April 24, 2025
LGBTQ Weddings
· Weddings
Your engagement photos should capture the authentic connection between you and your partner – not just how you look, but how you feel together. As someone who believes in presence and personality over stiff posing, I’ve seen how the right outfit choices help couples feel relaxed yet confident, allowing their genuine personalities to shine through. Here’s my guide to selecting engagement photo attire that truly reflects who you are.
Relaxed Yet Confident
The outfits that photograph beautifully are those that make you feel like the best version of yourself. Think of your engagement session wardrobe as “you – but elevated slightly.” Choose pieces that:
- Allow natural movement and ease of expression
- Feel good against your skin without constant adjusting
- Strike that perfect balance between polished and authentic
- Give you the confidence to focus on each other, not your clothes
Remember: When you feel confident in what you’re wearing, you’re more likely to be emotionally present with your partner.
Authentically You, Not Someone Else
Your engagement photos aren’t meant to mimic someone else’s Pinterest board, they’re about capturing your unique relationship. The best outfits reflect who you actually are:
- If formal wear makes you feel stiff, opt for smart-casual that still feels elevated
- If you love subtle colours in daily life, embrace that palette rather than forcing bold hues
- If certain styles make you feel most like yourself, start there and refine
I often tell my couples: trust yourself and trust your photographer. We’re here to capture who you truly are, not who you think you should be in photos.
Complementary, Not Identical
One question I hear frequently comes with a nervous laugh: “We’re not supposed to match exactly, right?” Absolutely right! Instead of matching, aim to complement each other:
- Choose tones that harmonise rather than identical colours
- Coordinate and compliment each others’ level of dressiness rather than wearing identical versions
- Think about how your outfits create a balanced visual story together
For example, if one partner wears a soft blue top with light chinos, the other might wear an outfit in complementary pastel tones like blush or sage green, creating harmony without looking like you’re wearing uniforms.
Timeless Over Trend-focussed
While it’s tempting to embrace the latest fashion trends, consider how your photos will look when you’re showing them to loved ones years from now. Some gentle suggestions:
- Solid colours or subtle patterns photograph beautifully and stand the test of time
- Classic silhouettes feel elegant regardless of changing trends
- Minimal logos or graphics keep the focus on your expressions
- Natural fabrics often photograph with more dimension and movement than synthetic materials
That said, if a particular style feels quintessentially “you” right now, embrace it! Your photos should represent this special chapter in your lives together.
Colours That Complement You and Your Setting
The right colour palette can make all the difference in creating photos that feel harmonious and natural:
- Pale and pastel tones work beautifully in most Essex and London settings
- Avoid blocks of dark colours, which can appear heavy in photographs
- Consider the season and location – soft neutrals and light blues for coastal sessions, warm creams and gentle greens for park settings
- Remember that your faces should be the focus, not your outfits
I’m always happy to discuss specific location-based colour recommendations during our pre-session consultation.
Common Outfit Missteps (And How to Avoid Them)
After photographing countless couples, I’ve noticed a few patterns worth mentioning:
- Dressing too dark: blocks of dark clothing can be a ‘blot’ in an otherwise light and colourful scene and knock off the balance and feel of the images
- Matching too closely: Those identically matching outfits can feel more family portrait than romantic engagement
- Not coordinating at all: When one person is formal and the other ultra-casual, photos can feel disconnected
- Overly busy patterns: Large logos, text, or bold patterns can distract from your lovely faces
A gentle pre-session outfit review can help avoid these common pitfalls – just snap a quick photo of your options and send them my way!
Options for Variety
Having one or two thoughtfully chosen outfits can provide lovely variety in your final gallery:
- Consider a casual and a slightly dressier option
- Similar styles in different complementary colours
- The same base outfit with different layers or accessories
We’ll plan outfit changes strategically so they don’t interrupt the natural flow of our time together.
Final Tips for Photo-Ready Choices
- Try on complete outfits beforehand and move around in them – can you embrace comfortably?
- Steam or iron your clothes before our session – wrinkles are distracting in photos
- Consider how the outfits look when you’re standing close together
- A small emergency kit (safety pins, lint roller) can be a lifesaver
- Trust that I’ll guide you through natural interactions that showcase the best of your outfits
Embracing Who You Are
The most important thing to note about my approach is that we start by observing your natural interactions and gestures. I’ll make subtle suggestions when needed, but my goal is always to capture the authentic you.
The right clothes help you feel relaxed yet confident, but they’re just the supporting characters in your love story – you two are the stars. When you can trust the process and simply be present with each other, that’s when the magic happens.
I can’t wait to capture your unique connection. If you have any questions about what to wear, please don’t hesitate to reach out – I’m here to ensure you feel reassured and excited about your upcoming session!
Let’s Capture Your Chelmsford Wedding
Your wedding day will be over in the blink of an eye — but your photos will last forever. If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who will capture your day with style, emotion, and authenticity, I’d love to hear from you.
Get in touch today to check availability and learn more about how we can create timeless, meaningful memories of your wedding day.
