We’ve got one of our favorite blogs guest posting today! Please welcome Claire of Bridal Musings, a wedding blog with a serious soft spot for couples with great style…
what to wear for your engagement shoot
We love engagement shoots, because they’re not only a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera before your big day, but getting engaged is a pretty big deal and it’s important to mark it!
Engagement shoots are a wonderful way to capture all the love and excitement of a special time in your relationship, and an opportunity to get some gorgeous, relaxed shots which you can use for your stationery, wedding website or to simply have as keepsake in your home.
So, once you’ve decided to opt for an engagement shoot, and you’ve picked your photographer, the next big decision you need to make is… what on earth are you going to wear?
Well, we’ve come up with a few tips to help you on your way…
Photo by Kristen Booth via Bridal Musings
Be Yourself
The most important thing when it comes to deciding what to wear for your engagement shoot, (or your wedding day for that matter!) is to be yourself.
It’s daunting enough to be in front of the camera, without feeling like your clothes are too tight, short, or out there for your usual style.
Photo by Peter & Veronika via Bridal Musings
While it’s good to dress up a little, and feel your best, engagement shoots are meant to look more natural, candid and ‘everyday’ than your wedding pictures, so it’s a good idea to wear something that’s quintessentially ‘you’.
Whether your look is boho, glam, country or minimalist, let your favourite personal style shine in your photo session.
Photo by Chaz Cruz Photography via Bridal Musings
Fit With Your Setting
We love it when a couple takes a hike for their engagement shoot in their weekend staples of jeans and tees, or if a pair hit the boardwalk in some super cute date night ensembles.
One of our favourite engagement shoots ever was on a yacht, with the bride and groom in a gorgeous bikini and beachy threads.
Photo by Kallima Photography via Bridal Musings
If you’re really stuck on what to wear, consider your setting and dress accordingly.
An urban backdrop is the perfect opportunity for something modern or stylish while the countryside calls for something a little more low key and natural.
Don’t forget to dress for the season too – fall or snow shoots are the sweetest!
Photo by En Route Photography via Bridal Musings
Avoid the Trends
There’s no denying, no matter how timeless you keep it, your photographs will date. But you can help to give them a little longevity with what you wear.
Guys, think jeans and blazers, ladies opt for classic silhouettes and natural make-up – you want to feel stylish in your shoot, but just avoid anything so current it’s likely to be out of fashion before you’ve even got your pics back from the photographer!
Chic, playful looks are timelessly romantic!
Photo by Olive Photography via Bridal Musings
Best of Both
The most common attire we see for engagement shoots is couples rocking two looks throughout their session; something relaxed and casual for the daytime, then something a little more glam for later on.
Photo by Olive Photography via Bridal Musings
An outfit change is such a good idea for creating a selection of shots. While it’s lovely to have some gorgeous snaps in your regular duds (something you don’t often capture), it’s also great to get some romantic moments in your finest threads too. It’s also a chance to style your hair and make-up different ways too (and test out a hairdresser or make-up artist for your wedding).
Photo by Terra Rothman Photography via Bridal Musings
Think jeans or a day dress then a gorgeous mini skirt or jumpsuit for later on for the ladies, and guys, swap up your t-shirt or plaid for something a little more dashing with a suit and tie.
Keep it Simple
If you are known for your bright hues, clashing patterns or oversized jewelry, then you should 100% let your your personality run wild in the pictures.
But, if you’re generally a more simple dresser, consider what’s most flattering to your shape when deciding what to wear for your engagement shoot. Big shoulder pads, flouncy ruffles, too many accessories, baggy clothes or wild prints don’t always photograph as well as they might look in the mirror.
If in doubt, stick to tried and tested styles and hues or try taking a few snaps of each other on your phones in natural light to see how the outfits look before your photographer arrives.
Strike a Pose
If you’ve picked a good photographer for your engagement shoot (check their portfolio before you book to see how their previous sessions look!) they’ll be sure to have some gorgeous, and flattering poses in their repertoire.
Photo by In Love in Italy via Bridal Musings
But of course, it’s no harm to have a few of your own up your sleeves. Look through lots of engagement shoots together to get ideas and pin some poses you want use for your own shoot.
Engagement shoots are a great practice run for your wedding photos, so use it as an opportunity to simply try a few things out, and don’t be afraid if they don’t work out.
Any model will tell you, a pose might feel a little silly when you’re doing it, but sometimes those ones look the best in pictures. Try not to be too stiff and move slightly between each click to keep the shots looking natural.
Photo by Clarence Chan Photography via Bridal Musings
Remember to laugh and chat with your other half throughout your shoot; strolling shots, sitting poses, close-ups with your head together, and of course kissing shots all look really sweet.
Don’t be afraid to bring along a few props to help you with your poses, a picnic blanket, some bubbly, coffee, board games, books, balloons, maps, your pet, or even a camera of your own, all make great props!
Photo by Sarah Kathleen Photography via Bridal Musings
And finally, have fun! lots of couples are a little daunted before their shoots, but once you settle into it you’ll realise it’s a special, romantic, and lovely thing to do together when you get engaged.