11 Tips for the Perfect Engagement Photos

Engagement photos are the perfect way to celebrate the next stage of your relationship. Dress up with your partner, practice your poses, and get ready to commemorate this major milestone with beautiful pictures that will mark the moment forever. 

Whether you plan on using them for your save the dates, bridal shower invitations, or just as a cherished memento, use these top tips for engagement photos that will take your breath away.

Prioritize Comfort

In photos, you’ll look the most natural in clothes you feel comfortable and confident in. Make sure the outfit you choose for shoot day makes you feel amazing. Avoid clothes that make you feel insecure, out of place, or not like yourself. You want to feel like your best version of you, and it will shine through in your photos!

Dress Like It’s Date Night

For your engagement photos, remember to pull out all the stops. Even if you opt for a casual ensemble, be sure to approach your overall appearance like you would for date night. Do your hair, add some extra oomph with makeup, and pay attention to your entire look from head to toe. That way, you’ll look and feel great when it comes time to snap the pics.

Limit Your Accessories

Accessories like jewelry can be a great way to add some personality and flair to your photoshoot look—but try to keep other unnecessary accessories to a minimum. Things like a purse or a clutch can be a hassle to hold or look a bit out of place in formal engagement photos.

Stick with Solids

Solid colors tend to photograph better than patterns, so try sticking to a single color. Jewel tones like plum, emerald green, and navy look great on camera, as do colors that complement your complexion. Choose a shade that pops, but also stays true to your personality.

Opt for Heels Over Flats

For women, heels help elongate your shape, improve your posture, and make you appear taller in photos to give you a long and lean look. For your engagement photos, choose a shoe with at least a little heel instead of flats. This will give you a polished look that literally helps you put your best foot forward! Just be sure they’re also comfortable because you’ll likely do a lot of walking.

Show Some Skin

Especially with a cozy fall ensemble, it’s best to break up your look with hints of skin. Try rolling up your sleeve to expose your wrist or cuffing your jeans to show a bit of ankle. Even a dainty sliver of skin helps strike the perfect balance between covered up and overexposed.

Match Your Styles

When outfit planning, make sure your outfit and your fiancés’ outfit have the same feel. If you opt for a casual look, your fiancé should match! Similarly, if a bride is in a formal, floor-length dress, adding a blazer or tie to the groom’s look or matching the dress style to the other bride’s look. That way, you’ll be dressed to complement one another and look like you’re on your way to the same event.

Grooming for the Guys

When taking photos, guys tend to look better with a clean shave. Keep that in mind, especially if you opt for evening photos, so he can adjust his routine. They should also opt for a collared shirt, blazer, or jacket instead of a t-shirt to keep things sophisticated and timeless.

Let Your Pets Join the Fun

If you have a fur baby, why not let them join in? Add your dog (or cat!) to your photos and include your four-legged family members in this special moment, too. Just be sure to get it OKed with your photographer before the shoot.

Try for Two Looks

If you have the time, shoot two different looks with your photographer. Go with one casual and one formal look for more variety. Or if you’re strapped for time, just throw on a coat with your first look to add some coziness. It’s just like you’re getting two looks in one!

Invite Your Wedding Planner

Is your wedding planner available? Or have a close friend who can tag along? Having an extra set of hands can be useful to help you coordinate your second outfit or manage your pet so you can get the perfect shots of you and your fiancé.  

If you’re looking for a wedding planner who can help with your engagement photos—and so much more!—look no further. We’re always here to help! Get in touch today to learn more about our services.

Photo by Elvira Kalviste

Photo by Valory and Benny