An engagement photoshoot is a great way to commemorate your engagement and prepare for your big day. It's also a lot of fun! But it can be tricky to know what outfit to wear for your photos. Don't worry, I'm here to help you get ready for your shoot. Your engagement shoot is one of the first of many exciting moments leading up to your wedding day, and I am so excited to share my tips with you.
As a professional photographer, what to wear for engagement photos is a question a lot of couples ask me. In this blog post, I'm going to be giving you some tips on choosing the perfect outfits for your engagement photos. This blog will also help you coordinate with your partner from inside the mind of a photographer. Let's get ready to look amazing in your engagement photos!
Using Location, Style and Season to Plan
When choosing your outfits for an engagement photoshoot, it's important to keep in mind the location, style of the shoot and the weather. If we're planning an outdoor engagement photoshoot, captured in nature, then wearing a casual outfit is probably best. But if we're planning for a more formal location, like at a hotel or restaurant, then maybe try wearing a dress or a suit and tie.
Fall, Winter, Summer, Spring?
Season and weather can also help you decide what to wear for your engagement photos (read: you might want to avoid stilettos on the beach or bare arms in the snow). In the fall, you may want to wear layers and bring a coat, while in the summer you might want to be dressed more lightly. Comfort is key, so wear warmer outfits with rich colours and texture in the winter, especially if you'll be outside.
I generally recommend selecting lighter tones and more muted shades. By avoiding ultra-bright, bold colours (think, hot pink or cherry red type of tones), viewers won't be distracted by your clothing choice and the attention will stay on your faces and connection. Remember, you and your partner are the stars of the show in these images.
Breaking the rules in your engagement session...
That being said . . . the above is a rule that can be broken in your session when done well. Sometimes, a pop of colour can be the perfect touch for your engagement shoot colour palette! The key is having one big pop of colour — and a tone subtle enough that it complements the overall look. Like all good things in life, it’s all about balance!
If you do feel more comfortable dressed in prints, make sure the print is big enough to show up on camera, but not too flashy— you don't want to get lost in an oversized print. MOST patterns are okay for photos . . . but, graphics are not ideal. If you’re wearing patterns, make sure it’s not overwhelming and distracting. Similar to choosing colours, we want to first draw attention to your faces, not what you're wearing.
Compliment, don't match.
You will want to compliment your partners outfit, but not match. If you're wearing wildly different colours or styles in your outfits, it may not have the same cohesive look in the final photos. When deciding how you and your partner will dress, look for complementary colours and solid prints. Aim to wear a different dominant colour, but stay within a similar colour palette family. You could also follow the same colour palette as your wedding, if you have one! You should both try to stay away from anything too busy, as it can be an unnecessary distraction in photos.
Opt for Classic Rather Than Trendy Looks/
Let's talk timeless! It's important to create a timeless, fun photo together. You may love black-and-white maxi dresses now, but next year you may only be reminded of a referee when you see yourself in stripes. Try and choose looks that will remain timeless, and stay away from outfits that could make your photos feel dated a few years down the road. An outfit as simple as a light shirt paired with navy pants or jeans for a cute summer look!
Say no to blisters...
When choosing your engagement outfits, make sure you feel comfortable. You want to look nice, but it's more important that you feel good while getting your photos taken. If we'll be doing lots of walking and moving around during our shoot, bring a pair of shoes that are comfortable for you. The last thing I want is for anyone to get blisters! Ladies, if you choose to wear heels, my idea is to bring a pair of flat shoes to change into if we're going to be doing a lot of walking.
Engagement Photo DONTs
Old, dirty running shoes? Pants with stains (even if they're light, the photographer & camera can see them)? Leave them at home and go for a more put-together look with some fun dress shoes, boots or loafers!
Outfit Changes!
Bringing a change for your outfit is fine, but many wardrobe adjustments can swallow up your session time. My best tip is to try to limit it to two outfits, and you can always add and remove layers and accessories to change the appearance. Bring a bonus tie for a quick outfit refresh. An option would be to have one “us on a cute, casual date” outfit and one more formal outfit. This will give your session two totally different looks, and I recommend beginning with the “cute date” outfit first (as this will help you to feel more natural as we all warm-up). If you are not sure which one is best for you, please bring two outfits and I can help you choose. I want to make you feel confident in all of our sessions, because this is a great opportunity to get some amazing photos.
It's all in the details
Empty those pockets! (No, seriously.) You’ll regret seeing your cell phone or keys showing through your pockets. Keep your jewelry ultra-simple and remove your FitBit, Apple Watch or Garmin. Those technical style pieces don't always work best in professional photos and we want to to avoid flashy distractions in your photos too. For men, that means leave your watch and any rings at home. Women should stick to simple earrings with a necklace or bracelet (or one statement piece), and your engagement ring. Don’t forget that your ring will get some attention in this shoot, so give yourself permission to get it cleaned and get your nails done, too!
Confidence is Key!
If you feel confident and comfortable in your outfit, it will show in the photos. So take some time to pick out something that makes you feel beautiful and confident. Don’t feel like you should look like someone you aren’t. If you haven’t worn a dress or suit since you were in kindergarten, don’t do it for this! The general idea is to wear clothes that represent a slightly more dressed up version of yourself.
If you live in jeans, wear your best ones with stunning shoes and combine them with a more chic shirt. Best of all, just have fun. I promise we'll have a blast! This photoshoot is about celebrating your love with your partner and I can't wait to capture these memories together.
I hope these tips help you feel more prepared for your engagement photoshoot! Don't forget to enjoy the experience. After all, it's a pretty special moment in your life and the prints that come for your engagement photos will be something you cherish forever.
Psst... Bonus!
Cheryl's insider tip, plan your hair, makeup and both outfits ahead of time. Not only can this help you save time on the day of the shoot, but it's a great way to reduce any stress (similar to doing this with your wedding day). This is an opportunity to get some really stunning photos, and you can't go wrong following these ideas.
Congratulations and best of luck!
FAQs
Get Ready for Your Engagement Photos: Outfit Tips from a Professional Photograph? ›
The BEST advice I can give about outfit selection would be to try to COORDINATE instead of matching. Try to stay away from really tiny patterns, they won't show up in your images. Also, bold jewelry, scarves, and colored shoes photograph really well!
What is the best color to wear for engagement photos? ›flowy dresses and skirts photograph beautifully and the movement helps soften images. patterns are great for softer images, as long as they're big! a few tones to stick with are blushes, grays, creams, light blue, soft minty green, light pink, and all neutrals.
How many outfits do you wear for engagement photos? ›Some couples love an excuse to go all out on a fun, dressed up outfit. Others prefer a more casual, but polished look. It is entirely up to you, but most of my couples choose to wear two outfits at their engagement session. One “us on a cute, casual date” outfit and one more formal outfit.
Do you tip your photographer for engagement photos? ›No, but it's always appreciated. There is no consensus on whether or not to tip wedding photographers, and there is no standard tipping percentage. If you are happy with the photographer's work, it is always appreciated to show your gratitude with a tip.
How do you look thinner in engagement photos? ›Try your best to keep your body slightly turned, this will help you look slimmer than if you were standing straight on facing the camera. Tilt your shoulders toward the photographer, slightly dropped down and keep your hips at an angle.
How should I wear my hair for engagement photos? ›How should I wear my hair for an engagement photo? It's entirely up to you to decide how'd like to look in your engagement photos. Some brides prefer to wear their hair up and out of their face, while others prefer to sport loose waves or curls.
Should I wear makeup for engagement photos? ›Getting Hair & Makeup Can Make You Feel More Confident
Not everybody spends a ton of time in front of the camera, so having these beauty treatments done can give you a sense of confidence. If you are camera shy, getting your makeup done can make you feel more comfortable being photographed at your engagement shoot.
Closed-toes heels in particular look great on camera because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toe. If your toes are showing in a peep-toe heel, you might want to schedule a pedicure before your session so you don't regret letting your feet show.
Which color is best for engagement? ›Color Choice: The choice of color for the engagement outfit varies by personal preference. Red, pink, maroon, and gold are some of the traditional and popular choices for Indian engagement attire.
How many photos should you get from an engagement shoot? ›For an hour long engagement shoot I would probably expect around 50-150 images depending on the experience level of your photographer and the cost of the session. We personally deliver on the higher end with our goal being to deliver a variety of types of images without duplicates.
What should I ask my photographer for an engagement shoot? ›
- How long have you been in the business? ...
- How would you describe your photography style?
- Do you shoot weddings, as well? ...
- What is your rate? ...
- Do you require a deposit?
- Do you have any location recommendations?
- Can we give you a list of some of the shots we want?
Engagement photos are an essential part of your wedding journey and provide a way for you and your partner to capture the excitement and romance of your new journey together. Not only do they make for beautiful keepsakes, but they also come with a variety of other benefits.
Which wear is best for engagement? ›- Nehru Jacket with Shirt and Trousers: A Quintessential Engagement Wear for Men.
- Three-Piece Suit: A Sophisticated Look with an Oomph Factor.
- Bandhgala: An Amalgamation of Ethnic charm and modern elegance.
- Two-Piece Suit with a Bow-Tie: Say Hello to the Best Version of Yourself.
Don't wear any heavy jewelry or clothing near your face
If you wear anything too busy or heavy it will distract. Keep your earrings simple, like studs or dainty hoops. And don't wear shirts, jackets, or scarves that are too bulky around your neck.
If the party is taking place at a more upscale venue, such as a country club or a nice restaurant, you will need to dress in more formal attire or co*cktail attire. If the couple is hosting the engagement party somewhere outdoors or in a more relaxed venue, semi-formal or casual attire is likely appropriate.