So, have you ever wondered what to wear for engagement photos? This is a hard one, as you want to look your best but also feel comfortable and natural. But what’s to say that your comfortable clothes aren’t smart enough? I quite often get told I dress smart, but smart for me is comfortable.
After all, these engagement photos are a chapter of your life that you will treasure and could even be the centrepiece of your wedding. I personally love an engagement photo session, as it allows me to connect with you and start to form a friendship. It’s so much nicer to have a friend photograph your wedding than just a photographer!
Here are my top tips on deciding what to wear for engagement photos:
Wear clothes that you feel comfortable in; clothes that makes you feel you! If you’re a t-shirt kind of couple, don’t go out spending hundreds of pounds on stylish dress and dazzling suit; you won’t feel you. Wear clothes that show off your personality as a couple. If it were me deciding on what to wear for engagement photos, it would be a smart shirt and most probably chinos, with smart shoes (depending on where we were going).
Wear clothes that compliment each other but not matching! Don’t go for matching engagement outfits; it just doesn’t work. Especially an all denim affair (this is coming back into fashion, but it doesn’t look good on camera; trust me, if it would work, i’d do it). Go for colours that complement each other, like pale blue and pink.
Choose pastel, cool colours and neutral tones! Nothing vibrant, trust me on this. Unless your main point is to look like a neon sign, this could be your thing. You’ll leap off the page that’s for sure. You don’t want your clothes to do all the work and be the main focus, but to compliment you.
Think of your engagement location and the season! Plan for your location and season. For instance, if you are going off the beaten track, take the appropriate footwear. Also, think about the weather, it can be unpredictable. Especially here in Cornwall (even on a summers day). I’m now daydreaming off to a nice exotic location where it’s always sunny and warm (you might of guessed, but I’m writing this in the winter (updating this article in the summer and it’s hardly stopped raining)).
Opt for the classic – there’s nothing better than a tailored suit! Go for outfits that will remain timeless. You don’t want to look back on these in years to come and wonder what you were thinking! But do remember to think of where the engagement photoshoot is and dress appropriately.
Accessorise! Aka, bring a dog to your engagement session. Yes, your dog is the perfect (the ultimate) accessory and yes they can make for the perfect engagement photos, well in my point of view (check out my other blog about how to include a dog in your engagement photoshoot … if not I can loan out mine – haha). If accessories aren’t your thing, don’t force it. However, if you do love a little sparkle make sure to include it. Fun jewellery and scarves make great additions to your photos. Every accessory has the potential to tell more of your story.
Don’t feel like you have to avoid patterns! It is often seen as an area to avoid, but when done well, it can work brilliantly. Go for larger patterns, as these turn out better in engagement photos. But don’t both of you be in patterns, as this can clash and not make for the most flattering photos.
When in doubt, dress it up! You can never go wrong with going big and making it an unforgettable engagement photoshoot. But do take into account your location.
