Here’s the 10 prettiest dresses to wear to an engagement party (without upstaging the bride)

Whether it’s on a dreamy getaway or a romantic al fresco, it’s that time of year again when people are popping the big question (swoon!) And with every ‘yes!’ there’s a celebration to follow. And while the GH team love any excuse to dress up, engagement parties might be the trickiest invitation of them all. You want to show you’ve made an effort, but you don’t want to upstage the happy couple - the stress of it all!

As with any special occasion, a little outfit etiquette goes a long way. While the rules may not be strictly written on the invite, there are a few general rules of thumb. First things first, the biggest no-no is white - or anything that could be mistaken for white. Think cream, ivory or pastel shades that are on the verge of being too light. These hues are reserved for the bride-to-be.

You’ll also want to avoid anything overly attention-grabbing. To play it safe, stick to midi and maxi-length dresses. Steer well clear of plunging necklines, daring cut-outs and anything too flashy - now is not the time for sequins. The key to engagement party dressing is keeping it pretty and polished.

As for styling, don’t overthink it. Keep things simple but dressy. Try pairing your dress of choice with a strappy gold sandal for a garden party, or a pretty heel for a more formal affair, or if you can’t make up your mind, an espadrille wedge is always a failsafe option.

To make your shopping trip less daunting, we’ve rounded up some gorgeous options in soft, summery tones. If you feel prettiest in pink, Aspiga’s delicate cotton sundress is polished enough for a wedding, and breezy enough to pack for your summer escape. From Next, there’s an effortlessly elegant satin floral dress in gorgeous sunset hues. And if you like to play with texture, Pretty Lavish have butter yellow ruffles that are pure magic.

Let the outfit planning begin!