Happy New Year, Bayside Brides! It has occurred to me that I might be meeting some of you first time, because the flurry of engagements over the holidays has brought in whole new group of lovely brides-to-be. Congratulations to you all!
If you just got engaged, you may have noticed that the first few weeks can be a whirlwind of planning. While the search for your wedding dress and bridesmaid dresses will likely take center stage, you’ll also find that you may need several dresses for all the festivities that surround your wedding. In fact, the first dress you might say “yes” to might be for your engagement party! To help give you some ideas for what to wear to these events I have four style ideas that will take you from engagement parties to bridal brunches in style!
Once you become a bride-to-be, it seems that color white is automatically designated to you as your new signature color. If you’re searching for a little white dress for your engagement party, nothing could be more classic than this shift dress, which would be lovely for everything from a spring or summer engagement party, to seaside bachelorette festivities. Add some white and gold accessories, and a few sentiments like this “Love” bracelet, and there will be no question that you are the one getting married!
Kirribilla Cecile Dress in Champagne from Weddington Way | Poppy Statement Necklace in Ivory from Banana Republic | Mesh Bracelet from Banana Republic | Brighton Foldover Clutch from BCBG Maxazria | Dina Embossed Crocodile Metallic Pumps from Alice+Olivia
As much as I love the growing tradition of wearing a little white dress to many bridal events, I also think it’s nice to wear a few other colors during your engagement. In addition to white, I associate metallic colors like gold and silver with bridal style. This little champagne dress would be great as an alternative to the little white frocks; the golden shimmer could take center-stage at an engagement party or even a bachelorette. I also love the feminine bow in front, and the interest and texture the white and gold pumps and sequin clutch add to this party-ready ensemble.
Icing on the Cake Dress by Lela Rose at Rent the Runway | Opal Windsor Necklace from Baublebar | Dangling Stone Earrings by Adia Kibur | Les Novelles Gray Star Clutch by Clare Vivier at Les Novelles | Honeycomb Detail Pumps by Casadei
Platinum and silver has always been another traditional bridal color, and I thought this Lela Rose dress in a crinkly metallic silver would be perfect for an engagement party, rehearsal dinner, or bridal shower. I kept the look monochromatic, but added lots of “frosting” to this already iced dress, with big opalescent earrings and a big statement necklace. Your new diamond will be perfectly set off by this outfit!
57 Grand Style 5710 in Mauve Gold | Kate Spade New York Pink Gold Tone Earrings | Kate Spade New York accessories Crystal Chapel Cluster Necklace | Embellished Fan Clutch by Mickey London | Opia Lace Pumps by BCBG Maxazria
This pink color couldn’t be more ladylike and I think it’s a lovely choice for bridal for brunches and showers.Your engagement attire is also a great time to introduce some of colors you’ve chosen as your wedding theme. On the big day, your bridesmaids will be wearing your signature hue, so why not try the color out for yourself when attending your pre-wedding events? I like the idea of wearing a color that is just a shade or two lighter or darker than your official wedding colors. (So if you’re using hot pink, perhaps a pretty pale blush or deep burgundy dress might be nice.) Conversely, if there was a color you’re not using in your wedding, but it was a top contender, you can make use of it in some of your pre-wedding styles.
Whatever you choose to wear to your engagement events, it should be something that makes you feel at your best. If you have a color that you love to wear, or a dress that your fiance absolutely loves to see you in, it’s a great time to wear whatever makes you extra happy and feel lovely. That confidence — combined with the love of your life at your side and family and friends wishing you well — is sure to give you that happy engagement glow!
I wish you all a great start to your engagements and wedding planning in 2014. If you’re just getting started, check out these past posts for more fashion inspiration , and visit me at Dress for the Wedding for more ideas!
XO
Sukey at Dress for the Wedding
