Your engagement photos are more than just a save-the-date snap, they’re a celebration of this sweet season and a little preview of all the joy ahead. So when it comes to what to wear, the goal is simple: feel like you… just the best version.
Grace Pipkin, a John Cain bride and fashion stylist at My Wedding Wardrobe, shared her advice for brides planning their engagement portraits. Her biggest recommendation? Use your engagement session as an opportunity to showcase both a timeless bridal look and your personal style.
“One thing I always tell our brides is to plan for two distinct looks for their engagement portraits: one that feels traditionally bridal and one that really showcases their personal style, their ‘personality pieces.’
I love a timeless, romantic bridal look, but I also think engagement photos are the perfect opportunity to have a little fun with fashion and wear something that feels uniquely you. For my ‘personality piece,’ I wore a leather skirt that I was so excited to style with a really fun fuzzy cardigan. That ended up being the portrait we chose to display when you walk into our house!
The biggest thing to prioritize is choosing outfits that complement each other without being overly coordinated. You want both looks to feel intentional, photograph beautifully together, and reflect who you are as a couple.
For our portraits, I took Austin to St. Bernard the week of our session and told him, ‘Okay, you show me what you’re comfortable in, and let’s pair it with something that I like too!’ At the end of the day, I wasn’t forcing him into an outfit he didn’t feel good in. He felt confident in what he was wearing, and the photos turned out amazing!
Sometimes, for the groom, getting an outfit that coordinates with his bride can feel like doomsday in his mind. If you make it an experience and let him have a say in what he wears, I think it can make the whole process go much more smoothly.
I really believe that the best engagement photos are the ones where you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself.”
Here are a few more tips to help you nail the look (and feel amazing doing it):
- Be yourself, just elevated.
If you’re not a high heels and tulle kind of girl, don’t force it. The best photos happen when you’re comfortable and confident. Choose an outfit that feels like your personal style, but with a little extra polish. Think date-night-but-special. - Don’t be afraid to show some personality.
Whether it’s a bold color, a signature accessory, or something playful that nods to how you met, make room for you in your look. This is your moment! Have fun with it. - Keep it classic (at least for one look).
We love a timeless outfit that won’t feel dated in a decade. Think soft neutrals, clean lines, or a dress that flows just right. These looks are perfect for invites, framing, and your future self who’ll appreciate the chic simplicity. - Coordinate, don’t match.
You and your fiancé don’t need to be twins, just make sure your outfits live in the same world. Neutral palettes, complementary tones, and similar levels of formality go a long way. - Don’t overlook the groom’s outfit.
It’s no surprise our bride is going to show up looking beautiful, that’s a given. But the suit jacket matters just as much. When our groom’s outfit is intentionally curated and complements our bride, the photos feel far more anchored and polished as a whole. A great engagement look is a partnership.
Extra tips:
Your location can tell its own story too! Think meaningful spots like your first date, favorite weekend escape, or even your home. It’s a subtle, but beautiful way to layer in your personality.
Timing matters: Golden hour (just after sunrise or before sunset) gives the softest, most flattering light
Be present: Don’t stress about posing. The best photos often come when you’re just enjoying each other. Laughing, twirling, walking, or talking. Trust your photographer, lean into the moment, and let the love lead.
At the end of the day, what matters most is that you feel confident, happy, and like yourselves. The love between you two is the real scene-stealer, the outfits are just the (very stylish) bonus.
