Engagement Outfits Guide
because this might be the hardest part of wedding planning
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where should we have our session?
I’m down for anywhere that allows photography that I can drive to in around an hour or less from Middletown, PA! Having a location that’s meaningful to the two of you is always fun. Did you have your first date at a cool restaurant in Lancaster or get engaged at a local park? Or do you have a family friend with a sweet house or farm that you’ve always loved? Or even your home! In-home sessions can be a lot of fun too as long as your house has a decent amount of windows. If there’s a location you love that requires an entrance fee or permit, I’ll leave that up to you. 🙂
How long is the session?
I like to schedule your session an hour-ish before sunset for the prettiest light! Most sessions last around an hour to an hour and a half. Just depends on how much we walk around.
What if the weather looks iffy?
What constitutes bad weather for a photoshoot? Rain, storms, or unusually hot or cold temperatures. I can totally rock that on a wedding day, but for your engagement session, I want conditions to be as ideal as possible.
That’s why we’ll schedule two dates – a main date and a rain date just in case. If you schedule an appointment with a makeup or hair stylist, let them know of this ahead of time just in case. We’ll make the final call the day before since the weather report will likely be accurate by then.
Rain can cause your hair to frizz or go limp and create water droplets on your clothes. BUT if you’ve always dreamed of a romantic session in the rain or snow – I’m totally down!
Can we bring our dogs?
YESSSSS!! I’m a pet parent and I fully support bringing your pups! I just ask that you enlist someone to watch the pups during the remainder of your session. I always like to start with doggy pictures so they can go and play or their babysitter can take them back to your house.
And if you’ve always dreamed of having your kitty in photos, we can always do an in home session!
Coordinating colors
There is no right or wrong color to wear. If you want to simplify it and have a more natural/boho feel, neutrals are your friend. You can never go wrong with gray, ivory, slate blue, blush, or light brown. But I’m also a big fan of dramatic jewel tones. You do you!
As you’re planning, keep in mind that your outfits will look the most cohesive on camera when the color palettes coordinate, but don’t necessarily “match.” You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family.
Do we need to follow this guide?
Heck to the no. “Rules” are meant to be broken. The most important thing to me is that you’re both feeling yourselves and are ready to get super snuggly.
CHECK OUT MY OUTFIT INSPIRATION PINTEREST BOARD
TIPS & TRICKS FOR WOMEN
I’m gonna be real with you. What do we all want in photos? To love how we look in them and not feel like we have to nitpick ourselves to death. There are a few tried and true tips for women that I’ve found work really well in photos. As always, none of this is set in stone! Rock whatever makes you feel amazing!
Adding Movement
If you’re into wearing dresses or skirts, I highly recommend them for photoshoots. You can’t go wrong with fitted on top and flowy on the bottom which adds more movement and looks amazing on camera! Check out tons of examples on my outfit inspiration Pinterest board.
To Sleeve or Not to Sleeve?
Do you immediately check your arms in photos? (I 100% get it, I do it too. But spoiler alert: no one else notices that but you, I promise!) If so, go with a cute off-the-shoulder or sleeved outfit. And if you do choose sleeves, make sure you can lift your arms at least to shoulder height so they don’t restrict movement.
Fitted vs Billowy Tops
If you wear a dress or top that’s oversized or billowy on the top, it will make you appear larger on camera. Those types of tops look super cute in real life because you’re moving, but in a photo it can tend to look blob-like. Choosing a top or dress that’s fitted on the top and at your natural waist will always look BOMB on camera. But if you want more of a billowy look, go for it!
Speaking of Tops
If you’re wearing a wrap style dress or top, make sure it closes as high up as you’d like and that your bra doesn’t show from any angle. If it doesn’t come with a hook and eye, they’re super easy to sew on or have a tailor add one in.
Optional Accessories I Love
You can’t go wrong with your signature jewelry or a cute wide-brimmed hat. I’ve also seen people bring props such as a wildflower bouquet or cute blanket to snuggle underneath in the colder months. As always, if you’re unsure, feel free to reach out to me!
Comfy Shoes are a Must!
It’s very rare that we’ll go to a location and not walk around a ton. Make sure the shoes you choose are comfortable enough to walk around in for 1-2 hours.
Makeup Tips
First things first – if you never wear makeup, please do not feel pressured to do so for your engagement or wedding. You do you 100%! But if it’s something you like to wear, there are a few things I would do differently for a photoshoot. Two coats of mascara or a set of false lashes make a HUGE difference in photos. They’re going to feel weird and heavy in real life, but they really enhance your eyes in photos. Wearing a slightly darker than your usual lipstick also looks fantastic! Just make sure it’s a long wear kind that doesn’t rub off easily.
You can even schedule you wedding makeup trial the day of the engagement to kill two birds with one stone and see how it’ll look on camera for your big day.
Hair Tips
If you have medium to long hair and you’re comfortable wearing your hair in a curly or wavy style – I highly recommend it! Curlier styles are much more forgiving in windy or humid weather. If it’s super hot and humid, your hair will inevitably frizz a bit and have a few flyaways. A tip I saw on TikTok that works really well is to spray a makeup brush with hairspray and brush it down over the flyaways on the top of your head to smooth them out without looking crunchy.
Shapewear
Human beings aren’t made of stone, so sometimes your bra or underroos are gonna leave lines. It is what it is! But if this is a concern or if you’re wearing thin fabric or a form-fitting outfit, wearing shapewear underneath will smooth out those pesky lines.
TIPS & TRICKS FOR MEN
What to wear depends on your comfort level. If you love wearing suits, they look awesome in photoshoots! If you’re more of a flannel shirt, jeans, and boots guy, that’s handsome af too! The only thing I ask is to pretty please try on your outfits at home before you arrive at the shoot. If the only shirt/blazer you brought with you won’t button, wellllll… I can only do so much my friend.
Showcase Your Personality
Don’t be afraid to add a little spice to your outfit! Some examples: a cool hat (with a smaller brim), novelty tie/pocket square, family heirloom watch, your favorite boots or nice sneakers, etc. Go to town! Check out tons of examples on my outfit inspiration Pinterest board.
Buuuut… Steer Clear of Logos
Humans are drawn immediately to words and logos and I want them to stare at your faces. Sorry North Face or Patagonia, no logos allowed. UNLESS you two want to do a few college/sports themed photos in addition to your regular outfit, then that’s totally fine!
Your Iron/Steamer is your Friend
Lots of people ask “Will wrinkles show up in photos?” Unfortunately cameras aren’t magic so they definitely do. If you iron your outfit and hang it on the back of your car, it’ll be perfect for your shoot.
Baseball Caps
You can totally rock a hat as long as it doesn’t have a large or stiff brim. How are you going to make out and snuggle with your baseball cap brim bonking them in the forehead?
