What to Wear for Engagement Photo Session: You’ve just said “Yes” to your beloved and of course, you would want this iconic moment of your life to be framed with an engagement photo session! This is a perfect opportunity to ease into your wedding day photos and surrender to your emotions on camera. I call it a good practice for you before the wedding. It’s also a way to experience and enjoy our fun and energy-filled photo sessions! This is why I give this as a complimentary gift if you hire me to document your wedding.
While the session is naturally less formal, it will still be a cherished heritage for the years to come, so naturally, you will want everything to be perfect – including your attire. But have you already thought about what you will wear for the session? Before you panic and start overthinking your whole wardrobe or head to the nearest store, here are some things you should have in mind about the engagement photo session clothing choice!
Engagement photos are a reflection of your intimacy, of the beautiful connection you both share, reflecting your unique essence. That is why it is important to wear something that is within your own style. If you would choose an uncomfortable piece, I am afraid to say your discomfort will be shown in the photos. Furthermore, it is important to be aware of what is flattering to your body shape and simply gives you confidence! Believe me, nothing gives a WOW factor as confident radiance does.
Sometimes a statement piece can do wonders for your overall look. Whether it is a designer necklace, head piece or hat, distinctive shoes, sunglasses, or maybe even layered clothes for the gents; the trick is in versatility. You can add accessories for one engagement outfit, and leave them out for the rest of the photos. Additionally, the accessories will draw attention just enough to give variability but not too much to take over the whole spotlight!
Yes, we’ve all seen matching outfits in the past but honestly, they are not flattering to you as a couple! Instead, try to match in terms of including some color your partner has, and compliment both of your styles. Try to find a middle ground when it comes to the engagement photos, if you are too different – that won’t be flattering as well. The hack is in complimenting instead of matching.
I previously mentioned versatility with accessories, but when it comes to choosing more engagement outfits to fit different sceneries, I would suggest that two options are perfectly enough. Do one casual and one dressy. And if you choose to go “dressy” I always advise my couples to go all out and “dress to impress”. Imagine yourself walking around the park in a long and flowy dress as your photographer snaps photos from afar. That’s going to look glamorous! While you there, why not practice your first dance and let him spin you around to get that flowy dress works its magic.
But just make sure not to go crazy on doing multiple outfits. The engagement photo session is all about enjoying and giving in to the emotions and not running around and changing many outfits only for the sake of looking different. Instead of losing valuable time on that, you can use that to create more memorable visual memories of your precious chapter in life.
This might be one of the most important aspects of your decision-making! It would be elusive to wear light clothes on a cold winter day, so the weather will play another role when you choose your attire. Here are my ideas based on my photography experience:
The most important thing is to see the forecast for the date planned and wear something cosy and comfortable. I love using WeatherBug.com to check the hour by hour forecast.
For example, during the Autumn periods, the beautiful golden and rust coloured backgrounds would look incredible with jewel tones, red palette, browns, oranges or neutrals as well. Wearing an accessory or changing a jacket would be a fantastic alternative to spice up your look. Also, pieces with bold patterns will fit just nicely. For the Winter period, sometimes all you need is a stylish coat or a cosy chic look with a hat to make you look amazing! Paired with gorgeous boots and you are good to go. Include a fashionable knitted scarf or any other accessory to level up your game. If there is snow, darker tones would make an incredible contrast, as well as red or purple colour. White can be a winning choice especially accented with darker hues!
The most important thing to wear for your engagement photo session during warmer time is breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. During springtime, you can pull off maxi dresses with floral patterns and light colours. Put on a chic jacket and accessories – and you have a fantastic aesthetic for your engagement photos! I would also recommend maxi dresses for the summer as it is more comfortable and everyone loves that romantic sway happening with the help of a gentle breeze. For the gentlemen, a comfortable light shirt and pants would look both classy yet not too much. Colours of choice for both are pastels and neutrals – they beautifully reflect the light and look gorgeous in photos!
If you wanna include your fur babies in your engagement photos, let’s do it! I love dogs, in fact, we have two adorable Maltese dogs that I always love photographing. We can do some fun shots with your four-legged baby during your session. My suggestion is let’s start the shoot with your baby. And if you have a dog handler for that day he/she can take your dog back home after we are done so we can continue with the rest of the shoot. Do not forget to bring some squeaky dog toys to get your dog’s attention during our shoot. The toys can also help to keep them occupied when they get bored. LOL
So let’s have fun with your dog and let’s show them off to the world with your engagement photos as you announce your wedding date.
I hope I’ve helped you with your engagement photo session attire choice and if you still need more recommendations, you are welcome to browse through my engaged couples gallery to get an idea, or simply feel free to contact me for any questions. I am here to help make your engagement session the most fun and the best experience you will ever have!
Message me here or simply call me if you have any more questions – CONTACT ME
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