Planning Your Outfits
Your engagement era is such an exciting and crazy time, from all the wedding planning checklists you need to get through, the joy of spending the rest of your life together with your partner afterward is so much fun! I love working with my couples to plan a great engagement session with them to celebrate them authentically and to hang out together before the big day.
When planning your engagement session, I love to help my couples find the right location, time, and ideas they want to incorporate into their session. Another huge aspect of these photoshoots is figuring out what to wear! Let’s go through some tips and things to keep in mind when finding the perfect outfits that fit your photoshoot aesthetic perfectly.
An important note
I am the biggest advocate for wearing what you feel BEST in. Do you have that one dress that makes you feel so confident and great? Your photoshoot might be a great time to break that out of your closet. It’s also important to note that this isn’t the time to be trying new dresses or just a dress you’ve had in your closet forever but never worn because you don’t like how the straps fit, etc.
On that note, I want to say that if you are insecure about something, like your arms or your belly, be sure to find an outfit that doesn't accentuate that! I don’t want you to end up disliking your experience or your final photos because of what you are wearing or how it looks on you.
Color Scheme
Now that the big important note is out of the way, let’s have some fun! When outfit planning, I always say that choosing neutral colors to wear is always a safe bet. Never wear something bright or fluorescent as a bright color can reflect onto your skin and can sometimes look weird in the final photo. I love to tell my clients that sticking to a color scheme is a great plan for photoshoots. There are wonderful options all over Pinterest, a common theme is shades of blue & white. Another fun idea is to play into the color scheme of your wedding. If you are having a fall wedding, wear some fall tones for your engagement session!
The Season
It’s also important to keep the season in mind when planning your outfits. I always recommend dressing in layers in the colder months and early spring and in the warmer months, I recommend breathable options and those that won’t show sweat.
Outfit Inspiration
If you’re looking for ideas, I actually have a Pinterest board full of outfit inspiration! Many of my couples also find great looks on Instagram and TikTok, so don’t be afraid to scroll for style ideas. Most couples tend to go with one casual option, like a button-down or nice top with pants and one dressier look, such as a dress or skirt. If you’re leaning toward a dress or skirt, make sure it’s something you can sit, move, and feel comfortable in without worrying about being too exposed. I’m a big fan of a cute mini dress, but just know it can limit some of the poses we’re able to do. Keeping comfort and flexibility in mind will help you feel relaxed and confident during your session! I also highly suggest something that can prompt movement like a flowy skirt or pants.
Clean Your Ring
I always try to get a nice photo of your ring during our session if I can, so be sure to clean it before so it's sparkling just right for these pics! There are ring cleaners on Amazon, and you can do it at home by soaking it in warm dish soap and a little Windex for 25 minutes or so. Then brush the stone with a toothbrush and let it dry!
Get Your Nails Done
I love getting close-ups of my couple's hands to really let that ring shine. That's why I always recommend that you either get your nails done or get a set of press-on nails, just be sure to bring backups in case there's a mishap!
This is a Date Night!
I know that taking photos might be a little awkward at first if this is all new to you but think of it as a date! I always recommend my couples plan a dinner date or an outing afterward that you can do together, you're already looking nice!
Multiple Outfits
With my engagement sessions, I love having couples wear multiple outfits. If you do plan to do an outfit change, I recommend having a more ‘casual’ look and one that is more semi-formal. For a more casual look, I suggest a nice top/sweater and jeans and then for something more semi-formal a dress and a nice button-down and pants combo. Those are just my suggestions so if you want to wear something different for a second look, go for it!
Haley & Kyle's engagement session is the best example of a casual outfit & a more dressy outfit and they rocked both options!!
Embrace who you are as a couple
At the end of the day, your engagement session should feel like you. The outfits you choose don’t have to fit into one specific mold—if you’re playful, romantic, adventurous, or even a little edgy, lean into that!
One of my favorite parts about engagement photos is when couples bring their personalities to life through their style. For example, I did a more fantasy-inspired shoot with Aline & Dylan, and they also rocked a flirty, vintage-inspired outfit. Both looks felt so true to who they are as a couple, and the energy and joy from their session came through in every photo.
So whether you love a flowy, whimsical dress, vintage-inspired pieces, or something modern and chic, don’t be afraid to let your outfits reflect your relationship. When you feel authentic and true to yourselves, your photos will feel that much more meaningful.
Inspiration from past clients
Looking for outfit inspiration? Here are some of my past couples who absolutely nailed their engagement session looks! From casual and cozy to romantic and dressy, these outfits show just how much variety and personality you can bring to your photos.
My Assistance
I am no fashion icon by any means but if you are debating between options or whatever it may be, I would love to lend an eye and assist you in any way possible! Feel free to message me before our session to get my opinion, I am here to help!