The night is warm. A cool breeze blows as the sound of crashing waves and seagulls fills the salt-kissed air. One second, you’re walking down the shore hand-in-hand. The next, the love of your life is getting down on one knee.
It’s a moment you’ll remember forever, and now it’s time to do it all over again—and take pictures of it this time! The only thing is, what do you wear to remind yourself of a moment that was more than perfect? Keep reading for our tips on what to wear for engagement photos and other ideas for your photoshoot from someone committed to making your engagement session as special as the moments that led you there.
1. Wear What You Feel Comfortable In
Comfort is the most important thing to keep in mind when you’re planning an outfit—or most likely outfits—for your engagement photos. Especially in the case of outdoor shoots, it is important to dress appropriately for the season. Did you have a winter engagement? Wear something stylish yet warm, like a long sleeve sweater dress. Shooting on the beach? A light, flowy maxi dress will keep you feeling cool while still looking bridal.
Another important matter to consider is your shoes. Specifically, how long you’ll be wearing them. Those five-inch heels may be adorable, but the blisters on your toes won’t be. For this, I highly recommend that you bring a pair of flip-flops or tennis shoes to change into when the going gets tough and your feet inevitably need a break.
2. Choose a Color Palette
Having a color palette in mind when choosing outfits for your engagement shoot is also a good idea. This way, you can make sure you and your partner’s outfits complement each other and coordinate with the colors of your save the dates.
When deciding on a color palette, synergy is the most important factor. Your favorite colors are great for adding personality, but when in doubt, going neutral is a safe choice. Neutral colors, cool tones, and pastels, over neon colors, are the best for achieving an elegant, classic look perfect for your engagement photos. If you want to highlight a statement piece of clothing or jewelry, wearing black and white can also create a fun contrast. We may also decide to convert some photos to black and white based on your clothes and the scenery.
Taking the scenery of your engagement photos into account is also a good call when deciding on your color scheme. Make sure that the scenery doesn’t clash with your outfit and take the attention away from your special moment.
3. Stick to Minimal Patterns
This day is about you and your partner. Keep the attention focused on the two of you and not a bright zebra print. As a photographer, making sure that the end result is memorable is my number one priority. Don’t be afraid to add some pattern and color so long as they remain minimal.
4. Keep the Location in Mind
Of course, before your engagement shoot, you need to decide where you want to take the photos in the first place. To help you out with that, we’ve created some guides on the most special engagement photo locations in Houston. If you’re going for a more urban feel, we have a guide on the best engagement photo locations in downtown Houston. On the other hand, if you love nature, Hermann Park has a variety of spots for picture-perfect photo ops.
Once you’ve decided on the perfect location, make sure you keep it in mind when deciding what to wear for engagement photos. You want to stand out without clashing, to coordinate without blending in. These are factors to consider when choosing outfits for your engagement session, so choosing a location well enough in advance would really benefit the decision-making process.
5. Consider a Rental Wardrobe
If you decide that nothing in your closet is quite perfect enough, there are several rental services that provide a wide array of outfits and accessories to choose from. Want to wear a floor-length ball gown but can’t justify spending that much money on something you’ll only wear once? Rent the Runway and Le Tote offer stunning pieces for one-time rental.
6. Live in the Moment
Leading up to the wedding, you’ll have a lot on your mind. The dress, the catering, the dress, the guest list—did we mention the dress? Wondering what engagement photos should look like shouldn’t be another worry on your list. On the day of your engagement session, let all those worries go and focus on what’s in front of you: the person you’re going to spend the rest of your life with. You both look great, and you’re both in love. Just let the rest fade away. It’s just you and them and the rest of your future together.
Say Yes to Said Yes Studios
Just said yes to the love of your life asking you to marry them? We’ll make sure you won’t have to worry about what to wear for engagement photos! And, of course, we’d love to help you get the most perfect wedding photos possible. Let Said Yes Studios help you capture the magic of your journey towards forever—from the engagement to your wedding day.
Ready to turn your memories into family heirlooms? Get in touch with us to book your engagement session today.
