What to Wear for Engagement Photos

Tips for choosing your engagement session outfit.

White Bear Lake Engagement session: Maizie and Michael | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

When it comes to having your engagement photos taken by a professional, you might understandably feel stressed over how to look. This is perfectly normal and something that most couples talk to me about.

Here is a list of the best tips I have for how to show up looking and feeling your absolute best.

Tip #1 - Complement Each Other, But Don't Twin

Focus on coordinating, not matching. Go for complementary solid colors, but don't wear the exact same thing. Try to stay away from busy patterns, as they are an unnecessary distraction for photos. Unless, you're someone who loves patterns, maybe a flannel or a flowery dress represents you the most, then its okay! Some patterns can work if coordinated correctly. Graphics, however, are defeintely a no-go. Stay away from any branded clothes. You don't want your photos to look like an advertisement. The only time a graphic is acceptable is if you both are rooting for a specific sports team and want to incorporate your matching jerseys into your session.

Xcel Energy Center Engagement: Andrew and Rachel | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Tip #2 - Dress on the same level

Talk with each other to make sure that you’re both dressed on the same level of formality. It can be common for one partner to like dressing up more than the other, so finding a common ground can be important. You can always meet half way and wear something formal, and then choose casual for your second outfit.

Tip #3 - Layers, layers, layers

Be bold with layers and accessories — vests, sweaters, necklaces, scarves, belts, etc. all add dimension to your photos. Layers like jackets, sweaters, and scarves also make it easy to give yourself two “looks” without actually changing your outfit.

Tip #4 - Wear clothes that flow

Wear clothes that flow and are easy to move around in for the following activities: running together, spinning each other around, jumping and hiking on rocky/slippery surfaces. An important tip is to avoid sneakers, you can still opt for comfy shoes, but choose ones with less of a “workout” vibe. Dress up your look with a pair of leather, suede dress shoes, or thicker heels. You can always bring comfy slip-ons to wear in-between photos.

Hidden Falls, St. Paul, Minnesota Engagement: Tyler and Thuy | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Hidden Falls, St. Paul, Minnesota Engagement: Heather and Christian | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Tip #5 - Colors

Natural, earthy colors are gorgeous, but if you like brighter colors in your outfit, a pastel color scheme can be successful if coordinated well. Overall, dark greens, beige, gray, white, browns, and blacks all photograph beautifully, and they really stand the test of time with a classic feel. They can complement you and your partner without overpowering your whole engagement photo outfit look.

General rules to follow:

+ Socks should always be a few shades darker than your dress pants, or a few shades lighter if you're wearing jeans.

+ Add a belt to your pants for an easy layer.

+ Start with your thinnest layer, and end with your thickest.

+ If its Summertime, choose breathable fabrics, so 100 percent linen, cotton, or silk.

+ Avoid sandals because your toes will be a distraction.

+ If its Winter, bring blankets to your session to keep warm.

You should each aim to wear a different dominant color, but stay within a similar color palette family.

St. Anthony Main, Minnesota Engagement: Cody and Meghan | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Minnehaha Falls, Minneapolis, Minnesota Engagement: Josh and Evy | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Rice Creek Regional Park, Shoreview, Minnesota Couples Photoshoot: Jerron and Carly | Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Be Yourself

Wear clothing that highlights the real you and your personalities. The more comfortable you’re in what you are wearing, the more comfortable you will look in your photos and the more fun you’ll have! Remember, the thing I really want to focus on during your engagement session is the interaction between the two of you. The focus should be on you, not your outfits. Your clothing should enhance the moment, but it most definitely shouldn’t steal the show. For more inspo, view my work here.

The Truth about The Knot, WeddingPro and Wedding Wire.

Also, a dive into reviews: the real, the fake and the biased.

Fraudulent business tactics, false advertising and empty leads. These companies exist solely by exploiting small businesses. Their main source of income is finding new vendors, who are just starting out, and pressure selling them into a 12 month contract with tons of hidden fees.

Majestic Oaks Golf Club Wedding: Sophia and Brandon | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

The Top 10 Minneapolis, MN Affordable Wedding Photographers.

Sounds convenient, right, If i just had a list for you? Unfortunately, theres no way to create an actual un-biased list, because everyones definition of the "best" is different. It's that simple. If you stick to a single article you are missing opportunities to potentially find vendors who could be a better fit. Not to mention, The Knot is biased, and only lists wedding pros that pay for their premium advertising.

Best Of Clickbait.

The Knot and WeddingWire love clickbait headlines. They constantly release articles titled: “Top 15 Affordable Wedding Videographers in Minneapolis” or "The 25 Best Wedding DJ's in Duluth, Minnesota." but it's all a load of crap because their database consists of amateur vendors who were duped into joining, and veteran vendors that have been site members for 7+ years for the sole purpose of showing off a "Best Of" badge online. The "Best Of" badges are participation awards that cost $5,000 annually. Honestly, the wedding industry is full of meaningless awards, especially the photography/videography categories.

There is no single website that knows who "The Top" vendors are because it's not possible for a single source to know every single vendor and fairly compare them.

Real Negative Reviews Removed, Fake Positive Reviews Posted.

The reality is you cannot trust reviews. The following websites allow users to “contest” their negative reviews: Yelp, Facebook, WeddingWire, WeddingPro and The Knot. There are companies, like remove.co who guarantee negative review removal on any platform for any industry, including lawyers, realtors and even health care facilities.

While its expensive and time consuming to remove reviews, it's actually much easier to post fake positive ones. Some fake reviews are even posted by Google Local Guides, since becoming a local guide requires the bare minimum.

There are organizations in Eastern Europe and all around Asia that primarily focus on creating fake reviews. They refer to themselves as"Reputation Managers" or "SEO Experts" and can be found in various places online, like inside your emails spam folder, or in the messages through your Google business listing. These Reputation Managers host multiple accounts all across the US, UK and AUS and charge very little, sometimes $3 per review, if you provide the content. A red flag you can look for is a vendor who has hundreds of reviews or a wedding venue that has thousands of reviews. Reputation Managers usually require a large order, so the Google listing or online storefront will have A TON of reviews.

Screenshot from live Google search 03/11/2023 | Research done by Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Google My Business Reputation Management advertisement by an individual in Bangladesh, Khulna | Screenshot from online search 03/11/2023 | Research done by Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Screenshot from RemoveBadReviews.com | Research done by Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Overpriced.

When I first ventured into wedding photography in 2017 I got a call from The Knots sales rep, who did everything she could to convince me to join the platform. I remember her going through my work, which at the time consisted of 3 weddings and 2 portrait sessions, and telling me my prices were too low - $30/hour for weddings. So, she insisted that when my storefront goes live, I need to change my prices to match average in my area, which was $250/hour. The Knot needs to uphold their brand, and their brand focuses on Luxury weddings, their vendors have to start at a certain price point, even if they don't have the equipment or experience to justify it. The Knot and WeddingPro don't actually care about the quality of their vendors, they just want to make money. I'm not saying all the platforms vendors are over-priced, but its a possibility to be cautious of.

What Newly Engaged Couples Should Know When Searching for Wedding Vendors.

• Being “verified” or having a badge from The Knot, WeddingPro or WeddingWire doesn’t signify anything. Verified is a term they use to describe a participation award. It basically just shows that the vendor is paying them a $350 per month.

• Reviews, when real, are packed with bias. The past client either had a remarkable experience and isn't mentioning the negatives, or the client had a terrible experience and isn't mentioning the positives of working with the vendor. People rarely leave a 3 star “okay” experience. So, reviews should be taken with a grain of salt.

As a newly engaged couple, your safest bet to finding a trusted vendor is to ask friends and family for referrals. Then do research, compare reviews across multiple platforms, meet up, Zoom, view their work, ask about their gear, make sure they’re communication is professional and timely. Do not hire anyone unless you have talked with them and have a good feeling about hiring them. Trust your gut.

New Wedding Vendor?

Then start your business journey on Google - its free. Don't waste your non-existing marketing budget on The Knot, WeddingWire, WeddingPro or other similar scams. These websites only work for business who have been on the site for 7+ years and have the advertising money to pay for premium accounts. Do not get locked into a "month-to-month" contract because it's a lie and they will find a way to lock you in for longer, usually an auto renewal that you can't cancel, or something similarly desperate.

Instead, utilize social media, create Instagram reels, post to Facebook twice weekly, create monthly blogs for your websites, etc. Your main focus should be building your portfolio, even if that means taking unpaid work, and then showing it off everywhere you're able to.

Also, make sure to get your well deserved reviews. Ask you'r past clients, and then ask again. Still no response but you're sure you did an amazing job? Well, keep asking. Reviews are extremely important for SEO, thats the main reason companies pay thousands to get fake ones. At the moment, Google bots depend on reviews to show them which listings are legit and worthy of being at the top of the search results. Instead of The Knot, focus on creating an amazing Google listing.

Reviews from wedding vendors warning others of The Knot and WeddingWires scams | Screenshot and research by Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi, I'm Emily, and I document people (and their dogs) at weddings! I live alongside my five amazing, crazy and energetic pups, Nessie, Peach, Sammi, Vinny, and Bobbi. They chew everything they see, take up the whole bed, but most importantly - they give the best hugs.

I became a professional photographer in 2019 and since then have had the opportunity to share incredible moments with numerous couples that will be cherished forever. My goal is to tell the story not only of your wedding day, but of your love. I believe to the core that who we are matters. The imagery we create together is dependent on our connection with each other + being the right fit for each other. Let’s get to know one another, I’ll start.

Top Wedding Trends of 2023 According to a Wedding Photographer.

Let's make some predictions - what trends are in, and which ones are out.

Minnesota Wedding Portraits. Pictured from left to right: Jerron and Carly, Nicole and Tom, Michael and Eleanor, Amy and Alex | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Starting off with a drinking game. As someone who lives in the midwest, I'm a firm believer in drinking, so why the heck not find another reason to grab a beer out of the fridge!

• Take a drink any time you read the word "arch".

• Take a drink anytime I complain.

• Take a drink every time I misuse a comma.

• Take a drink any time you read the word "couple".

• Take a shot if you're a wedding vendor that either agrees with me, or disagrees.

Hyatt Regency, Bloomington-Minneapolis Wedding: Rose and Chad | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

The Staples.

First things first, there are a few staples that we all know won't change: white gowns, classic suits, emblem exchange (a.k.a. rings), first kiss, dancing and lots of photography. These aren't just trends, they are what makes a wedding, a wedding. It's what guests come to experience.

Below is a list of wedding trends going out, and new ones that might replace them. The intention behind this article is to share an opinion, not a judgement. Take everything you read online with a grain of salt, especially If It came out of my brain!

Lets Talk Arches

Originally, arches were used as a symbol of the future home a couple will start their family in, but times have changed.

in 2023, 70% of couples will cohabitate before their wedding day, and 1 in 4 couples opt. out of having kids.

So, to arch or not to arch? The answer is yes, definitely arch. Mainly because of the esthetics, but what kind to get? Honestly, the geometric ones will become a fad of the past. Bohemian style weddings will be left in 2022, along with their boho chic triangle arches, which are guaranteed to age your wedding photos. You ever see a wedding album that screams "1980's"? Well, I'm calling it right now, triangle arches and floral crowns will be screaming "two thousand twenties" in the near future.

The new thing is floral arches! You're sticking with that classic square shape, and simply adding florals to it which add color and personality. These do an amazing job anchoring the aisle to ensure all eyes on the couple during the ceremony. Grounded florals are also in, and are insanely stunning, but they might be a 2023 fad, so take precaution.

St. Paul Wedding at City House. Clair and Josh created a gorgeous floral arch with poles that held a traditional jewish Chuppah above. | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Wedding Favors

Leave the candy gifts to the kids birthdays, they just don't fit in at weddings. Don't even get me started with mini sanitizer bottles, I might scream if I see those again. Most wedding guest favors are not sustainable and get tossed, which means they will stop making appearances in 2023.

Something you can do for your guests that is memorable is gift custom glass's which guests can use to refill on beer/wine at the bar, or maybe make a donation to a charity on their behalf. Have a list of charities each guests can choose from, then donate $1 per vote. You'll be giving back in a great way, plus saving money!

Majestic Oaks Golf Club Wedding: Sophia and Brandon | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Photography Style

When I got into professional wedding photography in 2019, "Bright and Airy" ran the industry. All the high-end, fancy photographers had a romantic, soft feel to their portfolios. Perfect lighting, framing and posing were emphasized.

In 2023, high contract, true colors, and candids are taking over! Not saying light and airy is going to disappear, but its no longer the top dog. Couples prefer candid "lifestyle" photography. I had a handful of people this past year request a limited amount of poses, they wanted photography that didn't intrude on their day. Blurry, black and whites, harsh lighting and direct flash are trending thanks to social media, specifically Tik Tok, which is the new Pinterest for young engaged couples this year.

Hidden Falls, St. Paul Engagement: Heather and Christian | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Second Shooters and Engagement Sessions

Speaking of photography, I shoot about 90% of my weddings solo. Second shooters might be a thing of the past. They honestly aren't necessary, so couples are choosing to save a few hundred bucks instead. I think a great replacement is an assistant, someone who can be at the wedding for part of the day to help the photographer with formal portraits, things like holding the diffuser, fluffing the brides dress, fixing ties and rallying family members.

Engagement sessions are heading out as well, which is upsetting - these sessions are so important! Any bride or groom will tell you how much easier the wedding day was because they trusted their photographer 100%. How did they trust them? Because they already had an entire successful photoshoot prior. An engagement, or just a couples session guarantees familiarity with posing, style and trust in the process. Build your confidence as a bride by booking an engagement session, it's very well worth the money - I promise.

Oak Marsh Golf Course Wedding. Mariah and Derek | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

Dessert

The world of sweets is constantly changing, I can barely keep up. Basically, cake smashing your new spouse is a thing-of-the-past. I have rarely seen any cake smashes since 2020, In fact, the "cake cutting" photo isn't very popular either. Cupcakes are also out, but donuts are in, but donut walls are out? Oh, and those all-American Bundt cakes? Though they do make the occasional appearance at the dessert table, 2023 won't be seeing much of them.

Luxury over-the-top cakes from 1980's are making a come-back, but with better aesthetics. 3-D floral arrangements on multi-level wedding cakes will thrive this year.

Personally, I think someone needs to have a giant donut cake. Imagine a 5 layer Simpson-sized donut cake with five different fillings.. a Jelly glaze topper, with a Boston cream, coffee custard, lemon-curd and cheesecake layers underneath.

Hyland Hills Ski Resort Wedding: Angelica and Seth | Minnesota Wedding Photographer - Emily's Photography.

So there you have it, some 2023 trends and predictions I gathered. Comment below what you think. If your a couple searching for a wedding photographer, check out my website, I'd love to hear from you!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Hi, I'm Emily, and I document people (and their dogs) at weddings! I live alongside my five amazing, crazy and energetic pups, Nessie, Peach, Sammi, Vinny, and Bobbi. They chew everything they see, take up the whole bed, but most importantly - they give the best hugs.

I became a professional photographer in 2019 and since then have had the opportunity to share incredible moments with numerous couples that will be cherished forever. My goal is to tell the story not only of your wedding day, but of your love. I believe to the core that who we are matters. The imagery we create together is dependent on our connection with each other + being the right fit for each other. Let’s get to know one another, I’ll start.