Styling your Engagement Photos | With this Ring...
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By Lauren Griffin of Little White Dress
Engagement photos are becoming a must-have for newly engaged couples. In an age of selfie sticks and Snapchat, many couples don’t have quality photos with their beau. Your engagement session is the perfect opportunity to stock up on frame-worthy photos, so use this opportunity wisely! I’ve compiled some tips to keep you sane during the process and to avoid wandering aimlessly through malls and spending countless hours shopping online without focus and direction.
Start Early
The week before your engagement shoot is not the right time to start thinking about what you’re going to wear. It can take a few weeks to decide on a look and find all the right pieces that fit your budget. Start the process at least one month prior to your shoot so you have time for returns, exchanges, tailoring, etc.
Get Inspired
Create a Pinterest board specifically for your engagement shoot and start pinning anything that inspires you. Yes, anything. Outfits, hairstyles, locations, photos, candy, puppies... This will really help shape the “theme” of your shoot.
Once you have an idea of what you’re inspired by, pick an overall theme and color palette. For example, a wine picnic with a neutral color palette and elements of natural wood. Plan your outfits, and any props around your theme.
Photo by Sweetlife Photography
Tip: avoid sensory overload (and confusion) by choosing one theme and sticking with it. Sitting on a beach sipping hot chocolate in a tutu and a tux just doesn’t make sense.
Get Organized
Now that you have a direction, it’s time to choose your outfit and create a shopping list. Some things to consider while choosing your look…
- Nothing should fit too tight or too loose. While flowy maxi dresses create movement and photograph beautifully, baggy clothing can swallow you.
Photo by Ashlee Mintz
- Avoid bright neons, loud prints and logos as they tend to detract the attention from you and your fiancé. Wearing white is always a good idea for the bride-to-be.
- Showcase your personal style. If you never wear a dress, now is not the time to start. Wear something you feel comfortable and confident in. Add subtle accessories to look more polished and less “everyday.”
Photo by Ashlee Mintz
- Achieve a cohesive look with your partner without #twinning. Refer to your theme and color palette to coordinate both outfits but avoid wearing something too similar like plaid shirts or puffy vests. Also, make sure you look like you’re going to the same party, i.e., you should both be either dressy or casual.
Make (Confident) Purchases
Now that you’ve decided on a look and have your shopping list, you’re ready to make confident purchases. What do I mean by confident purchases? Purchases that you feel good about, pieces that you love and make you feel like the best version of yourself.
Although it can be overwhelming, online shopping is a great place to start. Most online stores have filters – use them! You can usually filter by size, color, silhouette, fabric, price, etc. The more filters you use the better, it will save you a lot of time and frustration. Check out trendy boutiques for special accessories and details.
Prep
It’s time to get ready for your close up! Get a manicure (and pedicure, if necessary) and choose a pale pink or nude color (you want the focus to be on your bling!). Consider getting your hair and make-up professionally done too. Not only will your photos look great, it’s also a great opportunity to get to know your wedding hair and make-up artist.
Photo by Sweetlife Photograph
Tip: pack a little bag with lip gloss, a mirror, eye drops… anything you might need during the shoot. This is also a ideal place to store your cell phone (make sure it’s not in your pockets!).
HAVE FUN!
Most importantly, have fun!! It’s not everyday that you get to star in a photo shoot, so smile, laugh, enjoy and relax!
Photo by Sweetlife Photography
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