What To Wear + Tips For Your Engagement Session | Michigan Wedding Photographer

Here are a few tips + tricks I've put together on what to wear and how to plan your engagement session!

1. Make It Personal.

I’m listing this first because it’s the most important! Engagement sessions are a time to dress up and have fun BUT it’s important to stay true to you. In a time where there are never ending options + ideas, it’s so easy to get inspired AND overwhelmed. Wear what YOU feel beautiful in and do things that feel personal to your relationship. Allow this session to document what this chapter of your relationship truly feels like. Want to wear all white + embrace the bridal era? Go for it! Want to lounge in your comfiest outfit + snuggle your pets in your living room? Go for it!! Years down the road, these photos are going to be the photos that you look at to hold onto your favorite memories. Make it personal.

Okay, now let’s talk about some color theory & textures.

2. Color Theory - For Couples

Color theory is the concept on how colors go together. There’s a lot to this regarding primary, secondary and tertiary colors BUT we will keep it simple.

Example: You want to look at a color wheel and choose two complementary colors to work off of (colors directly opposite from each other on the wheel). This shows what colors tend to go together. I really love neutrals, earthy tones for photos with a bold accessory. Neutrals tend to blend well in nature locations, while richer tones pop in the city. You can never go wrong with a black, brown, cream or white. However, I highly recommend not choosing the same color for every outfit. Try to switch up a neutral and a color between the two, if possible. Lastly, look at skin tones. Personally - I have more rose undertones, so I try to avoid pinks. I gravitate to warmer, fall colors to brighten my face. Color theory isn’t everything, but it’s helpful to see what compliments each other when choosing outfits!

Favorite Colors to Photograph: Deep Greens, Muted Oranges, Deep Reds.

3. One Formal - One Casual.

This is the recommendation I give my couples + seniors, bring as many outfits as you would like BUT I highly recommend at least two, one being formal and one being casual. I have a Pinterest Board you can follow for outfit ideas that I personally love, but again, wear what YOU feel best in with YOUR body and personality.

I love starting with a formal outfit when hair + makeup is fresh for some classic photos - then switching up into a casual outfit. Throw your hair up, put on your favorite jeans & let’s run around! (Tip: consider an outfit you don’t mind sitting on the ground in).

Formal ideas: Long, flowy dresses. Anything that can create movement. Pops of color (deep, rich tones). Guys can wear nice pants and a button up - even add suspenders if it fits their style.

Casual ideas: Your favorite ripped jeans with your favorite t-shirt, mixed with a really cool jacket or your favorite shoes. Flannels, hats + vests. Something that you can move easy in for some fun, relaxed photos. (Avoid: Stripes)

4. Textures + Accessories

Knitted sweaters with thick stitches, velvet, tulle skirts, fake fur, long dresses with sequins, light & airy dresses that flow easily, lace… all of those things photograph REALLY well. Having a bit of texture to your outfit adds to the shot.

Never underestimate the power of an accessory. These can help add a bit of diversity to shots too! We can do some with the accessories and some without - creating a completely different look. I LOVE hats, flowers, watches, headpieces, fun glasses, statement pieces, jackets, bold shoes, showing off your tattoos, etc.

Another great tip is to have a pop of color that matches your partner’s accessory.

Example: Their red tie and your red lipstick.

6. Take a Risk!

Don’t be afraid to try something out of the box if you want to! Even if this is something you don’t wear on a typical basis, it’s okay to play dress-up. Let this be your chance to try something new. Bold pieces can really add to your confidence. It almost creates a character for you to play, making your truest personality come out in front of the camera. <3

7. Don’t Overthink It!

Like I mentioned earlier, don’t feel pressured to wear a dress if that isn’t you. If your favorite version of yourself is your Sunday morning pajamas.. let’s do an in-home engagement capturing exactly that. My priority is being comfortable, having fun + doing what feels personal. I want to capture photos that make sense to your relationship. I don’t even want it to feel like a photoshoot - I want you to be able to let go + make memories in front of my lens.

8. Let’s Do an Activity.

I really try to push for our couples to do an activity during their session. Love coffee? Let’s do some in a coffee shop. Records? Let’s head to a record store. If a specific location, date night hang-out or drink is your signature - let’s incorporate it! Love a sport? Let’s bring a jersey or go to the arena! Love picnics or long drives? Let’s have one during the session. If playing board games, cooking in your kitchen and playing with your dog is your favorite activity to do - let’s head to your house (or rent an airbnb!). Love music or theatre? Let’s rent an hour at your favorite venue. The ideas are endless and I want these to be special to you. Think about what a “day in your life” looks like : )

I hope these tips can help you for outfit ideas! Feel free to reach out to me personally with any ideas for your session or outfit inspo - I am here to help!

To see more engagement photo outfit ideas, click here!