What to Wear to Your Engagement Session

What to Wear to Your Engagement Session

A heartfelt guide on what to wear to your engagement session. Ensuring you look your best and feel even better.

You’ve set your date, found your photographer (hi, that’s me!), and started to dream about the day you’ll say “I do.” But before we get to that, there’s one little moment that sets the tone for it all: your engagement session!

Think of it as the calm before the wedding whirlwind. A chance to slow down, breathe each other in, and capture the way your love feels right now, not just how it looks.

But if you’ve found yourself standing in front of your closet wondering “What on earth do we wear?”, you’re not alone. Every couple asks that, and I’m here to make it easy, effortless, and maybe even a little fun.

Dress for the version of yourselves that feels most you!

There’s no rulebook here, only authenticity. The best engagement photos happen when you feel confident, comfortable, and a little bit celebrated.

Maybe that means wearing a flowing outfit that dances in the wind, or maybe it’s your favorite denim jacket and boots that have seen every concert and road trip together. I usually suggest two outfits: one that feels like an elevated version of your everyday style, and one that feels like “date night.”

If you’d wear it to a place you love, or if it makes your partner’s eyes light up when you walk into the room – that’s the one!

A few gentle tips from behind the camera

After photographing so many engagement sessions, I’ve learned that the magic lives in the details. The way fabric moves, the way colors complement the light, the way you two interact.

Coordinate, don’t match. Think complementary tones and textures rather than identical outfits.
Neutrals are timeless. Creams, muted greens, blues, and warm taupes photograph beautifully and flatter all skin tones.
Add movement. Flowy dresses, draped scarves, or even a loose blazer can add natural motion that makes your photos feel cinematic.
Comfort counts. Bring a pair of flats or comfy shoes for walking! Happy feet = natural smiles.
Think about light. Lighter tones reflect that soft golden glow beautifully, while deeper jewel tones pop against urban or sunset backdrops.

Inclusive style, always. Because your story matters.

Your engagement session isn’t just a photoshoot. It’s a reflection of your story. And your story is made up of the love you share, the cultures you come from, and the identities that make you you.

Maybe that means two suits, two dresses, or a mix of both. Or one of you is rocking a sherwani while the other glows in a flowy pastel dress. Maybe you’re blending vibrant traditions with modern silhouettes. However you show up, that’s what I want to document.

If you’re celebrating your roots, I love it when couples bring a nod to their heritage into the session. An embroidered dupatta, henna designs, jewelry passed down through generations, or even a second outfit that honors traditional wear. These touches tell a deeper part of your love story. The people, cultures, and histories that shaped it.

And for my LGBTQIA+ and gender-nonconforming couples: please know that there are no gendered rules here. Your style is your power. You don’t have to perform tradition; you get to redefine it. Don’t feel pressured to wear something that makes you feel uncomfortable “just for the save the date”. The goal is always the same: to feel seen, celebrated, and authentically you.

Color stories that always photograph beautifully

If you’re looking for a starting point, here are a few color stories that shine on camera:

Soft & Romantic: Blush, cream, sage, pale blue, dusty lavender. Perfect for garden sessions at Loose Park or open fields at Burr Oak Woods.
Bold & Vibrant: Deep maroon, emerald green, mustard, or navy. Especially beautiful for cultural attire or city backdrops.
Neutral & Timeless: Beige, camel, ivory, and gray. Effortless, modern, and always classic.
Mixed Textures: Think linen, lace, embroidery, silk, or suede. They photograph beautifully and add depth to your images.

The secret ingredient to your engagement session? Confidence.

The most photogenic thing you can wear is confidence. The way you laugh mid-spin, the way you reach for your partner’s hand without thinking. Those are the moments that matter most. With a photographer who will guide you through each moment in a conversational way, you should feel free to just be yourself.

So take a breath. Pick outfits that feel like a celebration, not a costume. Embrace your culture, your colors, your quirks, your connection.

Plan a dinner afterward, toast to this exciting season, and know that when you step in front of my camera, you don’t have to perform love, you just have to live it.

Looking to book your engagement session!
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Looking for more advice and inspiration?

Be sure to check out Why Feeling Comfortable with Your Engagement Photographer Matters!