So you’ve just gotten engaged, and now it’s time to plan a wedding. Congrats! Welcome to the most stressful group project of your life. Blow out costs, family dynamics, and an Instagram and/or TikTok feed tricking you into thinking six-figure weddings are normal — it can be easy to want to bury your head in the sand. Instead, may I present to you the much less stressful engagement party? Whether you do a small backyard BBQ for friends or throw an all-out bash, an engagement party is the perfect way to test you and your new betrothed’s capacity for planning an event together. And for that, you’ll need an engagement party dress and/or outfit.
In recent years, it’s become the look du jour for future brides to wear white to every event (and in the ever expanding bridal universe, there’s non stop events). For inspiration, look no further than creator Helen Owen, whose recent nuptials in France were preceded by a non-stop, live-vlogged wedding week prep in London, where every single outfit was white.
So while you definitely don’t need to throw an engagement party — and if you do, you definitely do not need to wear white — that’s not why you’re reading this article. You’re here to find yourself an engagement party dress (or set, or suit), and as a recently engaged gal myself, I thought I’d turn my own research into content.
Presenting: the best engagement party dresses available right now for every type of bride, body and budget.
Manning Cartell ‘Double Pleat Time Dress’
This pleated dress with the sweetheart neckline from Manning Cartell has captured my heart since I saw it in store. The corset top and subtle split in the leg gives it a romantic, super hot vibe while still feeling ‘family function appropriate’.
Buy it: for $699 from manningcartell.com.au
Runner up: the Supreme Extreme Balconette Dress
Christopher Esber ‘Veiled Tulle Overlay Gown’
Christopher Esber remains one of our coolest fashion exports (making its international fashion week debut at Paris Fashion Week A/W 2023). The designer’s launch into bridal is sure to make it the go-to look for cool girl brides everywhere. However, if you’re after a more traditional wedding dress, the engagement party is your opportunity to slip into something bridal with a bit of edge. My pick? The veiled tulle overlay gown — the maxi length and long sleeves contrast beautifully with the sheer tulle across the torso. And if there was ever a time to go for the tulle option, it’s in your bridal era.
Buy it: for $2,150 from christopheresber.com.au
Runner up: the Ripple Drape Gown
Maggie Marilyn ‘Dress That All The Bad Boys Like’
I have been obsessed with Maggie Marilyn’s ‘Dress That All The Bad Boys Like’ since its debut at Australian Fashion Week 2023 — and it’s finally being restocked. The mini hemline with the heart cut-out on the back gives it that flirty, romantic vibe with a bit of an edge, perfect for a second wedding dress or engagement party outfit. Or both! The label is B-corp certified, so Maggie herself would approve of a re-wear.
Pre-order it: Friday morning, Australia time, at maggiemarilyn.com.
Runner up: the You Win Again dress
City Chic ‘Elyse Dress’
The Iconic’s Curve range might be somewhat limited in the white, but I did find this utterly chic dress with voluminous sleeves, an elegant ankle length and a size range of 12-24 that comes in at just under $200 (and I do mean *just*).
Buy it: for $199.95 from theiconic.com.au.
Runner up: this off-the-shoulder top (pair it with fitted white pants for the full look)
Maison Essentiele ‘Scoop Neck Maxi’
Maison Essentiele is the ultimate Sydney cool-girl brand. If you’ve seen a fashion girlie hit the streets of Paddington in lace pants and an oversized shirt, they’re probably wearing Maison Essentiele. This scoop neck lace dress paired with silk pants and a delicate white bra is the ultimate engagement party outfit for the daring among us (a.k.a. anyone who’s had Camille Charriere‘s wedding dress on their Pinterest board for years). Just maybe warn grandma before you rock up to the party.
Buy it: for $325 on maisonessentiele.com
Runner up: the Buckle Mini Dress
Tamara Malas ‘Lola Set’
In researching this article, I came across Abby Bible — this incredible NYC based plus sized content creator in her bridal era — in a cream coloured two set piece that stopped me in my scroll. After much digging, I found the brand she’s wearing above: Tamara Malas, a brand founded in 2018 with the ~radical~ idea that fashion should “actually be for everyone”. They produce fashion-forward apparel with sizes ranging from small to 6x large, and in even better news, they ship to Australia. Aussie women, get around it.
Buy it: for USD $438 from tamaramalas.com
Rebecca Valance ‘Freyja Mini Dress’
Another must-visit store for event shopping, Rebecca Valance has taken the Australian fashion scene (and international one) by storm. Although you could very easily grab a more formal dress from here (eg rehearsal dinner, second wedding look, or your wedding dress itself), the just-dropped Freyja Mini Dress in the brand’s signature crepe fits the bill for elegant but not OTT.
Buy it: for $649 at rebeccavalance.com
Runner up: this strapless vest and pant combo.
Shona Joy ‘Moraya Dropped Waist Maxi Dress’
Anyone who’s been anywhere near a wedding in the past few years will have come across Shona Joy (bonus points if you’ve been a bridesmaid). The fashion brand nails event dressing time after time, with something for every type of future bride. Want something elegant but still a little bit trendy? Grab this dropped waist maxi dress (seen above on Lissy Graham) with a semi sheer skirt. Want something a little bit edgier? This ruffle high neck mini dress might be more your speed. And if you want something that’ll really pop with flash photography, this long sleeve mini dress with a layer of beading has your name on it.
Buy it: from shonajoy.com.au
(No runners up, I’ve already given you three options!)
Fayt The Label ‘Ismae Maxi Dress’
I adore Fayt. the label and founder Brittney Saunders‘ commitment to true size diversity, so was happy to see they have plenty of engagement party options. This maxi dress is perfect for a summer garden party style engagement party, or a casual backyard BBQ shindig. The rave reviews online (example: “looks stunning on and is super flattering”) are stronger than anything I could write here, but if I could leave you with this extra tidbit: it has pockets.
Buy it for $139 from faytthelabel.com
Runner up: the Zaren Mini Dress
Hanne Bloch ‘White Silk Set’
I went down an Instagram rabbit hole to find this dress, and it turns out it’s a two-piece silk set from Copenhagen brand Hanne Bloch. The label was launched by former Missoni designer Hanne Bloch, who now runs the label with her daughter, Olivia. This two piece set is 100 per cent silk and finished with (real) silver plated details, so it doesn’t come cheap. But if you are in the mood to splash some cash on your engagement party (or perhaps a wedding recovery day look?), then good news: they ship to Australia.
Buy it for $1,980 from hanne-block.com
Runner up: this delicate silk string top (pair it with a skirt or tailored pants, duh)
Dyspnea (anything you dare)
Dyspnea is not for the faint-hearted, and that’s exactly what makes the Aussie label so special. The Australian label offers sequin-drenched designs, ultra-feminine looks, and offers a made-to-measure service so it can fit every type of body. (Fans of the brand include Abbie Chatfield, Miley Cyrus, and Dua Lipa.)
It was truly too hard to pick just one outfit, but I need this brand on every bride’s radar. Sure, it might be a little more suited to your hen’s party than your engagement party, but if you’re looking for a way to snazz up an outfit, you can’t go wrong with a pair of Dyspy gloves.
Buy it: from dyspnea.com.au
Rachel Gilbert ‘Sadie Mini’
Rachel Gilbert is the queen of Australian gowns — just ask celebrities and/or your best dressed friend at the next wedding. This mini dress with its beaded fringes and feminine shape is ideal for an engagement party or as a second wedding dress, depending on your vibe. Guaranteed you won’t be able to stop twirling all night long.
Buy it: for $1,690 from rachelgilbert.com.au
Runner up: the Linc Mini Dress
Meshki ‘Taffeta Bow Mini Dress’
If you’re looking for something affordable that doesn’t quite veer into fast-fashion territory, Meshki has you covered. The Aussie label launched as a wholesaler fashion brand in 2013, but pivoted their own designs a few years later. In 2023, Swedish model and It girl Elsa Hosk hosted the brand’s 10th birthday party, and a success story was born. The label recently launched its bridal collection (with the very TikTok-ified tagline, “in your bridal era”), and the result is romantic, playful looks that won’t break your bank. My pick? The Taffeta Bow Mini Dress, because while the bow micro trend might have lived and died, it will remain forever enmeshed with bridal — and when else in your life can you wear a giant taffeta bow on your bum?
Buy it: for $359, from meshki.com.au
Runner up: the Esther Iridescent Satin Cowl Maxi Dress
Aje ‘Pandorea Layered Top’
If you ever need a feminine-yet-tough look — for your engagement party, a friend’s wedding, or even your own — then Aje is a brand you need to know. The Australian label is known for its signature ruffles that almost swim through the air when in motion, and this layered top from its Resort 26 collection (shown at Australian Fashion Week 2025) is no exception. Pair it with these tailored pants to balance out the volume, throw on some gold jewellery, and you have yourself an exceptional engagement party outfit.
Buy it: for $325 from ajeworld.com.au
Runner up: the Violette Bubble Hem Maxi Dress
Réalisation Par ‘Elvira Dress’
A Réalisation Par dress will always be that girl. The brand releases very few new looks each year, focusing on timeless silhouettes that will serve you year after year. The Elvira dress is a figure-hugging full length dress with a lily-patterned silk fabric that gives it just a hint of sex appeal, without being in your face. J’adore.
Buy it: for $350 from Réalisation Par
Runner up: the Sadie in Petite Spot
Reformation ‘Dela Two Piece’
As our lord and saviour Dolly Alderton once said, Reformation is the patron saint of big boob owners. (At least, I think she said that. It was deep on an Instagram scroll once. Dolly, I love you, please don’t sue me.) While there’s plenty of stunning dresses to choose from, this ivory twin set with a collared neckline stopped me in my tracks. Pair it with ballet flats and a statement bag for the ultimate cool-girl engagement party look.
Buy it: for $865 from thereformation.com
Runner up: the Stella Silk Dress
E. Nolan made to measure suit
If exquisite tailoring is more your speed, look no further than Melbourne-based E. Nolan. Melbourne based tailor Emily Nolan is the go-to for stylish Aussie women looking to level up their suit game, creating garments for both the boardroom and special occasions. Trust me: a glimpse inside the E. Nolan showroom is worth the visit alone.
Order it: from enolan.com.au
Arcina Ori ‘Mirelle Dress’
In just five short years, Aussie brand Arcina Ori has cemented its place in the wardrobes of your most stylish mates and/or creators. I first discovered it when TikTok queen Millie Ford wore this peach/pink dress to a wedding and I haven’t been able to get the brand out of my mind since. Founded by Zoe Calodouka, the brand focuses on vintage-inspired silhouettes with a modern twist. My take for your engagement party? The floor length Mirielle dress — utter perfection.
Buy it: for $420 from arciaori.com.au
Runner up: the Rosa Dress in ivory (so flirty! so daring! would probably expose my ass at the bottom but I love this for all my non-tall girlies)
Glassons ‘Strapless Mini Dress’
If you’re looking for something in the cheap and cheerful range, then this Glassons mini dress comes in at under $100, and absolutely fits the engagement party brief. Dress it up with statement jewellery and you’ve got yourself a ‘fit.
Buy it: for $59.99 from glassons.com
Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Check out our list of 29 formal dress brands for every style and budget.
Lead photo: Abby Bible / Aje / Maggie Marilyn.
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