Deciding what to wear for your engagement photos can feel overwhelming, but it’s a great chance to highlight your personal style and capture the essence of your relationship. Your photos should represent both of you, so it’s essential to feel confident and comfortable in your outfits. These 10 tips for engagement photos will help you choose the perfect attire and accessories to make your session memorable.
1) DRESS YOURSELF FIRST
Dressing your partner becomes a simpler task once you have finalized your own outfit. Start with what you want to wear, and then help your fiancé pick out their outfit. Opt for long, flowy maxi dresses or skirts in soft fabrics like chiffon/tulle (which allow for beautiful movement in the images) or a cocktail dress. Dresses look amazing in camera and it’s a perfect time to go all out and dress up!
You could also consider pants paired with a dressy blouse or button-down shirt for a polished look. Avoid wearing overly casual or athletic-style pants, and opt for a tailored fit to ensure a flattering style.
2) CHOOSE COMFORT THAT REFLECTS YOU
One of the most important engagement photography tips we can give you is that being comfortable in your own clothing will help you feel more comfortable in front of the camera. Your engagement photos are a reflection of you and your partner’s personalities, so it’s important to choose clothing that accurately represents who you are.
Whether you prefer bold and vibrant colors or more muted and understated tones, your attire should reflect your personal style and make you feel confident and comfortable. You may also want to consider incorporating accessories or details that hold special meaning to you, such as a piece of jewelry or a favorite hat. You don’t have to pretend to be someone else in your engagement photos, so pick clothing that reflects you.
3) COORDINATE YOUR OUTFITS
When preparing for your session, consider how your individual styles can complement each other. One way to do this is by coordinating your color palette, but try not match!
Coordination doesn’t mean you have to wear a matching outfit, but your look should come together. Consider complimenting each other by using similar tones. For example, if you’re wearing a blue dress, your partner could wear a gray shirt with blue accents or a navy suit. Alternatively, you could opt for neutrals like white, cream, or black, which pair well with almost any color.
It’s also worth considering the location and style of your session when selecting your outfits. If you’re having a summer session, flowy, lightweight fabrics in bright colors or pastels can work well, while a more formal urban setting may call for dressier attire in darker tones.
If one partner wears a strong color or a pattern, the other person could wear a more neutral tone to balance it out. Solid color outfits draw the eye to you, while bold patterns can be distracting. We suggest avoiding clothes with large branding elements or logos.
By taking the time to coordinate your outfits, you’ll be sure to create a cohesive look that’s both stylish and timeless. Remember, there’s no such thing as being “too dressed up” when it comes to your engagement session, so don’t be afraid to have some fun with it!
4) KEEP NEUTRAL COLORS IN MIND
Neutral colors are a popular choice for engagement photos clothing as they have a timeless and classic quality, and they tend to photograph well in a variety of settings and lighting conditions. Neutral colors like white, cream, black, gray, and beige can create a cohesive and elegant look for couples, allowing the focus to be on the couple themselves, rather than on any distracting clothing choices.
Additionally, neutral colors can be paired with a variety of accessories, such as jewelry or colorful shoes to add pops of color or interest to the outfit. By choosing neutral colors for your engagement photos, you can create a sophisticated and polished look that will stand the test of time.
5) BRING TWO OUTFITS
Sessions usually allow for 1-2 outfit changes. We recommend one casual and personalized outfit as well one dressy outfit (don’t be afraid to dress to the nines!)
Bringing two outfit options to your engagement can be a great way to add variety to your engagement photos and ensure that you have options that work well in different settings and lighting conditions. By having two outfits to choose from, you can create a more dynamic and interesting set of photos, as well as adapt to unexpected weather or location changes.
Options also allow you the ability to switch things up if you’re not feeling one outfit or if it’s not working as well as you had hoped. Ultimately, bringing two outfit options to your session is an important engagement photography tip that can provide you with more flexibility and creative opportunities.
6) CONSIDER THE SEASON & LOCATION
When deciding what to wear to your engagement photos, it’s important to consider the season and location of the shoot. Make sure you wear clothes that don’t blend in with the background of your engagement session location, we want you to stand out!
The season can also greatly impact the types of clothing that will be comfortable and appropriate for the weather conditions. For example, if you’re taking summer engagement photos, you may want to opt for lightweight fabrics and bright colors, while fall or winter engagement photos may call for warmer layers and richer tones like red or burgundy.
If you’re having an outdoor session in a natural setting, you may want to consider more casual or bohemian styles, while a more formal urban location may call for dressier attire. By taking the time to consider these factors, you can create a cohesive and stylish look for your engagement photos, that not only complements your personal style, but also fits the season and location of your session.
7) DON’T BE AFRAID TO WEAR WHITE
While white is often associated with weddings, it doesn’t have to be reserved solely for your big day. Wearing white for your engagement session can be a stunning and timeless choice that creates a classic and romantic look. White is a versatile color that can be dressed up or down, and it complements almost any skin tone or hair color.
Additionally, white is a color that works well in a variety of settings, whether you’re having an adventure engagement photography session in the mountains or planning for evening photos in the city. From flowy white dresses to crisp white shirts, there are many ways to incorporate this color into your engagement session outfit. By choosing white for your engagement photos, you can create a fresh and ethereal look.
8) MAKE IT FLOWY
A flowy dress and a bit of wind can be the perfect combination for creating some truly stunning engagement photos during your session. The movement created by the wind can add a dynamic and romantic element to your images, creating a sense of playfulness. A flowy dress can help accentuate this movement, creating a sense of whimsy and grace. The natural movement of the dress can also help to create a sense of intimacy and connection between you and your partner, as you connect with each other.
9) BRING PROPS!
Accessories are a great way to add some extra flair and personality to your engagement photos. Whether it’s a hat, a cozy blanket, a picnic basket, or a bottle of champagne, these props can help create a sense of fun and relaxation during the shoot. Accessories can also provide a focal point for the photos, giving you and your partner something to do as a fun way to interact during the session.
10) DRESS ACCORDINGLY
It’s important to dress appropriately for the season and weather conditions of your chosen location. This not only ensures that you’ll be comfortable and happy during your engagement photos, but it also helps to create a cohesive and polished look for the photos.
If you’re planning for winter engagement photos, you’ll want to make sure you’re dressed warmly and have appropriate footwear for the snow or ice. For summer engagement photos, lightweight fabrics and bright colors can be a great choice to keep you cool and comfortable.
Additionally, it’s important to consider the location of the shoot when selecting your outfits. If you’re planning on an adventure engagement photography session and going for a hike or exploring a natural setting, you may want to bring a change of clothes and shoes in a backpack, while a more formal urban location may call for dressier attire.
*BONUS TIP: HAVE FUN!
Having fun during your engagement session is crucial for creating authentic and memorable photos. Your engagement is a celebration of your relationship and the commitment you’re making to each other, so it’s important to approach it with a sense of joy and lightheartedness. It’s also an opportunity to create some fun and unique memories together, whether it’s dancing in a field, playing with props, or simply enjoying each other’s company.
By embracing the moment and enjoying the experience, you’ll create a set of photos that reflects your personalities and the love you share. Having a good time during your engagement session is an important part of the process, and it will help create a relaxed and joyful atmosphere that will shine through in your photos. Come prepared to enjoy time with your favorite person, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Loving what you see? Check out our blog for more engagement photography tips when planning your session or download our engagement session guide for more details!
