So, your friend, colleague, neighbour, well somebody is getting hitched soon and they want you to join in the celebrations. Well, an engagement marks the beginning of a couples’ journey together and if you receive the invitation, it’s expected that you dress up to share in their happiness. Well, you’re invited, so make sure you turn up looking chic and sophisticated but be mindful not steal the thunder from the bride-to-be. She deserves to be the focal point, and you must respect the tone, theme and dress code. But what if there’s no set dress code for the event and you’re left wondering what to pick that exudes the right balance of style and appropriateness?
What should you wear to an engagement party as a guest? Well, there sure are some basic rules to follow when it comes to picking the right clothes for an engagement party. While your individual choice might be of paramount importance, when it comes to weddings and the celebrations that precede the D-Day, it’s the couple’s expectations and wishes that needs to be kept in mind, to make sure you don’t end up looking underdressed or outshine the bride. So, here are some engagement party outfit do’s, don’ts and style inspiration to start planning your wardrobe for the day.
Decoding the Dress Code
A lot of times the invite would specify the dress code for the event — black-tie, cocktail dinner, luncheon and some adventurous couples even choose a fun, evening gathering with lots of activities. Well, if it’s on the invite, it sure is easy to plan the ensemble for the day. However, if there isn’t anything written on the card, you’re on your own. So, unless you planned the engagement party with the couple, don’t ask the bride to be what you should be wearing. Yes, you can check with the other attendees but it’s always better to invest in some versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create multiple looks. We’ll discuss a lit bit more about outfit options, a little later. For now, if you’re wondering what to pick for the next engagement party, just consider the following —
Venue: Is it at a swanky banquet hall or a beach resort, or will it be a garden party? The venue plays a crucial role in choosing your attire for attending an engagement party as a guest. Time: An outdoor luncheon calls for a light breezy sundress, while a floral midi will be perfect for an early evening gathering. If it’s a cocktail engagement party, it’s time you take out your classic LBD. Weather: You don’t want to be sweating in a velvet sheath on a bright summer day, nor will your linen summer dress be appropriate for a late evening party. Consider the forecast and the season before you pick an outfit for the engagement party. Vibe with the couple: If you’ve been invited you should have a pretty good idea about the couple and their expectations from their invitees. Choose an outfit that will meet their expectations. And whatever you decide on, just remember it’s always better to be slightly overdressed than underdressed.
So, what should you wear for an upcoming engagement party as a guest? Here’s our pick of the best looks and the right accessories to choose to make quite an impression.
The One-Shoulder Cocktail Black Dress
If it’s drinks and dinner, you can blindly go with our Velvet black one shoulder dress. An edgy style with gold metal chain detailing, this midi black velvet dress reflects a classy, cosmopolitan vibe that would make you the cynosure of all eyes at the party (without overshadowing the bride-to-be!). Pair this with our cuff bracelet, golden filigree danglers or solid gold-plated hoops and don’t forget our sequinned clutch to elevate your chic urban vibe.
Green Abstract Printed Party Dress
A classy A-line silhouette that exudes a polished country club vibe, this green leaf patterned midi would look great at a luncheon celebration or even a high tea engagement party. Featuring intricate gold and crimson bead work, this layered party dress from our collection can be finished off with a very feminine pair of strappy heels, gold-plated double hoop earrings, and shimmering gold party bag.
Yes, we do agree that engagement parties are quite a tricky affair to pick a dress for. But unless there is a predetermined colour code for the event, you could go with anything that’s sophisticated, classy and chic. Sure thing, your comfort matters and depending on the activities the couple has planned for the guests, you can tweak the dress code to suit the occasion and your personal style. But if you’re still unsure about what to pick for your friend’s, colleague’s or neighbour’s engagement party, shop our party wear collection here.
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