October 3, 2019

5 Reasons Why Formal Engagement Outfits Make for Beautiful Photos

It’s no secret that I absolutely love formal engagement outfits. For such a special time in your life, take great care and effort with your outfit selection. Formalwear, in particular, can make the world of a difference for gorgeous, dreamy engagement photos.

5 Reasons Why Formal Engagement Outfits Make for Beautiful Photos 

1. You Can Dress Casually Any Day

Think about all of the times you’ve ever been photographed by friends, family, yourself, etc. Unless you are a wedding guest or bridesmaid all the time, it’s likely that you’re in casual or business casual clothing for all of these images. You can be photographed in casual clothing like jeans and a nice top any day of the week; however, your engagement photos are a once in a lifetime occasion that deserve to shine.

Bride in a black long sleeve lace Marchesa couture gown. Groom in a black suit and tie. Couple walking together with dreamy lighting. San Diego Anniversary Photos in Balboa Park on film by Cavin Elizabeth Photography 

2. Engagements are Celebrations

The entire notion of an engagement is a celebratory one. It’s incredibly exciting that you’re engaged, so celebrate! And what do people usually wear to celebrate? Really nice clothing! By donning a gorgeous gown and a suit and tie, you’re paying homage to the importance of your engagement.

Bride in pink strapless Marchesa Notte gown holding bouquet in a cactus garden. Groom in blue suit and pink tie to match his wife. Balboa Park San Diego Anniversary Photos by Cavin Elizabeth Photography 

3. Engagement Photos Set the Tone for Your Wedding

Having a black tie or a black tie optional wedding? Set the tone for your wedding by dressing formally for your engagement photos. When you send out save-the-date cards, your guests will get a sense for what’s to come. By wearing very dressy or formal dresses, skirts, chic pantsuits, and suits, you’re letting them know it’ll be a grand event.

Bride in long pink ruffle dress and groom in blue suit with champagne. formal engagement outfits. La Quinta Resort Engagement Photos on Film by Cavin Elizabeth Photography 

4. Increases Confidence

I don’t know about you, but I always feel amazing in a formal gown or super sleek cocktail dress. Seriously, there’s something about the swanky nature of an elevated dress that makes me feel incredibly confident! And that’s coming from someone who lives in pants all the time!

Bride in white linen jumpsuit and groom in blue blazer and dark jeans. Film Engagement Photos at San Francisco City Hall by Cavin Elizabeth, formal engagement outfits 

5. It’s Just Really Fun!

How often do you get dressed up? Probably not enough! Whether you own a few gowns, love shopping, or are eager to rent a beautiful wardrobe for your engagement session, you will have so much fun planning your outfits. On the day of the photos, it’ll feel like an incredibly exciting dress-up session full of laughter, love, and smiles.

Blue suit and lavender lace dress, Palace of Fine Arts Engagement Session in San Francisco captured on film by Cavin Elizabeth 

My Favorite Engagement Clothing Stores

Women’s Clothing + Accessories: Neiman Marcus, Saks, TopShop, Kate Spade, Zara

Men’s Clothing + Accessories: Neiman Marcus, Saks, J Crew, Jos. A. Bank

Luxury Clothing and Accessory Rental: Rent the Runway

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[…] a deep blue gown and Will donned a blue and white button down. I always encourage my couples to dress a little fancy for their photos and these two did an amazing job picking out a wardrobe that looked beautiful with […]

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