WHAT TO WEAR FOR ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS
First off, congratulations on your upcoming marriage! You have decided to make a commitment to someone you love and I couldn’t be happier for you. I’m sure you’re a little overwhelmed at the whole wedding process, but I am here to help you in one facet of your wedding preparation: engagement photos. Yes, engagement photos help you prep for your wedding. Couples who take engagement photos usually have better wedding photos on their wedding day because they are more comfortable in front of our cameras, and they know what to expect from their photographers. When the photographers arrive on your wedding day, you already know them, and you know the types of poses and photos you will be taking. So, you get better photos, and you also get more photos because the photographer is more efficient! As are you!
What to Wear for Engagement Photos
Since engagement photos are an important part of your wedding process, let’s take a moment to answer a very important question: What to wear for engagement photos? DISCLAIMER: The following points are just suggestions. If you read through this entire blog post and say, “Psssh, this girl is crazy! I am going to do and wear whatever I want!” Then good! I hope this blog post gives you a direction to head in, whichever way you choose.
To prop or not to prop.
I’m just gonna start it off right here. The photography community seems split on the idea of props. Some photographers love props, and some don’t. I will say that I am totally down for some props if its something that encompasses you as a couple and speaks naturally to the location.
We have all seen the Pinterest images of the girl and boy standing on the railroad tracks holding the ampersand. I’ve seen it. I’ve photographed it. And believe me, it is really pretty. Seriously. However, there is nothing in that image that speaks about the couple (unless he proposed at the railroad tracks using the ampersand). I want to photograph you and your future-partner-for-life doing something that you love like going for a hike, playing with your dogs in the front yard, or throwing some mad snowballs at each other on a winter day. You know yourself best, so pick a place that speaks to you and your fiance and bring the props that highlight your love for each other (if you even want props at all). And make sure that you tell your photographer your ideas so you can collaborate collectively to get the best photos possible.
Dress for the weather.
I know mini skirts and cute tops look perfect for you, but if you are outside on a cold, winter day you are going to be absolutely miserable. And your face is going to show it. There is no way to photoshop a smile over that frown of disappointment. So, grab some of your favorite mittens, throw on a scarf and have fun with your snow bunny!
Dress for the location.
That cute top and mini skirt will look pretty awesome in a swanky little downtown area. Probably not so much on a farm. When choosing your locations make sure that your attire works for the locations. Your photographer may allow outfit and location changes, so you may be able to go to a farm and the downtown area. Check with your photographer to see if they allow these changes.
When thinking about your location, make sure that you choose colors that are appropriate as well. If you are out on the farm and there are tons of green grass and trees, you might want to avoid a green dress. A complementary color to green is red, and will certainly pop on the farm! Or, you could go with a color that is a little more subtle such as blue or pink.
Lastly, make sure that your location feels comfortable to you. If you don’t like farms, don’t do your engagement photos there. If you want something urban and clean, make sure that you tell your photographer and they can offer up some ideas.
Be practical.
Are you going out on a boat for your engagement photos? Maybe you choose that breezy mountaintop overlook? I know that Marilyn Monroe pulled off the perfect dress-blowing-in-wind-look, but it might be hard to replicate. And we want to make sure that your photos are not rated X. Wearing outfits that you can twirl, sit, or dip in is a must for engagement photos.
Coordinate with your partner.
On the day of your engagement photos, both you and your fiancé should look like you are heading to the same place. If you are wearing a suit and she is wearing shorts, a tank top, and flip-flops, it’s not going to look right. Both of you should wear clothes that are on the same dress level: casual, dressy, flirty, etc.
Don’t redo your hair or makeup style, or tan right before your engagement photos.
Just don’t. Seriously.
Be Yourself.
Your engagement photos are a portrait of who you are and who you are as a couple. Please make sure that when you step out of your house you feel like you. Pinterest is great and there are a lot of pretty photos out there, but all those couples chose outfits and styling that fit them and their locations. Pinterest is great for inspiration, but don’t imitate other photos because they are “pretty.” They are not you and you are not them. Be yourself.
The Final Tips.
- Don’t wear clothing with words on them. Abercrombie and Fitch may be your favorite place to shop. But, when you are snuggling with your fiancé and the only words visible are “itch” then that could be a problem.
- Don’t wear super bright colors near your face and neck. Some colors can color cast onto your skin and we want to make sure that your beautiful skin tone looks even and natural. Florescent green is a no-no.
- Don’t wear crazy patterns. Now, I’m not saying that you can’t wear a print, but don’t overdo it. If you decide to wear a print pattern, then recommend that your fiancé wear a solid color for balance.
- Don’t dress in your PJs. In all seriousness, don’t wear ripped or stained clothing or super casual apparel such as crocks or t-shirts.
- Be aware of fashion trends. Everyone thought that scrunchies were the hot new thing, but they didn’t last. Make sure that you choose an outfit that can stand the test of time.
- Empty your pockets and check your wrists! It is so hard to edit a phone out of a pocket or a hair tie on a wrist. make sure that you get rid of distractions before you start taking photos.
- Be on time. I can’t take photos without actual people in front of me.
Still struggling? Let the Pros help you! There are professional stylists that are at your beck and call. Well, on the internet. For the men, check out Trunk Club. Stitch Fix is geared toward the ladies. Both companies get you in touch with a personal stylist who will mail clothes directly to you. Keep what you want and send the rest back. Shipping is free. #muchlove
