How to Dress for an Engagement Party

Deciding what to wear to an upcoming wedding is a time-consuming process. Now, with the growing popularity of engagement parties, many guests are faced with finding appropriate outfits to wear to two important events. Luckily, finding the ideal attire isn't as difficult as it seems at first, especially when you have a detailed dress code to guide you. However, when there's no official dress code readily available, you'll have to learn how to read into the invitation to create your own.

Things You'll Need

• Invitation
• Dress code
• Comfortable clothes

Instructions

Dress for an Engagement Party

1. Consider the current season. You'll want to dress appropriately for the weather, especially when attending an engagement party outside.

2. Think about the time of the day the engagement party will be held. It may not be appropriate to wear a formal gown at a luncheon affair. Likewise, a short, light dress may not be wise for a formal nighttime event.

3. Ask your host or hostess about the dress code and whether it will be formal or casual. This is essential when the time and venue are ambiguous and the invitation doesn't specify a dress code.

4. Talk to other party guests to coordinate your outfit. Not only will this help you pick out an appropriate ensemble, but it will also help you avoid selecting the same dress as someone else.

5. Leave your shorts and tee shirts at home, no matter where the engagement party is held. Even for backyard barbecues, shorts and tee shirts are not acceptable. You'll want to put on something a little nicer to celebrate the impending marriage of your friends or family.

6. Wear something comfortable. You'll want to make sure whatever you choose will be able to last you at least two or three hours. Remember, once you arrive at the engagement party, you can't change your outfit just because you're uncomfortable. It's better to come dressed for comfort.

7. Take a cue from the event location. When you're invited to an engagement party at an exclusive, five-star restaurant, you can bet the dress code will be formal. However, for a gathering of family and friends in someone's backyard or at your local park, more casual attire would be fine.

Tips & Warnings

• Before you decide on your final outfit, remember not to overdo it. You never want to be better dressed, or outshine, the bride-to-be. Also, keep in mind the engagement party is never as formal as the wedding, so save your one-of-a-kind outfit for the upcoming special day.