What to Wear for Engagement Pictures
Top recommendations to help the true you shine through…
It’s hard, right? Figuring out what you and your fiancé should wear for your engagement photography session takes some thought. These pictures could be in your Save-the-Date communications, wedding websites, in an album, on your home's walls, and the wedding day slideshow. They make an important time in your relationship, so you want to get them right. I want you and your partner to look your best, so here are my go-to recommendations...
When thinking about what to wear… wear what you feel good in!
#1 Be you, very well
My main piece of advice, is to wear what you are comfortable in! When you feel good, YOU shine through in your photographs. Stick with your personal style, and work within that space.
• Casual dressers: forget cocktail dresses and suits; instead, stick with casual outfits and we'll create a fun photo shoot around what you like to do
• Formal dressers: don't wear something just because it’s the new Pinterest thing. Dress snazzy and we'll deliver a sophisticated look.
#2 Whatever it is, it needs to fit you perfectly
Whatever the style, it needs to fit. Hems and sleeves need to be the right lengths, and waists need to be fitted. The right fit matters so much more than brand or fabric when it comes to photographs.
Note on dresses… when in doubt, go long or mid-length. We'll do some movement during the session that can make short dresses more of a challenge.
Note on sleeveless… if you love your arms, then awesome! If you don’t, think about sleeves
#3 Same palette, without matching
Matching outfits can be distracting, but do try to stay in the same color palette as your partner. Think about the location and its colors. If your session will be in a natural space with green trees and grass, blues and yellows in your clothes will be nicely complementary. If your session will be in the Fall with changing leaves, then warmer earth tones are spot on.
Note on bright whites and colors… Our eyes are drawn to the brightest part of a picture. If your outfits include a large area of bright white or color, just make sure its where you really want the focus to be.
This couple choose a common hue of green that speaks to their connection.
#4 Plan it together
Spend time with your partner looking through your old pictures, and select three favorite images. Why are they your favorites? What is it about the clothes, the poses, the light, or the background that speak to you? This creates your unique "mood board" to guide our engagement session and create a look that represents you.
#5 Add pop with layers, textures, and accessories!
- A wide-brimmed hat looks great on, as well as when you’re just casually holding it in your hand
- A colorful scarf or a chunky necklace lend a nice pop to an image. If you like loud colors and shiny things, here's where it goes:)
- Select a bold texture like fur, leather, or lace to create visual interest
- Layers like sweaters, jackets, and vests add depth and character
- Write a secret note to your partner, and have them read it at the session
- Bring a big bunch of balloons, or one really big balloon
- Your dog. Just make sure you've got someone to manage them for parts of the session where its just you two
#6 Hair and Make-up make a difference
Getting hair and make-up done for your wedding? Consider it for your engagement shoot as well. Professional hair and makeup look amazing in photographs. And it’s a nice time to test your stylist before the wedding day. Quick tips:
- Go slightly heavier on cheeks, eyes, and lips. And fake eyelashes can look great in pictures
- Matte finish powders and eyeshadows work best. Wear a powder over your makeup, to avoid the oily look
- Men, make sure your face is freshly washed to avoid the oily look
#7 Can't decide…pitch a change up
If you've got it down to two outfits, and can't decide… bring both! I'm glad to shoot a portion of the session with you in one outfit, and then wait for a quick change into a second outfit. Do consider how the outfits will complement each other, so that your finished photo shoot has a common element - like color - running through it. This common element will look great when the collection of images is seen in a slideshow or album later.
#8 Pick a location that feels like you
Your wedding venue can be a great location, because you’ll have preferred access to a venue without the crowds of public places
If you want your pictures in your backyard because that's you, then let’s do it!
If you love the outdoors, then let's do a champagne and strawberries on a mountain top or a waterfall.
If you're always trying something different, rent vintage scooters or a sail boat and make a memory. I'm up for it!
#9 Polish the rock
Your ring is the symbol of your engagement, so it will probably get a close-up during the session. Make sure it’s looking its best, all clean and polished. And remember, your hands and nails will get a close-up along with the rock:)
I hope these recommendations help you. If you have questions, or want to go over a specific outfit, I'm glad to talk! Engagement photos celebrate the connection between you and your partner, before the pageantry and hustle of the wedding day.
Celebrate the love you have for each other in your engagement session, follow the tips above, and you'll have timeless images to cherish the rest of your lives!
