Most engaged brides don’t have the luxury of a a personal stylist to dress them for their engagement session, but never fear, our photographers are here! Need ideas for engagement photo outfits? We’ve compiled the top tips from our experts so that you have everything you need to know for what to wear for engagement photos.
In general, bring along a variety of outfits and/or props to your engagement shoot.
A good engagement photographer will look over your outfits and make some suggestions about what will work well for the shoot. They’ll also let you change outfits a few times to give your images some variety, and to give you more to choose from later!
Fritz Photography
1. Avoid white outfits
“It reflects light and the details may be lost.” – Veronica and Jim Warnock of 2now1 Photography
“Avoid solid white clothing, which may become overexposed in the image (but some white — e.g. under another garment, accessories — is OK.)” – Phillip of Blume Photography
2. Stick to solids.
“It’s up to you, but just so ya know — most people who choose big bold patterns, graphic t-shirts, sweat pants, or flip-flops live to regret it.” – Phillip of Blume Photography
“Pick solids over prints; although some prints may look great. Sometimes a print can be distracting and take away from the couple.” – Joanna Moss Photography
3. Be comfortable with what you wear for your engagement photos.
“Be prepared to walk around. As photographers we like to meander sometimes to find the best light, so don’t hesitate to pack a pair of sandals to walk around in until we find that perfect spot to take your photos.” – Nicole of Medcalf Photography
“Ultimately you want to make sure you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing otherwise you’ll look stiff and uncomfortable in your photographs.” – Joanna Moss Photography
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4. What’s the deal with colors?
“Avoid bright oranges and reds…unless you like looking orange or red in your images.”
Veronica and Jim Warnock of 2now1 Photography
“Too much red or pink will look dull in black and white photographs, and too much solid black may blend into the shadows. Rich colors and textures work great, though. Accessories like scarves, hats, fringe, and knitted items are great too.”
Phillip of Blume Photography
“Be one with color- nice bright and rich colors will pop in your photos.”
– Joanna Moss Photography
5. To match or not to match?
“Co-ordinate your outfit with your fiancé, but don’t match,” – Joanna Moss Photography
“When you are picking outfits for your engagement session, you don’t always have to match. Try outfits that coordinate well, or that feature your wedding colors or themes, and avoid stripes or distracting logos. When you hang your engagement photographs next to your wedding ones, they will look cohesive if they follow the same color scheme.” – Kristin Griffin Photography
6. Be “you” when thinking about what to wear for engagement photos
“Are you casual most of the time or do you like dressing up? Pick engagement photo outfits that again, reflect who you are. Have fun by incorporating your favorite sports team, school, etc. into your choice of clothes.”
Veronica and Jim Warnock of 2now1 Photography
“Avoid trends; you don’t want to look back at your photos in 10 years and say “What was I thinking” But most importantly just be yourself. You’ll love those photos best,”
Joanna Moss Photography
“Since our goal is to make your portraits as stylish and professionally artistic as possible. The best way to coordinate with the shooting location is simply to present the best version of yourself. Mostly, just show up ready to have fun!”
Phillip of Blume Photography
7. Ask for some professional help
A fun final tip on what to wear for engagement photos from Josh Fisher Photography:
“Call a local university and talk to a professor that teaches fashion design. See if one of their students would be willing to help coordinate you and your soon-to-be’s outfits. Again.. Little details add up! Wearing the right belt, boots, earrings and other jewelry can have a big impact on the look of your photos. Most of the time they need to build their portfolio so it is free.”
There you have it! What to wear for engagement photos, straight from our expert wedding and engagement photographers.
Engagement Photo Outfit Considerations
Engagement photos not only let you capture that first flush of exhilaration and happiness that you feel when you and your special someone decide to marry but they also allow you to re-experience the joy of that moment again and again.
That’s why it’s so important to choose the attire that you’ll wear for the photo shoot carefully. Engagement photo outfits that reflect your unique personality as well as your love for one another will be treasured for years to come. The following tips from SnapKnot may inspire the perfect selection.
1. Consider the Setting
Some of the most effective engagement photos are those that showcase the activities that you and your future spouse love to do together, whether it’s strolls on the beach, skiing in the great outdoors or enjoying a night out on the town.
Some couples opt for engagement photo outfits that depict the type of attire that they normally wear while enjoying their favorite pastime. If you want your photos to evoke a feeling of familiarity and intimacy, this is a good way to go.
Wearing formal attire in casual settings is another option, one that lets you dress up in your best outfit while demonstrating your sense of fun and whimsy.
Shot by Joanna Moss she says: “This couple loves to dirt bike together so first we did a sweet session in the tall grass with lovely yellow and green tones and then they brought out their bikes. Their passion just shows through the photos.“
This winter engagement photo was in Park City, Utah at Park City Mountain Resort, photographed by Whitney Hunt.
Whitney Hunt Photography also captured this graffiti wall engagement in downtown Salt Lake City. Their session was on Star Wars Day (May 4th) and they brought those awesome Darth Vadar masks that added tons of personality to their shoot.
Red pops of color for casual enagement photo outfits work perfect in the Armstrong Redwoods in California, where Emma from Shadowing Lights did this fun-loving shoot.
2. Use Outfits to Heighten the Experience
Retro looks are an increasingly popular idea for engagement photo outfits. Wearing historical costumes or vintage clothing adds an aura of glamour to the pictures and heightens the feeling of romance that they convey. Go all out with props true to the period, such as a classic car or steamer trunk, or add contrast by superimposing the retro clothing onto a modern setting.
We love this couple’s amazing engagement photo outfits shot by Liz Caruna! Liz told us “Gwen and Cory are both avid bikers and what a more perfect way to show their passion than to have their engagement photo taken in front of the iconic bridge that represents their home in San Francisco. Mr. Peanut, their rescue pup, is by their side wherever they go, and was their for the ride too!”
3. Consider Smart Style Strategies
Naturally, you’ll want to look your best in your engagement photo outfits, so it makes sense to choose clothing that flatters your figure and photographs well. Expert stylists recommend these savvy tips:
-Black is a slimming color for both men and women.
-Open collars and V-necks elongate a woman’s neck.
-A collared shirt directs attention to a man’s face.
-A sleek fit is more slimming than loose clothing.
-Sleeves are flattering to the arms.
-Solid colors typically photograph better than patterns.
Photographer Caroline Dickson captured these great shots in downtown Raleigh North Carolina. This young couple decided to jump in the fountain at the end of the shoot for some unique fun shots!
The engagement photo outfits that you and your fiancé wear will have a lasting impact, so choose attire that you’ll be proud to display on your mantelpiece and share with your family and friends. Stay true to your unique style, express your personality and choose clothing that makes it easy to convey the joy that you’re feeling at this wonderful time of your life.
