What to Wear to Your Engagement Session
One of the many questions I get from our couples is “What should we wear to our engagement session?” and it’s definitely a great question to ask! We want you to be comfortable in your attire, so please don’t think you have to apply everything Im listing off. These are just suggestions, apply only what you want, if any at all! (-:
Also I want to share really quickly my personal FAVORITE colors to photograph:
-Pink
-Teal/Light Blue
-Red
-Yellow
1. Don’t be afraid to dress up all fancy!
Most of our couples bring 2 outfits to their engagement shoot; a casual, more relaxed ‘date night’ outfit, and then something a little fancier to add some variety to the shoot. The engagement shoot is a great excuse to get a little more dressed up and go shopping! Plus, you’ll both be looking super dapper, you might as well go out for a dinner date after your engagement session (-;
Ladies: boy do I have some amazing dress sites to recommend to you! Let me know, especially if you love colorful, stylish gowns!
2. Coordinate your outfits, but don’t match.
The days of matching in jeans and black shirts are over my friends! Rejoice! I recommend one of you find your full outfit first and then base your partners outfit off of that. You can choose a color that either compliments your chosen color, or pick a color for yourself and then a lighter or darker shade of it for them.
Don’t worry – we send you a What to Wear Guide packed full of inspiration and tips but Im also here to help you! I love fashion and putting together outfits.
3. Accessorize!
Anything from hats, ties/bow ties, cool shoes, elite watches, bouquets, vintage cars. Accessories are the perfect way to make a bold statement in your photos. If you have a Swiss watch that needs repair, you may search online for a watch service so you can wear it on your special day.
4. Textures and patterns can add fun elements to your photos.
Generally, if one person is wearing a pattern, the other should NOT. This is where texture can come in though. If your partner is wearing a gingham shirt, you can opt for a texture like lace, wool, silk, or ruffles in a solid color. Also, the bigger the pattern, the better it shows up on camera!
5. Wear colors you feel confidant in!
If you wear colors that you feel like a rock star in, it will totally make an impact in how comfortable and happy you feel at the shoot!
6. Make sure your outfits are equal.
Please make sure if you’re planning on wearing something formal, your partner should be dressed the same.
7. Dont be afraid to show off your unique style.
If you shop at vintage stores and thats what you usually wear on a daily basis, then by all means, wear it! The engagement photos are supposed to represent who you are. We once had a bride wear a vintage inspired dress with mushroom patterns because she loves mushrooms!
This isn’t to say that you can’t wear something you wouldn’t normally wear though. For instance, I am OBSESSED with fun princess style gowns but in reality where the hell would I ever wear that to?! No where. They just sit in my closet. But I would totally wear them to a photo shoot with Jay!
8. Dress for your body type and comfort level.
Wearing something too big or too small will not look very flattering on camera. The engagement shoot is, again, a perfect excuse to go out shopping for a new outfit! As for your comfort level, I know that I hate wearing anything strapless. Im not sure what it is, but anytime I’ve ever worn a strapless shirt or dress, even with a cardigan covering it, I didn’t like how I looked. So keep in mind the things you know you can rock, and the things you don’t like wearing – this can be anything from colors to patterns to styles of dress.
The engagement session is meant to capture who you are as a couple and as individuals. If dressing up fancy isn’t your thing at all, and you’re not interested in wearing formal clothes, then don’t! Personally, I never wear high heels, so for me to wear them at a photo session would be weird and very unlike myself. Whether you prefer a more casual vibe or want to showcase your unique style, feel free to express yourselves. You could even consider incorporating personalized elements, like matching sorority apparel or something that holds special meaning to both of you. The key is to be comfortable and authentic during this special moment.
But most of all, this shoot is mean to be FUN! (-: So relax, and enjoy it!
Katie + Jay of Catherine Ann Photography are Charleston SC Based Wedding & Elopement Photographers specializing in candid & fun wedding photos that feel like you!
Ready to book your engagement session with us? Get in touch here!
