You just got engaged and are planning a party? Congratulations, because this is one of the most exciting moments of your life, and it deserves to be celebrated properly with the people you love.
After you’ve set the date and finalised your guest list, the next question is: What should I wear? As the star of the show and someone who’ll be captured on camera for future remembrance, you deserve to spend time curating an ensemble that is uniquely you.
Engagement Dress
Your engagement party is a special occasion, so choosing the right dress is about finding something that makes you feel confident and comfortable while reflecting the style of the celebration. Since you’ll be photographed throughout the event and spending plenty of time hugging, posing and dancing, it’s worth choosing a beautiful engagement party dress that feels good to wear.
Length is one factor to consider when choosing. If you are looking for something very dramatic, the maxi length is definitely the best choice because of its long, flowing hem. It looks great in photographs and gives an elegant feeling to the party. On the other hand, if you prefer something less formal, a midi dress is a lovely option. It still looks elegant without feeling too dressy.
You should also consider the style of the engagement party dress. A corset bodice is a popular choice as it forms the waist and adds a classic, romantic touch to the dress. Halter neck and tie neck dresses are stylish as well. You can pick a lace dress, which feels gentle and elegant. Off-the-shoulder dresses with long sleeves are a beautiful choice for a cooler season.
Colour is an important factor to consider when choosing a dress. The most popular colours are white and ivory, and both of them add a bridal feel, but they are less formal than wedding gowns. At the same time, you are not obliged to stick to neutral colours, since light blue, light pink, sage and wine dress options are stunning as well.
Finally, you should take into account the location and the season. A light and flowy dress is a good choice for a garden party in the spring, while a denser fabric and a dress with long sleeves are preferable in winter.
Shoes
Your choice of shoes can make or break your whole look; therefore, you should opt for a comfortable type of footwear that will keep you in style all night. High heels are a traditional choice; they elongate the legs and also give a glamorous feel to your look, while block and kitten heels provide additional stability during long periods of standing.
If the party takes place outside, then flat or wedge footwear is a better choice because thin heels have a tendency to sink into the ground. A neutral colour like nude, white or metallic gold goes well with any kind of dress.
Accessories and Finishing Touches
Purse
Your purse should be small enough to appear stylish but large enough to hold the essentials. A clutch or a small shoulder bag is a practical choice for an engagement party because it gives you enough room for your essentials without being too bulky.
Choose a purse colour that complements your dress, such as silver or gold with embellishments for a little extra sparkle, or a neutral shade if your outfit is already detailed. A detachable chain or shoulder strap is also useful because it lets you keep your hands free when dancing or mingling with guests.
Jewellery
Your engagement party is a lovely opportunity to let your ring take centre stage, so there’s no need to go for anything too fancy or extravagant. Instead, you can go for delicate earrings and a good necklace that complement your features nicely and add more detail to your outfit in close-up photos.
You can also match your jewellery to your ring by choosing the same metal, whether it’s gold, silver or rose gold. If your dress has an intricate neckline, skip the necklace and go for statement earrings or a thin bracelet instead. The general rule is that less is always more.
Makeup Bag
A mini makeup bag can be a real lifesaver at parties when you need to make a few last-minute touch-ups. Make sure you pack lip gloss or lipstick in a shade that matches your look, compact powder to remove any unwanted shine from your skin, and mini mascara in case there are a few happy tears. Blotting paper, a few bobby pins, mini hairspray and some tissues would complete your pack, as these little things would take care of all minor inconveniences.
Putting together your engagement party outfit can be very exciting, and the process is easier when you break it down step by step. Begin with the dress as it dictates the overall look, then choose details that complement it. Most importantly, wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident so you can relax and fully enjoy your day.
