When I first got engaged, I spent HOURS scrolling through white dresses online. I wanted to wear white to EVERYTHING. I wanted there to be no confusion on who the bride was at all of my parties. That being said, by the time I was married, I never wanted to see a white dress again. I got so tired of trying to mix up the styles I was wearing, while still wearing white. You can see some of the looks I chose below.

Let me just say, there are by no means any rules that say you must wear white to all of your engagement/wedding celebrations. If you want to wear fun colors, go for it! I just thought it was so fun being the only one in white at these parties. If you’re like me, I have put together a few outfit suggestions for you. 

DISCLAIMER: These aren’t dresses I would pick if I was on a budget. They range in prices from very inexpensive to a little more on the pricey side. 

1. SHEIN Frill Trim Bow Tie Waist Striped Pants

Okay, I know I said these weren’t budget options, but these pants are sooooo inexpensive, yet look super nice. I would wear these to an engagement party. For my own engagement party, I went with a jumpsuit (mostly because my party was on December 26th, and it was freezing). Some of you might want to wear a dress, but trust me, you’ll get tired of wearing little white dresses. These pants are so elegant, and can be styled a million different ways. PLUS they’re only $13. https://us.shein.com/Frill-Trim-Bow-Tie-Waist-Striped-Pants-p-631889-cat-1740.html

2. Show Me Your Mumu LANA DRESS ~ DAINTY DARLING CROCHET LACE

This dress would be perfect for a bridal luncheon/brunch. It is so dainty and sweet, I can’t stand it. I’m picturing it with a colorful flower crown. You could also save it and wear it multiple times after (think a cover-up for your honeymoon!). This one is the priciest dress on the list. Still, it’s not too too bad at $178. https://www.showmeyourmumu.com/new-mu/back-in-stock/lana-dress-dainty-darling-crochet-lace

3. Vici Collection POPPIN’ BUBBLY SEQUIN DRESS

Say “Hello” to the perfect bachelorette party dress. You won’t need a crown or a sash for people to know you’re the bride when you’re wearing this dress. This dress would be especially great if you were going somewhere crazy, like Miami or Vegas. But, even if your party is in Charleston or Asheville, you should still rock this dress! YOBO! (You Only Bachelorette Once) (Hopefully) The best part about this dress is that at $62, it isn’t terribly expensive. https://www.vicicollection.com/collections/mini-dresses/products/poppin-bubbly-sequin-dress

4. Tobi SAYLOR LUCY STRIPE WHITE RUFFLE DRESS

This dress is so pretty and timeless. It is perfect for a low key rehearsal dinner. For my rehearsal dinner, we had an oyster roast in by backyard, which is on the Beaufort River. I would 100% wear this dress to my party. It is so sweet, yet so sophisticated. Can you tell I love it? This dress is down from $220 to $110. https://www.tobi.com/product/70392-saylor-lucy-stripe-ruffle-dress?color_id=101053

5. These Three Boutique Blushing Rose Dress

Last but not least, I included this one for a more formal rehearsal dinner option. Y’all. I am OBSESSED with this dress. I’m picturing it for a rehearsal dinner at a nicer venue. If I had seen this dress when I was engaged, I probably would have bought it. Like I said before, I got so tired of wearing white, so the pop of pink really makes me happy. This beautiful dress is just $84. https://thesethreeboutique.com/collections/new-arrivals/products/blushing-rose-dress

I hope this guide helped all of you beautiful brides-to-be out there! I tried to get a fun mix of different styles that were still suitable for each event. Feel free to share with anyone you think might need this!