Congratulations on your engagement! As you begin to plan your wedding, one of the first steps is often scheduling an engagement session (sometimes called a couple shoot or pre-wedding shoot) with your wedding photographer. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know your photographer and create some beautiful images that you can use for your save-the-date cards or invites, your wedding website, posting on social media – and of course, printing to display in your home. But “what should I wear for my engagement shoot?” is probably one of the most common questions I hear from my couples, so here are some tips to help you dress to impress:
1. Co-ordinate, but don’t match.
You and your partner don’t have to wear matching outfits, but it’s a good idea to coordinate your clothing so that you look good together in the photos. This means choosing complementary colors, patterns, and textures. For example, if you’re wearing a blue summer dress, your partner shouldn’t wear anything red or green. The safest bet is to choose neutral colours – so white, cream, beige or brown – as these will ensure a timeless look and compliment each other well. Again, don’t wear the same colour – for example don’t both turn up in the same shade of beige, as you’ll sort of merge together in the photos. A mixture of complimentary colours is best!
2. Dress for the location.
Think about where your engagement session will take place and choose your outfits accordingly. If you’re shooting in a park or natural setting, you might want to wear something a little more casual and comfortable, like jeans and a nice jumper. If you’re shooting in a city or urban environment you might want to dress up a bit more, with a suit or a sparkly cocktail dress. Chosen a beach location? Summer dresses or shorts are always a winner. But nothing below the knee in case your photographer asks you to get in the water!
These heels weren’t made for walking!
Footwear is also very important when deciding what to wear for your engagement shoot. Please don’t be that person who turns up to a beach or a muddy park wearing stilettos or kitten heels… (Yes it has happened several times before!) You’ll want to be comfortable, because it will show in the pictures if you’re not. There’s often a fair bit of walking on an engagement shoot (I might make you run as well, so be prepared for that!) so flat shoes, plain trainers, or walking boots are often your best bet. For a sandy beach setting, you may even want to go barefoot!
3. Avoid logos and distracting patterns.
You don’t want your outfits to distract from the main focus of the photos, which is the two of you. Avoid wearing clothing with large logos, busy patterns, or bold colours that might clash with the surroundings or each other. Fashion brand logos can also make your images look prematurely dated in years to come, and I’m not looking at anyone in particular here… (Ahem, Superdry – why does it need to be so big?!)
4. Be comfortable and confident.
Above all, choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: if you’re not comfortable in what you’re wearing, it will show in the photos. Choose clothing that fits well and flatters your body shape, and don’t be afraid to try something new or different.
Remember, the most important thing is to have fun and enjoy the experience. Your engagement session is a celebration of your love and the start of your wedding journey, so relax, be yourself, and let your photographer capture your natural connection and joy.
I offer completely free engagement sessions to all couples who book their wedding day photography with me – so what are you waiting for? Get in touch now and secure yours!
Bonus Tip: Try to organise your hair and/or make-up trials for the same day as your engagement shoot to really make the most of it!
