Wedding day attire is easy peasy when compared to planning outfits for an engagement session. On your wedding day, most couples have a beautiful dress and tux or some form of formalwear. On an engagement session, the skies are the limit!! So many vibes to choose from. Therefore, choosing what to wear for most couples, is one of the most stress-inducing thoughts surrounding their engagement session. In this blog, I briefly review some of my tips and tricks on what to wear for your engagement session.
Choosing what to wear for a photoshoot can trigger even the most confident, fashionista. If your nerves start to fizz when you think about what to wear, don’t worry. This is SO normal! Before you lose sleep over late nights spent online shopping--putting articles of clothing in your cart only to take them out again--let’s talk about what works and what doesn’t!
Top Tips for What to Wear for your Couples or Engagement Session:
BE COMFORTABLE
COORDINATE > MATCHING
AVOID LOUD PATTERNS
SHOW YOUR PERSONALITIES
LAYERS ARE YOUR FRIEND
TIMELESS > TRENDY
OPT FOR TEXTURES AND MOVEMENT ACCESSORIES ARE ALWAYS WELCOME
NEUTRALS + EARTH TONES ALMOST ALWAYS COMPLIMENT THE OUTDOORS
COMPLIMENT THE LOCATION
COMPLIMENT THE SEASON
Where to Start:
First, take a look at what you already own. Chances are you have something you already know you look good in and love! All you have to do then is buy a few new accessories! If you want to go shopping and buy something new and exciting, I suggest doing it in advance. There’s nothing more stressful than shopping a day or two before your session and not being able to find anything! Lastly, I suggest laying all your outfits out ahead of time making sure all sets coordinate and that there isn’t anything glaringly wrong that needs to be changed.
How Many Outfits to Include:
My complimentary engagement sessions don't necessarily have a limit to outfits, so long as outfit changes don't take away too much of our shoot time. My portrait sessions are limited based on the session you book. Regardless, I think two outfits are the sweet spot! My couples usually go for one casual look and one formal look. No matter how many outfits you decide to include in your session, the key to feeling confident in whatever you wear is to stay true to yourself. I know it might seem like there's some pressure to make this session fancy, which you totally can, but have other outfit options that feel comfortable, and feel like an extension of your everyday self – just a little more dolled up! We want these outfits to reflect who you are and not distract from the relationship that we’re actually capturing.
This is JUST the start!
Jill Caren Photo clients receive exclusive planning resources for their couples or engagement sessions, including inspiring mood boards to help visualize outfit ideas! I believe in setting every couple up for success in their session and making sure their session is a reflection of their relationship.
Most "what to wear" blogs are full of multiple images and multiple couples. I decided to go a different route and show off one of my favorite couples from this past June. Will and Bingjie actually opted for three outfits during their summer engagement session! The couple stuck to a cool-toned neutral color pallet with a cultural pop at the end of their session you won't want to miss! Check out their 3 styles in the photos below:
It was important to the couple to incorporate a cultural piece into their outfit choices, as well as a casual look, and dressy look. All three outfits were perfect for their summer engagement session at The Nelson Atkins Art Museum and Loose Park. I'm already looking forward to hanging with them again to celebrate their wedding day next June!
Ready to plan your engagement session? Connect with Jill today and she'll send you an exclusive couples session guide to help with all the planning!