Wedding

My Engagement Party Is 3 Weeks Away—I Have These 12 Dresses in My Cart

Anneliese Dominguez  Sat, 03 Jul 2021  Who What Wear

Okay, I've been engaged for four months now, and your girl is ready to throw a dang party. My fiancé popped the question pre-vaccine, so I've waited quite some time to plan something that all of my favorite people would be able to attend. And because I'm me, I'm actually having two parties: one garden party in Los Angeles with friends as well as one at my parents' home in Northern California with family. So yes, I'm going to buy myself two dresses for both weekends, and I'm not sorry about it.

I just need to start off this roundup by saying I had so much fun creating this—maybe too much fun. (There may or may not be a total of 50 dresses in this article.) I'd catch myself oohing and awing at pieces, screenshotting things to send to friends, and just flat-out smiling while I shopped. I guess the truth is that anything wedding related just makes me so happy. Some of the options are on the formal side, some are a bit more casual, some are all white, and some are incredibly colorful. Quite honestly, I haven't quite figured out my vibe yet, but hey, I've got options. So without further ado, keep scrolling for the 11 engagement dresses in my cart that I'm deciding between, plus 38 more that I'm eyeing.

I've been eyeing basically everything from Sleeper, but this dress is number one on my radar. From the sleeves to the linen fabric, it's absolute perfection.

I'll say this upfront: There will be a lot of Cult Gaia included in my upcoming wedding content.

Smocked bodices will always be a good idea for summer. 

The back on this is all I can think about. 

I love the wrap style.

I fell in love with this the moment I saw it on one of my favorite fashion people on Instagram. 

I would also do a squiggle mani to match.

Just perfect for my garden party.

I actually think this looks much more expensive than $138.

How cute are the butterflies?

I don't think I need to explain why I love this.

A little bit of lace detail, a little bit of ruching—I'm into it.

There's a lot to unpack with this dress: first, the pearls lining the seams; second, the V-shaped bodice, which is bubbling up all over the fashion space; and lastly, the crystals surrounding the buttons. Obsessed would be an understatement. 

Add some pearls for an elevated look.

I can't believe the price.

I'm here for a matching set. Shop the matching Russel Skirt ($188).

Feathers for the win.

I'm still here for the cottagecore aesthetic. 

How cute is this ruffle trim?

I can see this dressed up or dressed down.

Chic. That is all.

This structure is magnificent.

Another fantastic back.

I see this for a lunchtime event.

I always get a little nervous about minidresses since I'm so tall, but this one is worth the risk.

I mean… the lace-up sides.

Simple yet stunning.

The website describes this as a "stunning masterpiece," and I'd have to agree. 

A little lace detailing never hurt anyone. 

Think Bridgerton, but in 2021.

More feathers!

The reviews on this dress are great. 

I'm intrigued by the boning in the bust. 

I have such a thing for With Jéan.

If you look closely, you'll notice the ruffles on the bodice. 

I love these colors together. 

I immediately screenshotted this and sent it to my best friend when I saw it.

This set just screams "party."

So cute.

Zara coming in hot.

Heart eyes.

I can never turn down polka dots.

I want everything in tangerine. 

I'm in love.

Bec + Bridge makes the cutest dresses. 

Easy, breezy.

I also have a lot of Shona Joy dresses saved for my bridesmaids.

I saw my co-worker Jasmine in this and haven't stopped thinking about it since. 

Pair with pointy-toe heels.

Don't get me started on my puff-sleeve obsession.