What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos

The Pendry Hotel in San Diego engagement photos

finding inspiration for your engagement wardrobe

I’ve written a few tips that will help you further nail down your engagement session wardrobe and ensure that your engagement session is as beautiful as the two of you. You can also peek at my Pinterest for more engagement outfit examples.

Often, my couples will ask me what to wear for engagement sessions. I always recommend being yourself and opting for clothing that makes you feel confident! If you’re always dressed to the nines in Valentino heels and a Zimmermann dress, then absolutely dress that way for your session.

Try Dressing Up

It’s no secret that I absolutely love formal engagement outfits. For such a special occasion, investing time and even a little money into your engagement clothing options can make the world of a difference for gorgeous, dreamy engagement photos. Think of your engagement photos as an event where dressing up is a fun touch.

01

Coordinate

For your engagement session, plan your outfits to complement one another’s. Choose a consistent color palette (which doesn’t have to mean the same color). If one of you is wearing a bold pattern, dress the other in a complementing solid. You want a beautiful balance between your two outfits, so dress up and see how you both look next to each other!

02

Engagement Photos in Balboa Park

Accessorize

Bouquets, necklaces, statement shoes…and purses like this Alexander McQueen number all add a fun twist to an otherwise “standard” look. Accessories are also a great place to coordinate looks for your engagement session, especially because any clothing style can be complemented with them.

03

LOCATION + SEASONAL INFLUENCES

Rainy city?

Contax 645 film photo from wedding photographer, bride and groom outside of city hall in wool coat and navy suit for San Francisco City Hall engagement photos, Cavin Elizabeth Photography

use a beautiful umbrella

Windy Location?

updos will avoid tangled hair

Hot and Humid?

Opt for natural fibers like linen

Cold and snowy?

Bring a chic coat or scarf

Dressing for the season not only ensures you're more comfortable, but can also be a beautiful way to accessorize

HAIR AND MAKEUP

Groom engagement prep

Professional Beauty Services

Grooms, if you always love how your hair looks best after cut and styled by your hairstylist, then book an appointment the day of your session. If you prefer your hair a week or so out from your last cut date, then plan for that and be sure to ask your stylist for some tips on how to get the best look at home. Begin any new facial products at least a month prior to test their effect.

Brides, it is the absolute best thing you can do for yourselves to have your hair and makeup professionally done. You’ll have these images forever and you’ll see them hanging on your wall or sitting on your desk everyday, so naturally, you want to look your best.

Plus, it's very relaxing to have someone else taking care of your beauty and can help calm any nerves about the photo session.

MY GO-TO RETAILERS for engagement outfits

More Inspo on My Pinterest

Rentals

Luxury

Men's

Women's

Start Pinning