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bride wearing a sparkly mini party season reception wedding dress with long sleeves

The Best Bridal Dresses & Outfits for Party Season

Photography by HS Photography

While we’ve covered all bases when it comes to winter wedding attire. From winter wedding dresses to winter wedding guest dresses, and winter bridesmaid dresses - party season-appropriate looks deserve their moment to shine!

If you didn’t already know, winter is synonymous with party season - when all things sparkly find their true home. Think outfits with sequins that shimmer under lights, velvet that feels impossibly luxe, and feathers that add that playful touch. Accessories go bold, with statement jewellery, bejewelled clutches, and makeup that takes the newly trending maximalist approach—glossy red lips, bold smoky eyes, and a touch of gold highlighter. From Christmas parties to festive get-togethers and NYE celebrations - party season wedding dates are popular for a reason.

For those who want their big day to have an extra-special, glamorous feel - we’ve found the best party season outfits for brides, bridesmaids and wedding guests who love a little bit of sparkle and shine. 


From Hen Party Dresses to Engagement Party Dresses and Reception Dresses - We've Found the 16 Best Bridal, Bridesmaid & Guest Dresses for Party Season this Winter

 

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short wedding reception party dress with feather trim
short bridal party dress with white sequin flower design
short white strapless wedding reception party dress for brides
bridal open back long sleeve silver sparkly wedding dress

The Best Hen Party Dresses

 

You may be laser-focused on the wedding day itself, but don’t forget the outfits you’ll need for all the events leading up to it! As modern brides increasingly embrace evening outfit changes, opting for playful, less formal looks has become a stylish statement in itself. And when it comes to your hen do? Think all-out glamour.

Your hen party dress is the place to turn heads—whether that means a short, sparkly mini or something bold and daring. After all, it’s the one night dedicated to you and your besties celebrating in style. For that perfect party vibe, check out Club L London and PrettyLittleThing for mini dresses dripping in sparkle and shine, sure to keep all eyes on you, the bride-to-be!

White Sequin High-Neck Feather Trim Mini Dress, CLUB L LONDON

white sequin high neck short wedding dress with feather trim for party bridal look.

Premium White Sequin Embroidered Cowl Neck Shift Dress, PLT

white sequin embroidered cowl neck shift dress for bridal party season events

The Best Engagement Party Dresses

 

As engagement season rolls around, you may be wondering if your partner has a big question planned. If you’re newly engaged, wedding dress shopping may be a way off, but the engagement party prep begins now! This pre-wedding celebration is becoming a must-do, allowing you to celebrate with friends and family.

When it comes to finding the perfect engagement party dress, think party-ready but slightly toned-down. These styles from Odd Muse and Nadine Merabi offer that polished yet celebratory feel. They still allow you to play with sparkle and shorter hemlines, but an engagement dress typically has a more refined edge, making it a perfect preview of the style to come on your wedding day.

Exclusive Muse No. 1, Odd Muse

engagement party dress idea with bardot neckline, collar detailing and pleated hem.

Cindy White Dress, Nadine Merabi

engagement party dress idea from Nadine Merabi, crafted from white crepe fabric with large floral appliqués across the front and back of the square neckline.
short party wedding dress in silver sequins with tassels
silver sequin long sleeve wedding dress for party season
sparkly fitted bridal jumpsuit for party season weddings
white sequin bridal playsuit for wedding receptions

The Best Party Season Reception Dresses

 

Can’t decide between the timeless elegance of a traditional gown and an alternative wedding dress that showcases your personality? Why not have both? Go for a breathtaking floor-length gown for your ceremony, then change into a fun, party-ready outfit for the reception—so you get the best of both worlds.

While you might want to avoid something as daring as your hen party dress (considering formal venues and family in attendance), switching to a lively look for the evening is the perfect way to kick off the celebration. Think sophisticated style with a hint of sparkle or a shorter hem, setting a fun, festive tone for the rest of your night.

De La Vali Cannoli Satin-Twill Mini Dress, Harvey Nichols

Reception party dress idea from Harvey Nichols with square-neck, short length and puff sleeves

Lottie White Dress, Nadine Merabi

reception party dress idea from Nadine Merabi, featuring individually hand embellished crystal waterfall beading, fringing and sequins.

The Best Festive/ Winter Wedding Dresses

 

Multiple wedding-day looks aren’t always a must—especially if you're planning an intimate celebration or watching your budget. Sometimes, a single dress with the perfect balance of classic elegance and a touch of modern sparkle does it all. And if you’re getting married during party season, who says your main dress can’t bring a little shine?

These long-sleeved, embellished gowns from Whistles and Oh Polly bring just the right amount of glamour, combining traditional style with fresh, contemporary flair, perfect for a seasonal celebration.

Whistles Loretta Sequin-Embellished Wedding Dress, Selfridges

long sleeve sequin embellished wedding dress from Whistles for party season brides

Cassiopeia Embellished Fishtail Maxi Dress in White, Oh Polly

long sleeve embellished fishtail wedding dress from Oh Polly for party season brides
bridal two piece with feather trim for party season weddings
corset style short wedding reception party dress in satin
real bride wearing nadine merabi short tassled wedding reception party dress
puff sleeve short wedding reception party dress with full skirt

The Best Party Season Bridal Separates

 

For your reception or even a second look, who says a dress is your only option? Bridal separates and two-piece wedding outfits are taking the spotlight as fresh, on-trend alternatives.

From chic skirt-and-top co-ords to bold bridal suits, or even micro mini shorts to kick off the party in full swing—these options from Club L London and Revolve are designed to make an impression. Perfect for party season, these pieces let you dance the night away! 

White Feather Trim Crop Top & Shorts, Club L London

matching bridal separates set from Club L London, including plunge crop top and shorts with feather accents

Saylor Gianna Set, Revolve

party season bridal two piece outfit idea in silver-tone metallic finish

The Best Party Season Bridal Jumpsuits

 

Loving the sound of alternative looks? If you're seeking an effortlessly stylish alternative to the classic bridal dress, look no further than the jumpsuit. Perfect for the modern bride who craves sophistication with a twist, a bridal jumpsuit is as chic as it is versatile. These pieces bring an air of elegance that’s easy to move in, making them ideal for dancing the night away or making a grand reception entrance.

With tailored designs and luxe details, jumpsuits from brands like Nadine Merabi and Revolve know what it takes to design a style fit for a party. 

Amelia White Jumpsuit, Nadine Merabi

party season bridal jumpsuit, featuring feather trim cuff and embellished pearl mesh

Show Me Your Mumu Martina Jumpsuit, Revolve

party season bridal jumpsuit with open front with tie closure allover sequin detail
white short sequin reception party dress with long sleeves
square neck short embellished wedding reception dress
short sparkly corset style wedding dress with long sleeves
short satin wedding reception party dress

The Best Party Season Bridesmaid Dresses

 

For the bridesmaids celebrating by your side this party season, it’s time to bring on the glitz! Winter bridesmaid dresses with a hint of sparkle or satin finishes will capture the celebratory feel without outshining the bride. Jewel tones, metallics, or velvety textures are perfect for winter festivities, adding warmth and richness to the occasion.

Brands like Coast and TNFC offer stunning, versatile options for bridesmaid dresses that can also be worn again after the wedding. 

Trailing Floral Flutter Sleeve Mesh Bridesmaids Dress, Coast

navy party season bridesmaid dress with sparkly floral embroidery, sheer mesh overlay and flutter sleeves

Delali One Shoulder Sequin Forest Green Maxi Dress, TFNC

one shoulder bridesmaid dress for party season in forest green with sequins

The Best Party Season Wedding Guest Dresses

 

Attending a winter wedding? Embrace the festive spirit with sophisticated styles that bring subtle glamour without drawing attention from the happy couple. Think rich hues like emerald green, deep burgundy, or even gold accents for a festive touch. Velvet midi dresses, sequin details, and long-sleeved silhouettes are ideal for staying stylishly warm.

Whether celebrating in an intimate setting or a grand ballroom, winter wedding guest dresses from brands like Blue Vanilla and Never Fully Dressed capture the right mix of refinement and fun, ensuring you look chic for every party season wedding invite.

Luxe Twist Front Halter Neck Lame Midi Dress, Blue Vanilla

party season wedding guest dress from Blue Vanilla in metallic gold tone and twist front halter neck

Chocolate Sequin Vienna Dress, Never Fully Dressed

party season wedding guest dress from Never Fully Dressed in chocolate brown with all-over sequins and wrap design

Get the Party Started in Style with These Must-Have Party Season Dresses

 

Whether you're the bride-to-be, a bridesmaid, or an honoured guest, party season brings endless opportunities to embrace style and sparkle. From the hen do to the reception, and even for guests - winter weddings allow for a touch of drama and glamour in every look. With choices ranging from sleek jumpsuits to twinkling separates and beyond, there’s something to make everyone feel their best. 


Wedding Dress & Bridal Outfits