & Fifth

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

Off the shoulder short dress
Photo: Birdy Grey

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

Strapless white pantsuit
Photo: Lulus

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

Short off the shoulder dress with long sleeves
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch

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

Short strapless lace dress
Photo: Meshki

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

Long white dress with high neckline
Photo: Anthropologie

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

Strapless midi dress with corset bodice
Photo: David's Bridal

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

Short white dress with bow detailing
Photo: Rihoas

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

Frilly midi white dress with lace shoulder straps
Photo: Birdy Grey

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

Body hugging strapless long silk dress
Photo: Abercrombie & Fitch

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

Airy long white summer dress with square neckline and tie shoulder straps
Photo: Kenny Flowers

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

Sophisticated midi white dress
Photo: Reiss

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

Off the shoulder long white dress with long sleeves
Photo: ASOS

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

Floral lace plus size bridal dress
Photo: Showpo

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

Lace bridal dress with ruffle leg slit
Photo: Meshki

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

Mini white dress with high neck and ruffle skirt
Photo: Meshki

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

Midi white dress with leg slit and cross over neckline
Photo: Lulus

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

Tulle off the shoulder plus size bridal dress
Photo: Azazie

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

Body hugging midi off the shoulder bridal dress
Photo: Selfie Leslie

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

Midi strapless dress with leg slit and lace corset bodice
Photo: Lulus

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

Midi ruffle bridal dress
Photo: ELOQUII

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

Silk midi bridal dress with square neckline and leg slit
Photo: Windsor

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

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