What to Wear to Your Engagement Photo Shoot

It’s tricky deciding how you’d like to dress for your engagement portraits. They’re the perfect opportunity to express who you are as a couple, so it’s important to have fun with it! Consider these ten tips to help you decide what to wear.

1. Stick to a theme and dress code

Choose a strict style and dress code for the day. Do you like bling, studs and spikes? Do you prefer classic polos and a preppier look? Are you a fashion couple that’s always on trend? Are you a sporty couple that does CrossFit together? Do you want a casual look or would you like to be super formal?

2. Come up with a color scheme

You don’t have to be matchy-matchy, but it’s nice to stay within the same color tones. Are you into earth tones like burgundy, olive green and taupe or neutrals like navy blue, khaki and white? Are you looking for a springy pastel look? While the season may be a good place to start when  choosing your color scheme, stick to what you love as a couple.

3. Layer!

Bring layering options so you are able to take pieces on and off. Sweaters, cardigans, hats, scarves, jewelry and a change of shoes are great to have on hand, so that you have many looks available to you without having to worry about changing outfits completely. The layers will also come in handy if it’s chilly or hot out!

4. Stand out with a solid

Solid dresses and monochrome matching sets, jumpers or pantsuits are a wonderful choice for ladies. Wearing a solid color makes you stand out wherever you are and makes you pop in the photo. Don’t be afraid to go bold with a bright yellow, pink or red dress. If you love patterns but want to look great on camera, opt for subtle prints that appear as one color from a distance. This also goes for stripes and polka dots—choose smaller versions of the prints. You can even mix prints as long as you stay in your color scheme.

5. Keep it classic (and classy)

The classics always work. You won’t be embarrassed twenty years from now if you dress classic. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel with trends. A nice button-down with a fitted blazer, dark jeans or tailored pants are always a hit for men. Feel free to accessorize with a pocket square, statement socks or a scarf.

6. Steer clear of brand logos or writing

Words speak to us. If someone’s wearing words on their clothing, it’s the first thing you notice in a photo instead of focusing on the beautiful couple.

7. Forget your wallet

Men, opt for a money clip instead of a bulky wallet that creates unflattering bulges. This goes for real life, too and not just engagement shoots :)

8. Beware of hair ties

Ladies (and men with man buns), take your hair ties off of your wrists. Nearly every engagement shoot I have, I must remind the woman to remove her hair tie. You don’t want anything taking attention away from your gorgeous ring!

9. Bring touch-up makeup

It’s always good to have a little extra lipgloss, powder and oil-blotting pads on a shoot, even for guys. They can just skip the lipgloss! ;)

10. Let go!

Don’t worry if you don’t look perfect. Having confidence and feeling chemistry with your partner is what this shoot is about. If a few strands of hair are out of place but your passion for your partner is apparent, the photos will still look great. In the end, your love shining through the photos is what will make them fantastic—not just your cute outfit.

I’m Ash, an Engagement and Proposal Photographer and Planner based in New York City. I would love to capture your love and chemistry as a couple in gorgeous photographs! Whether you recently got engaged, celebrating your anniversary as a couple, or are just enjoying dating and would like some shots to commemorate your love, I’m happy to help you. Feel free to reach out to me by email and we can start discussing locations and ideas for your special shoot.