One of the first things my couples usually ask after we schedule their engagement session is “what should we wear?”  Being photographed can induce enough anxiety for some, and then trying to figure out what to wear could almost make them want to call the whole thing off!  A part of the service that I provide for my couples is detailed guidance on how to style themselves for the engagement session. Here are a seven quick tips for styling your engagement session:

1.  First and foremost, be yourself!  Of course you want to look your best, but if you’re uncomfortable in what you’re wearing it will show in your images.  Pick clothes that fit your style and your body, and make you feel good.
2. Make sure your ring is clean.  You will of course want those close up pictures of your beautiful ring, so be sure to make it sparkle before coming to your session.
3. Coordinate your color palate.  We’ve all seen those awkward family photos where everyone had on the same outfit, or outfits made from the same fabric.  We may have even been in some of those photos!  To avoid that look, try coordinating the colors you and your fiancé wear instead of matching.  For example, choose two to three colors to use in your outfit, let’s say two neutrals and an accent color. Then find a similar color tie or shirt for your guy in your accent color for a monochromatic look.   Or go the more dynamic route of complementary colors by choosing colors that are opposite each other, i.e. purple and yellow.  Subtly is king here.
4. Have your make up done.  Your engagement session is a great time have a trial run of your look for the wedding day.  Not only will your photos have a more polished look, but this gives you an opportunity to communicate with your makeup artist about any changes you may want to make for the wedding day.
5. Get dressed up!  While most people think of their wedding when they think of dressing to the nines, your engagement is an important occasion too!  If you want to rock a dramatic, sequined evening gown in the middle of downtown, go ahead!  If you want wear a flowing, Grecian goddess dress in the middle of a field in golden hour, be my guest!  The point is, these will be moments from an exciting time in your life so feel free to revel in them.
6. Plan ahead.  If you use the tips above to style your engagement session, your look will require some thought and planning.  So don’t wait until the last minute. You may be tempted to throw something together and hope for the best.  I don’t know about you, but when I have to throw together an outfit for an event at the last minute, it leaves me feeling frazzled and slightly self conscious;  feelings you don’t want to have during your engagement session.  So give yourselves some time to style your look.
7. Relax and have fun!  You are engaged to be married to your love after all.  Being relaxed during your session is the best way to get the natural, inviting portraits you’re after.

Use these tips to prepare for your engagement, or really any session.  Then sit back and enjoy yourselves!