Engagement Outfit Tips
Your engagement shoot is such a fun part of your wedding experience! As a wedding and engagement photographer I’ve noticed one the biggest parts of the shoot that people worry about the most is actually what to wear!
On your wedding you of course have a gorgeous gown and a stunning suit or vest to don, but there are no rules for your engagement session and thus too many choices and freedom can be a bit overwhelming for people!
To help my own Kate Holt Photography couples as well as aid others who aren’t my own clients but who have questions about what types of outfits photograph well during their engagement session I thought I would put together this little blog with some tips to follow to make sure you look top notch in your engagement portraits!
Tip #1
Choose one casual outfit and one formal outfit!
Most photographers allow one change of outfits, and it’s a great idea to get two totally different looks by choosing one outfit which is more every-day casual clothes and one which is a bit more formal.
If your engagement shoot is during the summer where you expect clear skies and a beautiful sunset, plan on wearing your casual outfit first. Usually a casual outfit is a little more comfortable, so wearing it first when the day is a bit hotter will make you more at ease. Plus, when you save your more formal outfit for second you’ll have a flowing dress on for those extra-epic photos as the light becomes soft and the most beautiful just before sunset!
Tip #2
Neutrals, Whites and Solids are the Best!
When you think of your engagement photos, you probably want images which look really candid and show off your love for one anther, maybe your silly nature when you are together, and perhaps some softness and romance, correct? Well, the best way to show off all these emotions is to use clothes that don’t distract from your facial expressions!
Solids, Neutrals and Whites look great when paired together and also can offer a splash of color without being too distracting. Bold patterns on the other hand, tend to draw the eye so your candid emotions now have to compete with your clothes for attention.
Tiny patterns such as some very small checkered or paid fabrics also confuse a camera and can discolor and create a strange look when captured on film or digital files, so when choosing between a plaid button up shirt or a solid color, keep in mind the solid color will always photograph better.
Tip #3
Don’t try to Match
Matching outfits belong on silly Christmas cards only, so you’ll want to avoid that for your engagement session. Choosing clothes that compliment each other but which are not the same is the key to looking great in your engagement portraits.
For example, if you’ve picked out a dark blue dress, then pair that with a light blue button up shirt and khakis for your man. Or, if he loves wearing black, you should consider a more colorful option for your outfit so you don’t blend in together.
White is a great color to pair with since almost any neutral or pastel looks fantastic with it! Also, if you prefer to choose an outfit with little more pop of color, pairing it with a white shirt on your partner allows that color to truly pop and not get lost.
Tip #4
Avoid graphic tees and pair patterns with solids on your partner.
Graphic tees can be a bit distracting in portraits and date your photos faster than if you chose a simple patterned or solid-color shirt.
There are many patterns which are lovely and photograph well, but having both partners in patterns creates a confused look to your images. If you have a patterned dress or blouse you love, pair it with a solid sweater or shirt on your partner, that way your pattern stands out and isn’t conflicting with the pattern of your fiancee’s clothes.
Tip #5
Accessorize!
Another great thing about choosing white, neutral or solid clothes is it gives you a chance to accessorize!
Adding a fun accessory to your outfit allows your personality to shine through and customizes your engagement session look.
Pair a floppy hat with a long dress, add a special bracelet, or pick out a scarf to add another element of dimension in the fall or winter! Have your man don some suspenders, add a nice jacket or even don a bolo tie to spice things up!
Adding accessories can be really fun, so get creative with it and make your engagement session photos really YOU!
I hope these tips and tricks have helped you with your outfit planning for your engagement session!
If you have specific questions about the outfits you’ve picked out, feel free to e-mail me, I love helping people out with anything related to wedding or engagement!
Also, if you are newly engaged and looking for a great photographer to capture beautiful candid portraits of you and your fiancee, drop me a note! I’d love to chat about your engagement session and wedding photography goals and see if we are a good fit!
