How to Dress for an Engagement Session

One of the number one questions I get asked before an Engagement Session is “What should I wear?!” So I thought I would do a blog post to answer that very question. The reason the Engagement Shoot is one of my favorites to do is it gives the couple an opportunity to take photos to show who they really are as people and as a couple. While Wedding photos are gorgeous and beautiful and something you will treasure forever, they don’t exactly depict YOU in your everyday environment. The Engagement Shoot is a great opportunity to do something fun and completely different from the wedding day. It’s a time where the couple can express who they are and we can capture them in a more casual environment doing something they love to do. It’s also a great time for us to get to know our couples prior to the wedding day, so when that big day rolls around we all know one another and they feel comfortable posing in front of our cameras.

One of the major factors that can make or break the Engagement Photos is the attire. I think clothing can really add to the photos and brings so much of the couple’s unique personalities into the pictures. People often assume they should wear white or black shirts with jeans. NOOOO!!! Please do not do this…BORING! Look at this as an opportunity to express who you are as an individual and showcase your individual style and well YOU! It makes for much more interesting photos. Don’t be afraid of COLOR, or patterns, even gasp! multiple patterns between the two of you. As long as the colors and patterns all “work” together it will look fabulous. I also highly encourage accessories and props. Fun jewelry, shoes, scarves, hair accessories, belts, bow tie, vests, etc. really help to complete the look. Props that coincide with the location that we are shooting or “theme” we are trying to portray in the photos can really add a whole other element.

Here are some examples…

I love this couple’s overall look. Their rugged, yet crisp look complements the background. The overall look is clean, but her striped top and burnt orange scarf add some interest to the photo. Their sunglasses, belts and her use of metallics in her bracelets, sandals and scarf keep this from being boring.

This color palette has shades of blue, grey and a pop of orange. I love the blazer this guy is wearing, as well as the texture it provides to the photo. Notice the use of accessories (belt and watch) and the plaid print in her button down.

This is a perfect rainy day look! His blazer, jeans, her hooded coat and of course those boots! The perfect addition to this look would be an umbrella!