What to Wear for Your Engagement Photos

Photo courtesy of Forage and Film, Raleigh, North Carolina

So you’ve decided to go for an engagement photo shoot—great choice! Your engagement photos are the perfect opportunity to feel comfortable with your photographer before the big day and capture your love story.

Once you book the shoot, the next big decision is your wardrobe: what should you and your fiancé wear for this super special photo op? I’ve got you covered with six tips that will make choosing your outfits a snap!

Where to Begin?

My favorite place to start any shopping trip is Macy’s—you can’t beat their selection of top brands and competitive prices, and both brides and grooms can find their head-to-toe looks in one place! While I couldn’t track down the exact pieces you’ll see in the images below, I’ve found similar looks at Macy’s, so you can easily click and shop before your photographer clicks and shoots! Now, onto the wardrobe tips!

 

Tip #1: Stick with Classics

While it’s fun to experiment with trends, you want your engagement photos to be timeless (and not elicit laughs and cringes from your future grandchildren). Stick with classic silhouettes and pieces. When it comes to colors and patterns, remember the “rule of three:” choose a color palette with no more than 3 neutral, pleasing colors. If one of you wants to wear a print with multiple colors, the other can choose a solid from that print to wear.

Photo Courtesy of Rhodes Photography, Orlando, Florida

I love how my friends Cory and Carly’s smiles are the first things I notice in this picture—not necessarily their clothes! By choosing something simple like jeans and classic tops, they’ve ensured that their sweet expressions are the main focus, and that this photo will stand the test of time, and.

 

Get the Look:

Looking for the perfect plaid shirt for your guy? Look no further than this classic plaid oxford.

 

When it comes to finding the right top, focus on what color flatters you best! In the photo above, Carly chose a pretty pink! If pink is your color too, try this sweet flutter sleeve top.

 

If you’re looking for deeper tones, this twist-front button up top is another easy, classic piece. It comes in true red (pictured above), purple, mustard, scarlet red, hunter green, mauve, and black and white.

 

Tip #2: Express Yourself

While your wedding attire will be fairly standard (white dress; formal suit), your engagement photos are a great time to express yourself and your unique personalities through your wardrobe!

Photo courtesy of Captured Photography, Delray Beach, Florida

My brother-in-law Jacob is a firefighter, and I think these photos in uniform are such a fun and unique keepsake!

 

Get the Look:

You can never go wrong with a red dress, and I love the ruffle detail at the collar! You’ll also love the exposed gold zipper in the back. Not petite? You can still get the dress in black, white, and plum.

 

If you don’t have a pair of nude heels yet, you need some! These pumps go with everything, and bonus: they make your legs look longer!

 

Photo Courtesy of Shea Christine, Boca Raton, Florida

My friends Shelby and Ashley love to travel, so these vintage suitcases were the perfect props for their engagement photos (and so much better than those cheesy signs from the craft store). I also love how they used the suitcases as a color palette for their outfits—inspiration is everywhere!

 

Get the Look:

No matter what “theme” you’re going for, a white lace top is the perfect choice for your engagement photos: it just says, “bridal!”

 

Tip #3: Layer Up:

Photo Courtesy of Currie Fitz Hugh Photography, Northern Virginia

Bring options in the form of scarves, jackets, and jewelry—you can easily add or remove accessories to create different looks for different photos. I love how my sister-in-law Joy wore a colorful scarf and jacket for her autumn engagement photos. Later, she took her jacket off to capture a different look!

Photo Courtesy of Currie Fitz Hugh Photography, Northern Virginia

 

Get the Look:

A fun scarf like this one will make any outfit pop! It comes in 2 other cute pattern options.

 

Tip #4: Bring Options:

If you’re ok with changing in public restrooms or the back of your car, pack some options for your photo shoot! Most couples tend to do one casual look and one more formal look.

Photo Courtesy of Currie Fitz Hugh Photography, Northern Virginia

Later in the photo shoot, Joy and Andrew changed into more formal outfits for a different look.

 

Tip #5: Make Sure You Can Move

Photo courtesy of Forage and Film, Raleigh, North Carolina

A good photographer is going to help you pose naturally, and capture movement that tells your story. Make it easy be choosing clothing you are free to move in. Make sure your hemline is long enough to make sitting comfortable, and your straps aren’t sliding down. The last thing you want to worry about is a wardrobe malfunction!

 

Tip #6: Treat Yourself

Now is the time to splurge on something that makes you feel absolutely gorgeous. I remember going to a fancy department store the week before my engagement photos and taking my time trying on dress after dress until I found one that made me feel my best—and for the first (and probably last) time, I didn’t look at the price tags.

Photo Courtesy of Kallima Photography, West Palm Beach, FL

Seven years and two children later, I’m really glad I have this picture to look back on and remember that I once looked like this!

A real-life bride rocking Rent the Runway in her engagement photos! Image courtesy of Lauren Louise Photography

If you’d rather save your spending for the wedding budget, Rent the Runway is an awesome option for renting a designer dress for your engagement photos!

 

Discover More Macy’s Magic:

Once you’ve found the perfect engagement outfits, stick around Macy’s to register! We’ve gathered everything you need to know about a Macy’s wedding registry, and we’re positive you’ll agree that a Macy’s registry is pretty magical! As always, be sure to direct your friends to RegistryFinder.com where they can easily find all of your registries in one place!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Christina Peterson

12 years and 3 kids later, Christina still counts her wedding day as the best day of her life. Maybe that’s why she loves connecting with brides, mothers of the bride and groom, and bridesmaids: she wants everyone to love their wedding season! Over the past year, Christina has cultivated an active, helpful Instagram community called @askarealbride, filled with daily etiquette Q+A’s, planning tips, and some occasional humor. Though planning can be stressful, Christina enjoys helping brides find the joy and face etiquette dilemmas with kindness, clarity, and grace.

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