How to Pick the Perfect Engagement Session Dress
Struggling to find the perfect outfit for your engagement photos? You’re not alone! Picking a formal dress for engagement pictures can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry—I’ve got you covered!
As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen what photographs beautifully and what falls flat. So here are my top engagement session outfit tips to help you pick a stunning, timeless dress that looks incredible on camera!
Tip #1: Choose a Long, Flowy Dress for a Romantic Look
When it comes to engagement session dresses, the longer, the better! A long, flowy dress instantly adds romance and elegance to your photos. Not only does it look more formal than a knee-length dress, but the movement of the fabric can create that dreamy, windswept look when you walk, spin, or snuggle up with your fiancé.
Best colors & fabrics for flowy dresses:
✔ Soft pastels, neutrals, or jewel tones photograph beautifully
✔ Chiffon, tulle, or lightweight fabrics for effortless movement
✔ Avoid stiff fabrics that don’t drape well
Tip #2: Find a Dress with Sleeves for a Flattering Look
Let’s be real—not everyone loves their arms in photos. And if you’ve ever looked at a picture and thought, “Whoa, why do my arms look like that?” (guilty 🙋♀️), here’s the trick: sleeves!
Whether it’s cap sleeves, quarter-length sleeves, or full-length lace sleeves, adding this small detail makes a huge difference in how your dress photographs. Plus, sleeves add dimension to your poses and allow for more variety in your engagement session shots.
Worried about staying cool in summer?
☀ Opt for lightweight, breathable fabrics like chiffon or lace
☀ Cap sleeves are a great option for warm-weather sessions
☀ Off-the-shoulder styles give a modern, romantic feel while offering arm coverage
Tip #3: Want to Go Bold? Keep It Simple.
A bold color dress for engagement photos is a total YES—but patterns? Not always. Why? Because busy patterns can distract from the emotion in your photos, making the outfit the focal point instead of you and your fiancé.
If you love a pop of color, go for it! But stick to solid colors or subtle patterns in muted tones to keep the focus on your connection.
✨ Best colors for engagement session dresses:
✔ Classic neutrals (white, beige, blush, champagne)
✔ Soft pastels (dusty blue, sage, lavender)
✔ Bold jewel tones (emerald green, deep burgundy, navy)
If you’re set on wearing a pattern, try to find one in light, airy colors like ivory, soft florals, or muted designs instead of loud, busy prints.
Where to Find the Best Engagement Session Dresses (Without Breaking the Bank!)
Let’s be honest—I have a slight obsession with finding affordable, flowy dresses (just ask my husband who begs me not to buy a new one every wedding season 😆). Here are some of my favorite online stores for stunning engagement session outfits:
1. My Absolute Favorite for Variety & Style - LuLus
This store has so many options! They have gorgeous long dresses that flatter every body type, plus great filters to help you find the exact style you want. Many of my brides have even found their elopement dresses here, and they rave about them!
2. The Hidden Gem: Bridesmaid Dresses for Engagement Sessions - Birdie Grey
Sounds crazy, but hear me out—bridesmaid dresses make perfect engagement session dresses! They come in tons of colors and sizes, often have that dreamy, flowy look, and tend to be way more budget-friendly than traditional formal dresses.
3. It is obvious but Amazon is full of great finds - Link to my fav dress
Amazon is a treasure trove for affordable engagement session dresses—but we all know it can be overwhelming. I’ve tested a ton of options, and this is my favorite dress for style and value!
4. A Classic Go-To for Bridesmaids & Engagement Dresses - Asos
This shop is another fantastic budget-friendly option with a solid selection of elegant dresses that work beautifully for engagement sessions.
I hope this helped in your search for the perfect engagement dress!
Shoot me any questions you have any time!
