What to wear for engagement photos? Share your photos?

marianna

Two years later, we're finally taking engagement photos (they come with our wedding photography package so why not!)

I have no idea what to wear! I'd love tips, advice, suggestions, -- for both me and the fiancé. If you have any engagement photos, I'd love to see them too!

The photo shoot will be at the Chicago Botanic Garden and it's supposed to be 90 degrees. I'm not sure if I want this to be dressy or casual, but I'm leaning toward nice jeans outfits. Any advice would be greatly apprecaited! (Especially from our photography experts -- what photographs best outdoors?!)

13 years ago

Dressing

12 replies

Latest reply was from Sveta

crazyone

Veteran

I've never gone through this on my own, but I actually prefer it when the couple isn't too matchy-matchy for these things. How about a casual-ish dress for you and a nice jeans/slacks outfit for him? Choosing colors that go together well, rather than both wearing the same colors, makes for a nicer picture, I think.

13 years ago

bj1111

Veteran

i wore a khaki sleeveless sheath and sandals. the khaki color dressed down the sheath shape. hubs wore a polo shirt and chinos. i didn't give it much thought at the time. if i did it again, i would have probably chosen the same dress or a sundress.

13 years ago

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I had to search a bit, but here is ours. It's about 8 years old! Bootcuts were *very* in, so I am wearing my first pair of bootcuts, ankle booties with a slight heel, a burgundy sweater vest and black layering tee. I realize the photo is lo-res, so I have to explain what I'm wearing! (-:

As with everything else photo-related, this was taken by my sister. She also took another one of us down on the beach that is closer-up (just upper body) but I don't have a digital copy of that one.

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13 years ago

RoseandJoan

Veteran

Oh Marianna that is exciting, I hope you are able to share the final results.

My very amatuer opinion would be to wear something in linen or cotton in a nuetral light colour so that your outuft does not compete with the surroundings.

Or alternatively to contrast with your surrounding by wearing something sleek and urban.

13 years ago

marianna

Veteran

Thanks for the ideas ladies! And thanks for sharing your photo Jenava -- beautiful!

I think I'll have to do a little shopping to find something camera appropriate for both of us. I'll share pics when I have them.

13 years ago

Irene

Veteran

Nothing white -it's hard to photograph and it usually gets burnt- although white does look very nice when photographed well (but you'll presumably be wearing white on your wedding photos?). Depends also on the type of light and time of the day.

I would wear something not very complicated or fussy, since you do not want to distract the viewer from you and your partner (so no huge patterns or anything over-the-top). It's nice to look well dressed, but in the end the photographs are about you, not your style.

These photographs of two friends of mine were taken by me about a year and a half ago. They are not engagement photographs -they are engaged now though lol-.

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13 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

We didn't do engagement photos, but I would agree with Lemonade and the others -- keep it simple, not too matchy, casual, classic, and in flattering colors. Nothing too trendy, boldly patterned or bright. Keep the focus on you two and your faces. And relax and have fun! Be present and enjoy, and the photos will reflect it.

13 years ago

BlondeAmbition

Active Member

I think engagement photos should be casual. For a botanical garden I'd go with a sundress, fiance maybe in linen pants and button down short sleeved shirt, not tucked in. Maybe barefoot. Wedding photos will be uber formal so use this opportunity to show your fun side. Natural make up and loose hairdo and I know someone said don't wear white but your surroundings will be so colorful that I think it would look awesome if you both wear white.

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I vote jeans if that won't be too hot, Marianna.

13 years ago

Anonymous

Ours were just head shots for the newspaper. I wore a white lace top with pearls and big hair (no laughing!). DH re-used a head shot from his modeling portfolio. He was wearing a casual plaid shirt.

I remember wanting to wear something I wouldn't be mortified of wearing years later. Little did I know it would by the hairstyle that would embarrass me the most!

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13 years ago

marianna

Veteran

Clare! I love those! What a handsome couple.

Lemonade -- those are lovely, thanks for sharing. Reminds me that maybe I should get a manicure before my photo shoot!

Great advice, all. Thank you! Will keep you posted.

13 years ago

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

We never had engagement photos but I would love to see you in something bright - these colors are stunning on you!

13 years ago

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