Last Updated on November 21, 2021 by Guillermina
Today, we’re going to be looking at what to wear to an engagement party at a house, and other venues. So you’ve just got engaged – what should you be wearing to your engagement party? Or maybe you’ve just been invited to an engagement party as a guest, and there’s been no specified dress code. Let’s take a look at the do’s and don’ts of what to wear.
What Is An Engagement Party?
An engagement party is pretty self-explanatory! It’s a party that celebrates two people on their engagement. This can be done at any venue, and they’re usually a lot of fun. Games can sometimes be played, and drink is often had. There’s often food available for the guests. And speeches are often rife at engagement parties. They usually last a few hours and it can be anything from a small gathering, to hundreds of people!
What To Wear To An Engagement Party?
There’s a few aspects to consider when you’re deciding what to wear to an engagement party. Whether you’re one half of the happy couple or a guest in attendance – it can be a tricky decision. Let’s take a look at some tips and tricks for guests and the newly engaged pair!
Guests
For guests, there is a certain etiquette and unspoken rule to follow when choosing your engagement party outfits. Here’s some things to keep in mind:
- Dress Code. Is there a dress code on the invitation? If there is, this makes it super easy to choose an outfit! If there isn’t one, it can be a little more difficult. The best thing to do if you’re completely unsure is to ask. Whether you ask the bride or groom themselves, or someone else attending the party – it may be best to get some clarification.
- Where is it? Where the party is happening can be important. You don’t want to show up to a BBQ wearing a formal cocktail dress. Make sure to match your outfit with the vibe of the venue. For example, a BBQ would be a great time to wear a floaty dress with a pair of wedges.
- When is it? The time of year is also important. If it’s the middle of Winter, you may want to opt for a coat or pullover with your outfit, particularly if some of it is happening outside. Dressing for the weather is a good idea, even if there’s a dress code.
- Overdressed is best! Even if the engagement party is at a house, you may be wanting to wear something casual – but being too casual is a definite no-no! Stay clear of jeans, sweat pants, casual shorts. Being slightly overdressed is always better than underdressed. You don’t want to stick out for the wrong reasons! Even engagement parties at a house require some effort – some will even have a strict cocktail attire code!
- Colors. Choosing the color is important. White is a no-go. But light colors that may appear white in photographs (such as pastel pink) should also be avoided.
Bride/Groom
Choosing an outfit for your own engagement party is something that will likely be important to you, but you may be wondering if there’s any etiquette? The good news is – not really! Brides and grooms can often wear whatever they feel most comfortable in at their engagement party.
For brides, it’s often seen as appropriate to wear white. This isn’t something you have to do, but it’s a great place to start owning the color white. This is the first celebration on your journey to becoming newlyweds, so why not take full advantage of wearing white as often as possible? Wearing white also makes it easy to spot the bride among photographs and certainly makes you the leading lady of your special day – which is probably what you’re looking for!
The groom can usually wear whichever color they’d prefer. But it’s often seen as appropriate to wear a button-down shirt, dress pants, and a blazer. The blazer isn’t a must if you’re having a more casual dress code.
For some inspirat
ion for engagement party outfits (for women and men), The Trend Spotter has a great post to give you some ideas on what to wear.
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Can You Wear White To An Engagement Party?
Unless you’re the bride, under no circumstances should a female wear white to an engagement party. White is strictly reserved for the bride. This is her moment to shine, and the first time she’ll have the option to wear white for the first step on her wedding journey.
Unless asked by the bride, white should be avoided at all costs. It’s also important to avoid light colors that may appear white from a distance, or in photographs. The bride should be the star of the show at her engagement party – so be sure not to steal the spotlight.
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped to decipher what to wear to an engagement party at a house or any other venue. It’s important to note that although a house may feel more casual, you still need to make some effort – it is a celebration after all!
Ultimately, it comes down to the dress code and the vibe of the engagement party. If the couple want you to wear jeans, then, by all means, go for it! If you’re unsure and there’s no dress code – ask. The happy couple will likely be more than okay to answer any questions. But try to ask in advance, asking last minute isn’t ideal on their special day.
What did you wear to your engagement party? Or as a guest in attendance? Are there any other do’s and don’ts you can think of? If you have an answer to any of these questions, be sure to let me know in the comments below. I love reading through them, and you may be helping out future couples.
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