#1: Pick Clothes That Reflect Your Personality
We know the tendency may be to go all out for your engagement photos, but we’re hear to tell you that’s usually a mistake. First of all, your engagement shoot is a reflection of your and your fiancé’s personalities and your relationship as a couple. So if you’re the type to spend a Saturday on the couch watching your favorite football team, then don’t dress up in cocktail attire just because you feel like you have to. When you embrace who you are as a person and as a couple, the photos come out so much better because you’re comfortable, you’re relaxed, and you’re letting your unique self shine.
#2: Choose Clothes You Feel Comfortable In
This tip is twofold. Yes, we do mean that you should select clothing that is literally comfortable to wear, but we also mean that you should choose outfits that make you feel your best. Nothing creates awkwardness in front of the camera like feeling self-conscious, so be sure that whatever you end up wearing gives you confidence and makes you feel like a million bucks.
#3: Choose Clothes That Complement Each Other
In addition to choosing a top and bottom that go well together or shoes and a dress that work nicely, it’s also important to make sure you and your fiancé both pick out outfits that complement each other. For example, if you’re rocking your favorite LBD, then he probably shouldn’t drag out his ripped jeans and Bob’s Burgers t-shirt. Similarly, you probably also want to stay away form both wearing busy patterns. A key way to make sure you are both on the same page is to plan early and try out your favorite picks together before the engagement session arrives.
#4: Don’t Try To Be Matchy-Matchy
That being said, another big mistake that we see couples make is overmatching. Just because you’re wearing a blue dress doesn’t mean he needs to wear a blue shirt. When there’s too much of one hue in a shot, everything sort of blends together and nothing stands out. You don’t want that—you want your photos to pop and have a liveliness to them if you plan on loving them for a long, long time. Your best bet is to choose colors that complement each other, like blue and yellow or pink and white, but that don’t look overly staged.
#5: Don’t Be Afraid To Wear Bright Colors Or Prints
While this isn’t for everyone, if you’re feeling it, go ahead and embrace bold prints and bright colors (in moderation, of course). You’ll be amazed how easily you become the focus of the photo, rather than just an addition to the landscape, when you’re wearing an eye-catching hue or pattern. But again, both partners shouldn’t go for bold patterns. Instead, only one of you should, and the other should choose a top that pulls out a color from said pattern.
#6: Embrace Layers
One quick and easy way to give yourself multiple looks without having to change clothes is to incorporate layering into your ensemble. And did we also mention that whatever layers you take off, like a sweater or a hat, can also double as a fun prop for later on in the e-shoot?
#7: Keep The Season In Mind
We know it seems obvious that you shouldn’t wear a sundress in the middle of winter or don a peacoat when it’s 90 degrees outside, but we wouldn’t mention it if we hadn’t seen it happen. So check the forecast, prepare, and work with the weather that you’ve got. If you end up really having your heart set on a particular season, then schedule your engagement photos for that time rather than trying to fake it. Trust us, you can always tell when the environment and the wardrobe don’t mesh.
#8: Consider The Landscape
If your engagement photos are being shot in the woods, you’ll look out of place in a little black dress and stilettos. Similarly, if you’re doing an urban engagement shoot, put together a sophisticated look rather than something too outdoorsy. For beach sessions, a bright hue will stand out against the muted tones of sand and water, whereas neutrals will be drowned out (pardon the pun). If there’s a lot going in the background, a busy pattern will make you look like part of the hodgepodge landscape, rather than the star… you get the idea.
#9: If All Else Fails, Select Multiple Outfits
When it comes down to it, if you find it impossible to decide on just one style or theme for your engagement photos, you can always bring multiple outfits along that are varying levels of dressy. We love the idea of starting off casual with a few laid-back looks, then amping it up with more high-fashion styles, then closing with a few themed photos that really speaks to your personality as a couple. Remember, this is your moment to represent yourselves as a couple, so feel free to try different things. All that matters is that you are happy and feel good in your own skin.
refer to The Zola Team