If you have a new sparkly on your finger, CONGRATS! Now it’s time for the wedding planning fun to begin! As a wedding photographer based in Huntsville, Alabama, my personal favorite part of wedding planning is planning your engagement session. I get asked all the time by brides about what to wear for engagement photos. It can feel overwhelming—after all, you want your outfits to look amazing but still reflect your personal style. So, if you’re in the Huntsville or Birmingham area, I’m here to help you choose the perfect outfits that will not only make you look fantastic but also feel comfortable and true to who you are.
Let’s dive into some style tips and outfit ideas that will make your engagement session a total success!
“What should I wear for my engagement photos?” Let’s dive in:
1. Cozy Meets Chic: Go for Timeless Looks
One of the best things about engagement photos is that they last forever. You want to look back at your pictures in 10 or 20 years and still feel great about what you wore. Classic, timeless pieces are always a win!
For women: Think about soft, flowing dresses in neutral or pastel shades that will pop in photos without overwhelming the scene. Maxi dresses are especially stunning—they give a dreamy, romantic feel, and the movement in them creates such beautiful photos. If you’re more of a pants-and-top kind of person, a chic blouse paired with tailored pants or a midi skirt can also give you that classic yet modern look.
For men: A well-fitted button-up shirt with chinos or dark jeans is always a great option. You can never go wrong with a sharp, classic look, especially in colors like navy, gray, or light blue that complement natural outdoor settings, like the gorgeous parks in Huntsville or the vibrant downtown areas of Birmingham.
*PRO TIP: One of my favorite outfit styles that I’ve seen as a wedding photographer, is the wedding vibe look! And no this does not mean you are wearing your wedding dress 😉 This is when brides will wear a white, cream, or off-white outfit and the groom wheres a sports coat/suit jacket. When it doubt, go with the bridal look! It never goes out of style!
2. Coordinate, Don’t Match
A common mistake couples make is wearing identical outfits—matching t-shirts or dresses in the same color, for example. While this can work in certain contexts, for your engagement photos, you want to avoid looking too “matchy.” Instead, think about coordinating your outfits, so you both look like you go together, but you’re not twins!
Consider choosing a color palette that complements each other—soft tones like blush, ivory, and taupe, or even richer hues like deep green, navy, and burgundy. If one of you wears a pattern (like a floral dress), the other might go for a solid color that complements those shades. Remember, the goal is to look balanced and put-together without looking like you’re trying too hard!
3. Dress for the Location
Huntsville and Birmingham both have beautiful, diverse locations for engagement shoots—from the mountain views of the Huntsville to the historic charm of Birmingham’s Railroad Park. Your outfit should reflect the vibe of your city!
For outdoor, nature-filled shoots, flowy dresses, casual shirts, and denim jackets can work really well. If you’re shooting in a more urban setting, like downtown Birmingham, you might want to go for something a little more polished and fashion-forward—think chic leather jackets or even a sharp suit to elevate the city vibe.
If you’re planning a shoot at a more formal location, like downtown or a historic home, you may want to dress up a little more! A dressy gown for her and a sleek suit or sport jacket for him would be perfect for these types of shoots!
*PRO TIP: Bring both a dressy outfit and a casual outfit! I always encourage my couples to bring two outfits so that it gives them best of both worlds.
4. Layer Up for Extra Style Points
Layers are a photographer’s best friend. Not only do they add dimension and texture to your photos, but they also give you the opportunity to create different looks throughout your session.
For women: A cozy cardigan or a chic leather jacket over your dress can add a layer of warmth and style. Scarves and hats can also add a fun touch, especially if you’re shooting in the fall or winter months.
For men: A tailored blazer or even a cool, casual jacket can take your look to the next level. Feel free to experiment with different textures like corduroy, tweed, or a well-fitted cardigan to add personality to your outfit.
5. Comfort is Key
Of course, the most important thing is that you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. Your engagement session is all about celebrating your love, so it’s vital that you feel like yourself. If you’re constantly adjusting your clothes or struggling to walk in uncomfortable shoes, it’s going to show in your photos. And that’s the last thing we want!
When choosing shoes, keep in mind that you’ll likely be walking and standing for a while. Women, opt for a pair of stylish yet comfortable heels, wedges, or even cute flats—especially if your session involves walking around a park or a scenic location. Men, make sure your shoes are polished, but also comfortable—whether that’s a classic pair of loafers or trendy sneakers!
6. Add Some Personal Touches to Your Engagement Outfits
Lastly, remember that your engagement session is all about you. Don’t be afraid to add personal touches to your outfits that reflect who you are as a couple. Maybe it’s a favorite color, a meaningful piece of jewelry, or an accessory that has sentimental value.
For example, if you’re both into hiking or the outdoors, wearing casual yet stylish gear like boots or comfortable sneakers can give a more relaxed vibe. Or, if you met at a special event, like a concert, maybe incorporate concert-style attire or fun accessories like a band tee or leather jacket to give a nod to that memory.
In Conclusion
Choosing outfits for your engagement photos doesn’t have to be stressful. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to choose outfits that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and, most importantly, like yourselves! I hope this helps sweet bride! Follow along for more helpful tips. XOXO
Hey sweet bride, I’m Miranda! I am a wedding photographer based in Huntsville, Alabama. If you are still looking for your wedding photographer, I would love to connect and chat with you about your “Best Day Ever!” Inquire here!
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