So you’re ENGAGED!!!! **insert way-to-excited scream here** Congrats! You’ve probably been dreaming about your wedding day, doing all the pinning, and probably Googling like a maniac.
Was one of those Google searches “engagement photos”, “what to wear for engagement photos”, or “engagement photo outfits”?
Well, hello – welcome! Haha! I’m Kayla, and I’m a Philadelphia based wedding and engagement photographer, and today we are going to talk about what to wear for your engagement photos directly from a photographer’s perspective. So let’s skip the long intro and get right into it!
Why a wedding photographer’s perspective?
So obviously as an engagement and wedding photographer, I’ve seen a lot of engagement photo outfits for all kinds of couples. So, I also have a lot of knowledge when it comes to what does and what does look good in photos.
But more importantly, it’s my job to understand people, to build relationships with my couples, and to make them feel at ease in front of the camera: to build trust.
So, yeah – we will talk about engagement outfit do’s and don’ts, but we are also gonna talk about how you can feel the most comfortable and the most like YOU in your engagement photos.
So let’s get right into it…
What to wear for engagement photos
Consider your engagement photoshoot location
This is a big thing to keep in mind – think about WHERE you are taking your engagement photos so you know what to WEAR. Haha, but seriously – whether you’re taking your photos inside or outside will play a part in your outfit selection. And if you are taking outdoor photos, make sure to check the weather. As a Philadelphia wedding photographer, I do a fair amount of engagement photography in Philly and obviously the weather can be anywhere from snowing to blistering hot. So check that weather app and be prepared!
Complementary NOT matching
When you’re thinking about the color of your outfits, make sure that your engagement photo outfits complement each other but don’t totally match. For example – I’d say skip wearing the exact same color (red dress + red shirt), and instead, choose a cohesive color palette! Here are some examples of what I mean 😉
I also suggest more muted colors for your outfits. Bright colors tend to be more distracting, and we want YOU guys to be the stars!
Pattern play is good – but texture is better!
Don’t think for a second that you have to wear all solids for your engagement photos. In fact, a little pattern play can be really interesting for the camera. However – I would suggest sticking to micro, minimal patterns instead of maxed-out, bold patterns. After all, YOU as a couple should be the focal point of your engagement photos, not a big, loud floral print. So for prints, think small prints, check and plaid patterns, low contrast in color.
But you know what’s even better than pattern – TEXTURE! Having different fabrics incorporated through both of your outfits is so fun for the camera and really brings movement to your engagement photos. Think linen, satin, knit, cotton – sooooo much to play with!
Layers, you guys, layers…
Layers create so much dimension and movement in photos – not to mention they help you bring your silhouette and create flattering angles. And layers doesn’t necessarily mean a sweater – think cardigan, jacket, blazer, hat, belt, button down… a world of possibilities!
And most importantly: dress like yourselves
And what I really mean is that you should feel like yourselves. If jeans and a shirt is your vibe – do it! If you and your partner want to get dressed up and glammed out – freakin’ do it! Just make sure that you are comfortable and totally in your element together.
This is what makes the biggest difference in an engagement photoshoot. The energy that comes through, your personalities, your chemistry. I’m all about building a relationship with my couples and getting them comfortable in front of the camera. So the more you can feel like yourselves on the day of, the more you can be yourselves! It helps create ease, fun, and joy – which after all, is what this time SHOULD BE about!
The bonus tips for what to wear for engagement photos…
Consider your engagement photoshoot location
Typically, I think your outfits should match your shoot location. So, if you’re shooting at a diner or a coffee shop – casual would be the way to go. Buuuuuut, another way to go is to completely juxtapose your location. Think formal wear on top of a parking garage – industrial chic, no? It’s total up to you and your partner and the vibe you’re looking for.
Get your rings cleaned (and get your nails done too – both of you)!
This is a BIG one! Naturally, at your engagement photoshoot, there’s going to be a lot of detail shots of your hands. So, clean those beautiful rings! Most jewelers will clean your rings for free, no questions asked! You can also pick up an affordable, at-home jewelry cleaner from most drugstores and grocers.
And going with the rings – spring for a manicure for the both of you!
Steam/iron your clothes ahead of time
Nobody wants a bacon collar or a crinkly-ass shirt for their engagement photos. Break out the steamer and maybe change into your clothes once you get to your photoshoot location.
Take your clothes out for a test run
Part of feeling comfortable in your engagement photo outfits is to make them feel like your clothes. If you are purchasing new clothes for your engagement photos, consider taking them out for a test drive before the big day. Get dressed up, go on a date, have fun!
Are you so ready??
I mean, I’m excited – I hope you are too! As you’re going through this exciting season of life, just remember that what to wear for engagement photos is ultimately not the most important thing.
This is a time for celebrating, leaning into love, and holding each other close. Enjoy every moment of your engagement and wedding season – all the ups and all the downs. And remember to keep each other at the center of it all. Congrats, you guys. I’m so happy for you. <3
If you are in the Philadelphia area and you’re looking for an engagement and wedding photographer and you think we’d vibe – let’s do it! I’d love to connect with you and be a part of your special day. You can reach out to me anytime by clicking the button below. Can’t wait to chat!
