36 Engagement Party Dresses for Every Venue Type

Your engagement party is likely to be your first pre-wedding event after your #justsaidyes moment, and it’s a fabulous occasion to go all out when it comes to your look. Cue this shoppable list of engagement party dresses! Ultimately, we suggest wearing something that speaks to your everyday style but also complements the venue where the party is taking place—and no, you’re not limited to just wearing white! We’ve picked a handful of engagement party dresses and organized them by venue type, from feminine floral prints to glamorous sparkles and sassy LWDs (little white dresses). Ready to pick your first bride-to-be outfit? Celebrate your recent proposal in style by rocking one of these engagement party dresses for every venue type. 

If the engagement party is at someone’s house…

A backyard setting or a casual sit-down dinner at a friend’s house means you’ll need an outfit that looks put together but isn’t completely over the top. Sundresses, floral prints, and airy fabrics (try cotton poplin, eyelet lace, or chiffon) will keep you feeling chic and comfortable. 

An off-the-shoulder linen minidress is breezy and comfortable for an outdoor summer party. Ruffled cuffs are a cute detail on this long-sleeved option. 

Eloquii off-the-shoulder wide cut dress, $120, CoEdition

An oh-so-pretty rose print on this midi dress only adds to the overall romantic vibe, complete with ruffles and demure cap sleeves.  

ASTR the Label Tempest floral midi dress, $148, Nordstrom

Presenting the cool girl way to rock a bridal white dress: subtle puff sleeves (a wedding dress trend we’re currently loving) and a woven plaid pattern make this one anything but basic. Pair it with wrap sandals for a chic, vintage-inspired ;ook.  

Lulus Wonderful Whims button-front midi dress, $68, Lulus

Keep it short and sweet with a white sleeveless mini dress. The stretchy fabric on this style makes it extra comfortable to wear for your engagement party and beyond. 

French Connection whisper light sheath minidress in saltwater, $128, Nordstrom

Square necklines are everything right now—this one has slight ruching to give it a subtle sweetheart effect. 

WAYF Beatrix bustier midi dress, $98, Nordstrom

Tap into your inner bride-to-be by rocking this flirty white minidress. The back features a keyhole cutout to show a little bit more skin. 

DB Studio charmeuse ruffle minidress, $140, David’s Bridal

If the engagement party is at the beach or a waterfront venue…

Is your engagement party taking place at the beach, a pool, or somewhere with a view of the water? Lucky you! This is the perfect opportunity to experiment with flowy fabrics, bright colors, bold patterns, and short hemlines. Pair any of these dresses with your favorite flat sandals or sensible block heels for an effortless finish.  

Sleeves can be beach-appropriate as long as you choose the right style—these bishop sleeves won’t feel constricting and the deep v-neckline shows a tasteful amount of skin. 

Philosophy di Lorenzo Serafini scarf print midi dress, from $150, Rent the Runway

Blue embroidery adds just enough color to this adorable engagement party dress. Throw it on with your favorite pair of sandals or block heels and you’re ready to go! 

Lulus Tale to Tell embroidered shift dress, $59, Lulus

Channel a nautical vibe by wearing a striped A-line dress with elbow-length sleeves. A cutout on the bodice of this dress adds a flirty touch. 

Rosetta Getty cross panel dress, $135, Rent the Runway

If you’re partying somewhere warm, a short, sleeveless dress will keep you cool in sunny weather. We like the metallic embroidery on this sheath style. 

Lily Pulitzer Valli sheath dress, $198, Nordstrom

The tropical floral print on this playful one-shoulder engagement party dress is the perfect option if you’re celebrating at the beach. 

Billabong x The Salty Blonde sun-kissed one-shoulder minidress, $90, Nordstrom

Need a pretty dress that will keep you cool in the sunshine? This cotton midi dress is airy and loose, so you won’t have to worry about feeling constricted or sweaty. 

LoveShackFancy Archer midi dress, $445, LoveShackFancy

If the engagement party is at a fancy restaurant or cocktail bar…

Get ready for a swanky party by looking for engagement party dresses with dramatic silhouettes and eye-catching details, such as sequins or intricate embroidery. And when in doubt, go for something metallic! 

A curve-hugging black dress covered in mauve and burgundy roses is seriously sultry and elegant. This one has removable off-the-shoulder straps and boning in the bodice for strapless support. 

City Chic rose seduction dress in black, $170, CoEdition

For an engagement party taking place during the holiday season, an allover glitter dress is a no-brainer. This metallic knit style has voluminous bell sleeves for a dramatic look.

A.L.C. metallic Harley dress, from $75, Rent the Runway

White is typically considered a daytime color, but when you’re the bride-to-be, it’s appropriate anywhere and everywhere. This engagement party dress dress is embellished with allover beading to make it feel a little more fancy for an evening event. 

Adrianna Papell beaded slip dress with cowl neckline, $199, Adrianna Papell

Let everyone know that you’re not a regular bride, you’re a cool bride by stealing the show in this semi-sheer midi dress made from velvet burnout fabric. 

ASTR the Label Samara dress in ginger, $148, ASTR the Label

If you’re going for something more sultry, try a fitted velvet dress in a dark blue shade with floral embroidery. 

Marchesa Notte embroidered velvet high-low dress, from $120, Rent the Runway

This jersey wrap dress is a flattering silhouette for all body types and sizes. The slinky fabric hugs your shape and has a pretty sheen to it for a hint of glam. 

Closet Plus wrap front jersey dress in stone, $103, ASOS

If the engagement party is at a vineyard or winery…

Celebrating your engagement with a glass of wine in your hand and stunning vineyard views…what could be better? We love the idea of using a wine-inspired palette as a mood board for your potential engagement party dresses—think burgundy hues, dark floral prints, and subtle retro details like tortoiseshell accents, polka dots, or cap sleeves. 

This lightweight one-shoulder dress is perfect for an engagement party taking place in between seasons, and the painted flower print is just so pretty.

Marchesa Notte floral printed cocktail dress, from $85, Rent the Runway

If you’ve ever wanted to copy Diane Lane’s style in Under the Tuscan Sun, now’s your chance. This elegant white sheath dress is finished with a waist-cinching tortoiseshell belt—the whole ensemble has us dreaming of a European summer getaway. 

Nicholas white gathered sheath, from $85, Rent the Runway

This sweet floral print minidress is adorable on its own, but it would also be cute paired with boots and a jacket in cooler weather. 

ASTR the Label Lucky Me minidress, $118, Nordstrom

Alternating flower and scalloped trims adorn this adorable boho chic engagement party dress.  

La Maison Talulah early light mini dress, from $50, Rent the Runway

Bring on all the girly vibes. This pleated midi dress is so romantic and feminine, thanks to the pink floral print and lightweight chiffon fabric that moves with you. Plus, the thicker straps mean that it’s regular bra-friendly!

City Chic Sakura dress in ivory, $129, CoEdition

Swiss dots are a timeless detail that we’ll always love. A thigh-high side slit gives this pretty engagement party dress a bit of spice. 

Lulus Next to You ruffled midi dress, $64, Lulus

If the engagement party is at a chic brunch spot…

If you’re headed to brunch for your engagement party, wearing something cute and comfortable is key (gotta leave room for those endless mimosas, right?). Play around with patterns, light colors, and engagement party dresses with flirty silhouettes for a total bride-to-be vibe. 

Wear a breezy blue shirt dress to instantly feel put-together (without having to spend a ton of time and effort doing so). 

Equipment Andrinna dress, $85, Rent the Runway

A pink linen sundress is perfect for a springtime engagement party, but you can add a chunky cardigan or a dressy coat to transition the look for colder weather. 

Vince pink midi dress, $45, Rent the Runway

Show off your legs with this ultra-mini set featuring a whimsical striped print and dainty ruffles. Since this is actually a two-piece set, you can rewear the pieces separately again and again for endless looks. 

Saylor Teryn two-piece minidress, $242, Nordstrom

This floaty maxi dress ensures that you stay comfortable for the entire party, even after bottomless mimosas and pancakes. 

Eloquii off-the-shoulder maxi dress, $160, CoEdition

Are we the only one getting Meghan Markle vibes from this asymmetrical trench dress? Take a page out of the Duchess’ style book by wearing a similar style for a sophisticated, timeless outfit.

Tibi beige structured crepe trench dress, $85, Rent the Runway

Step up your LWD game by wearing a minidress with a statement shoulder detail. It’s dramatic in just the right way. 

Lulus Dinah one-shoulder dress, $56, Lulus

If the engagement party is at a garden or country club…

Look your bridal best at a garden or country club venue by wearing an engagement party dress in a neutral or pastel color. Pretty floral prints, luxurious silk fabrics, and romantic detailing like lace, ruffles, and cutouts will all help you stand out in the crowd (as if people won’t know who you are already!).  

If you already know you want peonies at your wedding, why not also wear them on your engagement party dress? Side cutouts and an open back on this blue chiffon dress give the sweet floral print an edgier vibe. 

PatBO peony print cutout dress, from $95, Rent the Runway

One reviewer called this the “ballerina dress,” and we can’t say we disagree. The floaty circle skirt and delicate eyelash lace trim are straight out of ballet-inspired wedding dreams. 

Dress the Population Alicia mixed media dress in black, $198, Nordstrom

A white engagement dress with a one-shoulder neckline and bell sleeves is a modern take on classic bride-to-be style. 

Likely white shoulder dress, from $30, Rent the Runway

There’s no rule that says your something blue can’t be your engagement party dress, and this pretty style is guaranteed to garner a ton of compliments. 

Catherine Deane blue lace Fjola dress, from $135, Rent the Runway

 

A blush wrap dress is romantic and elegant—and more importantly, this one has pockets! 

Great Jones ruffle hourglass dress, $40, Rent the Runway

 A white lace dress is a bridal staple. We like the unlined hem of this engagement party dress to keep it feeling fresh and youthful. 

David’s Bridal crochet lace midi plus-size dress, $150, David’s Bridal