What to Wear in Engagement Sessions :: California Engagement Photographer

California Engagement Photographer

What to Wear in Engagement Sessions | California Engagement Photographer

Engagement photos provide a lifelong memory of a lifelong commitment. They’ll appear on save the dates, slideshows, photo frames, social media and perhaps even the wedding website.

You’ve booked your engagement session, looking through photo ideas and perhaps the question running through your mind at the moment is, “what on earth do I wear?”, “should we try to colour coordinate, or just wear what we feel comfortable in?” In an effort to aid you capturing the perfect photos, we’ve put together some top tips on what to wear in engagement sessions:

The What and The Where

Consider the season that you’re in. Style yourself in tune with the climate and the location, so that your photos capture the moment perfectly. Proposal in December? Probably avoid the bikini. Proposal in July heat? The roll-neck sweater and hat might look a touch out of place.

In winter take advantage of cosy sweaters, warm coats and cute boots. In general you may want to avoid wearing a hat as you may have had your hair done for the shoot, however some prefer the look that a cute beanie provides in photos! If you were asked the question (or popped the question!) in the heat of Summer, head to the beach and enjoy strolling barefoot for your photos. Incorporate an ice cream cone, maybe even go for a dip in the sea.

Wear clothes that make you feel like you

As much as you might want to pull out the ball gown or experiment with a new item of clothing in a new style that you’ve never worn before, it’s much better to wear things that you’re familiar with and know look good. This is different from a fashion shoot where they showcase the latest trends; this is showcasing you in your most comfortable, happy and secure place. If you’re a casual jeans and sweater couple, keep these elements in tact and choose what makes you feel the most you.

Opt for classy and classic over trendy and new

Before you get married, it’s a great idea to see if you can have your colours done to see what suits your skin tone best. You may already know which shades and styles suit you best. Where possible keep things simple and timeless. Denim and neutrals work well for most, and mean that in years to come you won’t be distracted by the cute-dress-you-now-would-never-wear, but instead by how you looked into eachothers eyes.

Neutrals over patterns, complement don’t match

Patterns come in and out of fashion, neutrals are timeless. Here’s the thing; you want the main focus of your photos to be you and your fiance. Clothing, colours and settings are secondary features that complement and bring out the main focus. The simpler, the better! Look for complementary colours and solid prints rather than trying to match outfits and patterned prints.

Work with your body type

Clothing looks best when it fits properly and accentuates your favourite assets. The starting point for working with your body type is always learning to love your body. Complement your favourite parts as well as your least favourite. We did some research and found some top tips from Jenni Martini, a stylist at Bungalow Clothing in Las Vegas, for different body shapes below. These are designed to help you feel as beautiful and enjoyed as possible as you work the lens!

Pear-Shaped: Find clothing that clinches the waist with either high waisted jeans or a dress that tightens in the waist in order to accentuate those curves!

Apple-Shaped: This shape suits a deep V-neck or a dress with texture. Aim for an A-line style with a gradual flow from the waist to the legs and you can’t go wrong.

Busty: Scoop and sweetheart necklines shape you in a way that means the focus is on the face rather than the bust.

Small Chest: Look for textured or ruched styles to create fullness in the chest area.

Browse through old photos and pick your favourite parts

Scrolling through old photos and reminiscing of the early dating-phase can bring back wonderful memories. Browse through old photos and pick the absolute best aspects of those pictures, create a mood board to start planning your engagement shoot. Think of every aspect that you liked; from the setting, the location, to the activity and the outfit. Once you create the environment and scenario you’ll be able to build a picture of the colour schemes and vibe that you want the photos to have!