top of page
Writer's pictureelenauphotography

What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos

Not sure what to wear for your engagement photos? Check out my tips for putting together photogenic engagement photo outfits you'll love.


Your engagement photos should be a fun, less formal precursor to your wedding day photos. You may use these photos for your save-the-dates, your wedding days programm or even your invitations, so you'll want to look your best. Any important photo comes with a lot of pressure—choosing what to wear shouldn't be one of them.

Engagement photo outfit tips:


 

* Choose your outfits ahead of time, so you aren't scrambling to find pieces that go together on the day of.

* Make sure your ensembles work for the season and location of your photos (read: no stilettos on the beach or bare arms in the snow).

* Express your personal style—the more confident you feel, the better your photos will turn out.

* Consider a special service. "Rent the Runway" offers a genius Wedding Conceirge programm that helps brides get dressed for their big prewedding events. (In this case, that could mean an engagement photo session followed by an engagement party—talk about two birds, one stone.) 


At the very least, your engagement photos are a perfect opportunity to capture some sweet moments between you and your partner (while looking really good). Check out some of our favorite engagement photo outfits below.

Engagement Photo Outfits for Summer

Weddings are in the air during this sunny season, but it's also an ideal time to shoot your engagement photos, especially if you want a beachy backdrop or cloudless, rustic setting. If you're opting for the great outdoors, flat shoes, breathable fabrics and shorter hemlines are a must. Whether you like to sport vibrant prints or breezy nautical looks, summer engagement photos are the perfect chance to show off your casual-chic style.


Go Barefoot for Beach Engagement Photos


If you're opting for a nautical vibe with beach engagement photos, don't be afraid to get some sand between your toes. Going barefoot sets a laid-back mood that works in a seaside setting. And this no-fuss approach will save you the trouble of searching for beach-appropriate footwear. To keep your engagement photos looking polished, pair bare feet with structured outfits. Navy blue and white ensembles are a safe bet for pulling off a beach style that's laid-back but still pulled together.


Express Your Personal Style

The outfits you choose help set the mood of your engagement photos, so wear pieces that feel like "you." If you aren't into dresses, don't wear one! Instead, try a pretty printed romper or jumpsuit. If your fiancé is into accessories, let him or her rock a trendy straw hat or colorful shades—simply put, you can't go wrong with pieces that channel your personal style.


Don’t Shy Away From Bold Colors

While you may be tempted to wear all white for your engagement photos (you're going to be the bride after all!), bright colors really pop on camera. Plus, bolder colors will give your photos an instant celebratory feel, and are perfectly appropriate in a casual summer setting. To make bright colors work, pick ones that play off each other without being too matchy-matchy, like yellow and blue. If you're sporting prints ( say, polka dots and argyle), make sure they're big enough to show up on camera, but not too big—you don't want to get lost in an oversize print.


Engagement Photo Outfits for Fall



It's hard to beat the rich colors of fall. Throw in crisp air that won't mess up your hair or makeup and it's no wonder this temperate season is so popular for engagement photo shoots (not to mention weddings). Since temperatures begin to dip in fall, longer sleeves, layers and knits are a must. If you're taking photos outdoors, try to pick a color pallette that works with your surroundings. Rich oranges, reds and browns all work for this season, especially if you're in a region where the leaves change color. Check out our favorite fall engagement photo outfits below.


​Mix It Up With Seasonal Accessories

If you and your fiancé are wearing understated autumnal colors, a fun accessory (think: a colorful scarf or bright hat) can add just enough visual interest to your fall engagement photo outfits. For instance, a pop of plaid is the perfect way to give off an autumnal vibe for more rustic or country engagement shoots. Just keep in mind that statement accessories shouldn't compete with your outfits, so if you're going with a bold pattern, keep the rest of your duds neutral. 

Channel Your Wedding Day Looks

Don't let seasonality stop you when it comes to wearing white in your fall engagement photos. It's totally acceptable—and even super on trend—to wear white after Labor Day! While your engagement shoot doesn't have to feel overly bridal, a white blouse or dress is a sweet nod to your wedding dress. Consider playing with texture: Cotton-based fabrics like eyelet lace, crochet and Swiss dot all have dimension that shows up well on camera and gives your outfit an instant vintage twist. 


​Cozy Up in Warm Layers

You don't have to rely on just jewelry or accessories to show some personality. Warm fabrics like knits and flannel are totally acceptable options for cozier fall engagement photos. The best part? You and your partner definitely won't get cold while snuggling up outdoors. Go kitschy with printed knits or polished with a sweater dress and complementary button-down. 

​Engagement Photo Outfits for Winter

If you're planning on taking your engagement photos in winter, don't let chilly air or unpredictable weather keep you from looking stylish. Whether you're rocking a sharp cocktail dress and suit or New Years Eve–inspired glitter, this is the perfect season for you and your fiancé to get a little bit festive. (And, if bad weather does come your way, we've got you covered there too.) Check out some of our favorite winter engagement photos outfits below.

Add Sparkly Pieces for a Festive Feel

Winter engagement photos are the perfect opportunity to get into the holiday spirit—after all, you have a lot to celebrate! To pull off a festive photo shoot, consider metallic embellishments when choosing what to wear. Monochromatic embellished pieces (like the gold sequin top above) will give your engagement photos just enough sparkle without becoming distracting. Have your fiancé wear a dress shirt in a crisp solid color to complement your glittery outfit.


​Embrace the Elements

If bad weather strikes during your winter engagement photos, don't fret! Be prepared with wintry accessories like a faux-fur coat, knitted hat or fun rain boots to throw on in case you're caught in a downpour. Plus, if you're feeling tense about posing for the camera, using props—like a statement umbrella—can help you loosen up.


Consider Cocktail Attire

Winter is the season for cocktail parties, so why should your engagement photos be any different? A white cocktail dress and statement heels give off seriously glam vibes, while a charcoal suit is totally dapper. Pro tip: If the air is too chilly for bare legs, wear tights with colorful or metallic heels.


​Engagement Photo Outfits for Spring

Spring is symbolic of new beginnings, so what better time to celebrate your new new life as a married couple? This gorgeous season is all about pretty pastels, florals and dreamy details, so don't be afraid to add lively touches of color and whimsical prints to your spring engagement photo outfits when deciding what to wear. As far as accessories are concerned, let your romantic leanings take over: Floral details, flower crowns and vintage-inspired pieces are a fresh place to start.

​Mix in Transitional Pieces

Spring can bring sunshine or showers, or both. Stave off chilly air and throw a lightweight sweater over a flirty dress or skirt—you won't freeze if temps start to drop, but you'll still look fresh and airy. If he's opting for dressier attire, a blue suit is totally on trend but not too stuffy. And he can always remove the suit jacket for a more laid-back look.



0 comments

Comments


bottom of page