Engagement Style For Brides

Tips & Advice

It’s here! The engagement session is something you’ve been so so excited for, but now you’re starting to get a little bit worried and you’re asking yourself, what do I wear? We get it! It’s so difficult choosing the right outfit. Am I too formal? Am I too casual? What’s the deal? We want to give you our advice and what we think will look the best on camera. We’ve photographed everything from couple’s in shorts (super casual) to couple’s in long, flowy gowns and suits (formal). We’re here to say that there is no wrong choice. You’ll love your photos regardless and if you’re more of a casual person you probably won’t regret being super casual during your engagement session. We’re also here to say that there is no such thing as too dressed up!

Dressing up for your photos will make your images look 100 times more expensive. We know it’s not about the money, but rather than looking like you walked out of an ad for Old Navy (nothing wrong with Old Navy), you’ll look like you stepped out of a J.Crew Catalog, a Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Prada or some other expensive brand name’s magazine. We want to make you feel and look like a million bucks, so why not dress like it? Keep reading to see some suggestions for engagement style for brides!

If you’ve ever thought about rocking a tulle skirt, flower crown or sequined dress, but never had the occasion for it, this is your chance to do so! There’s no such thing as “too dressed up” so don’t be afraid to have some fun and step out of your comfort zone. We know it can be expensive, so if you don’t want to add a permanent piece to your collection, a lot of brides love RentTheRunway.com for their engagement photos. Remember, we want to you feel like a million bucks, but don’t want you to spend a million. Plus, once the session is over, you can send the outfit right back. Although, if you’re looking for an excuse to add a new permanent piece or two into your closet, now is the time 🙂

Say Yes to the Dress

Ever wonder why you see so many long, flowy dresses and skirts on the red carpet and not many pantsuits? It’s because dresses and skirts tend to look the most stunning on camera and they really flatter the female body. Long, flowy dresses and skirts look incredible on camera since they can provide extra movement to the photos and they looked amazing when juxtaposed with nature. Imagine a long, flowing gown in the middle of a field, forest or barn. It’ll really make you pop! Cuter, shorter-length dresses photograph beautifully as well!

One or Two? It’s Up to You!

Many brides choose to bring two outfits. One includes a “wow” dress and another is normally a shorter sun dress or cocktail dress for a more casual feel. Something you’d likely wear on a date. But, hey, if you want to bring two “wow” dresses then we won’t stop you! The camera loves that runway-esque apparel and so do we! You also don’t need to bring two looks if it’s too stressful. You can stick with one fabulous outfit. It’s better to stick with one look that you love than change into a second outfit you’re not very excited about. So, one or two is completely up to you!

Colors

We recommend choosing lighter tones and muted shades for your outfit colors. Avoiding bright, bold colors helps bring all the attention to your faces allowing the eyes to focus on the way you feel about each other. Soft pinks, muted blues mixed with light neutrals like gray, creams and leather brown look amazing on camera. That softer color palette fits beautifully into almost all natural outdoor environments and especially compliments the green of PA.

Coordinating those Looks

When coordinating with your fiancé, keep in mind that your outfits will look the best and most cohesive on camera when your color palette coordinates, but don’t necessarily match. Aim to wear different dominate colors while remaining the same color palette family. Compliment each other. For example, if you’re wearing a blush dress, soft blue earrings and nude heels (blush is your dominant color), then he would wear a navy coat with gray pants, paid with brown leather shoes and even a blush pocket square. His dominate color is Navy and still incorporates some of your color palette into his outfit. Most brides choose their outfit first and then base their fiancé’s outfit from that. That’s why there is a section for each of you! Grooms, your turn will come later this month!

Flatter Your Features

Every woman, regardless of her shape has some area of her body that she is self-conscious about, and recognizing that area in advance is key! It will help you choose flattering silhouettes and colors that compliment your natural features in the best way way to ensure you love the way you look in your engagement photos.

For example, three-quarter length sleeves create an incredible slimming effect on all arms so be on the lookout for an option with longer length sleeves. You could also add a cute jacket, blazer or cardigan to add an extra layer to your outfit. Skinny straps or strapless dresses have the opposite effect on arms on camera, so we recommend avoiding those whenever possible if your goal is a set of slimmer-looking arms. Heels elongate women’s legs and make them look fabulous. Closed-toed heels in particular look great because they carry out the line of your leg all the way down to your toes. Schedule a pedicure before hand if you prepare on wearing open-toed shoes so you don’t regret letting your feet show. These little tricks make all the difference!

Quick Tip: Bring a pair of flats to wear when moving from place to place. Your feet will thank you later!

Make a Statement

Accessorize! An accessory or two with your outfit helps bring some extra dimension to your images. We love big statement necklaces because they bring a lot of pop to each photo, while smaller, delicate ones may not be as noticeable on camera. Belts, bracelets, and earrings create beautiful visual interest, so choose accessories that don’t compete for attention. Fresh florals in a crown or a bouquet can add a nice romantic touch as well!

Go Pro: Hair & Makeup

Professional hair & makeup is at the top of the bride’s checklists because, one, it looks amazing, and two, removes the stress of getting ready on your own. Whether it’s lash extensions, blown-out hair, professional hair and makeup is a big confidence booster in front of camera and it always photographs well! If you’re working with a makeup artist, have her apply it in natural light, if possible, so that it looks fresh and natural and that’s the type of light we’ll be shooting in, so it’ll give you guys the best expectation of how it will be seen on camera.

Most brides feel like their makeup might be “too much” at first since it’s probably more than you’ll wear on a normal day, but don’t worry if you feel that way. Good makeup artists know how to get it just right for the camera and our brides always love the final result. Let us know if you need any recommendations for hair and makeup!

Quick Tip: Confidence is always the best accessory.