LaPointe Engagement Party Dresses for the Couple and Guests

For an engagement party, the bride-to-be looks best in a short cream dress, a white satin cape tee with a sequin skirt, a strong colour; guests should wear a colourful satin dress, a cape tee and trouser set, a feathered top with satin trousers. An engagement party is the first public celebration of the couple, usually an evening drinks party, and the dress code is cocktail attire. LaPointe suits it because the label specialises in party clothes that are polished rather than overdone.

This guide covers what to wear as the bride-to-be, what to wear as a guest, and how to adapt for a daytime engagement party.

Quick answer

• Bride-to-be, white: Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Cream
• Bride-to-be, colour: Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress in Magenta
• Guest, dress: Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Marine
• Guest, separates: Satin Cape Tee in Dark Mauve with the Satin Draped Relaxed Pant in Dark Mauve

What is the dress code for an engagement party?

Most engagement parties are held in the evening, at a restaurant, a bar, a hotel, the family home. Unless the invitation says otherwise, the dress code is cocktail attire: a dress to the knee, a midi, a smart evening trouser look. Daytime engagement parties, such as a garden lunch, call for lighter fabrics and brighter colours.

The bride-to-be: in white

Many brides-to-be wear white to their engagement party, and it is a good way to stand out in the photographs. Keep it short and relaxed, so it does not look like a wedding dress. The Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Cream is ideal. The Lightweight Satin One Shoulder Dress in Cream is a little more evening. For a modern look, the Satin Cape Tee in Cream with the Sequin High Waist Slit Skirt in Cream pairs an easy satin top with a cream sequin skirt.

The bride-to-be: in colour

A strong colour is an equally good choice, and it leaves white for the wedding. The Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress in Magenta is a vivid pink bias satin dress. The Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Berry is a deep magenta with feathers. The Lightweight Satin Layered Mini Dress With Feathers in Mulberry is short, layered and feathered, for a party where you plan to dance.

Guests: what to wear

Guests should wear colour and avoid white. A satin dress is the simplest choice. The Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Marine is a deep blue; the Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Dark Teal is a blue green; the Satin Draped Neck Bias Dress With Slit in Mahogany is a rich red brown with a leg slit.

Separates are equally right. A tonal set looks deliberate: the Satin Cape Tee in Dark Mauve with the Satin Draped Relaxed Pant in Dark Mauve is soft and elegant. A feathered top with a black trouser is the classic evening formula: the Satin Top With Feathers in Black with the Satin Relaxed Pleated Pant in Black. Our LaPointe feather tops guide covers every option.

A daytime engagement party

For a lunch, choose lighter fabrics. A printed mesh midi is easy and fun: the Printed Mesh Draped Midi Dress in Leopard and the Printed Mesh Draped Midi Dress in Marble both work with flat sandals. Georgette is lighter than satin: the Lightweight Georgette Oversized Cape Tee in Cloud with the Lightweight Georgette Wide Leg Pant With Pockets in Cloud is a pale blue set for a summer party.

Sizing

LaPointe runs true to size. The shift dresses and cape tees are loose; the bias satin dresses follow the body, so size up if you are between sizes. See our LaPointe sizing guide and our LaPointe cocktail dresses guide.

Frequently asked questions

What is the dress code for an engagement party?

Most engagement parties are cocktail attire: a dress to the knee, a midi and a smart evening trouser look. Daytime engagement parties call for lighter fabrics and brighter colours.

Should the bride-to-be wear white to her engagement party?

She can, and many do. Keep it short and relaxed, such as the LaPointe Satin Shift Dress With Feathers in Cream, so it does not look like a wedding dress. A strong colour is equally correct.

Can guests wear white to an engagement party?

Guests should avoid white at an engagement party, as at every wedding event, unless the couple has asked for it.

Is a long dress too much for an engagement party?

For a restaurant and a bar, yes. A long gown suits an engagement party held at a hotel with a formal dinner.

What should a guest wear to a daytime engagement party?

A light midi dress, a printed mesh dress and a georgette set all suit a daytime engagement party. Pair them with flat sandals and low heels.

Does LaPointe make dresses in bright colours?

Yes. LaPointe makes its satin dresses in a wide palette, including Magenta, Berry, Marine, Dark Teal, Emerald and Mahogany, alongside neutrals such as Sand, Oat and Cream.

Read next

• LaPointe bridal shower dresses
• LaPointe cocktail dresses
• LaPointe rehearsal dinner dresses
• LaPointe wedding guest dresses

Written by Gemma Deeks, Fashion Editor at Coveti.