If you’ve recently gotten engaged, then we’ve got some crucial advice for you – enjoy it! Take some time to show off your new ring and tell everyone about how special the engagement proposal was. Come back here once you’re done. We’ll wait.
OK, all done? Great. Now let’s get down to some more serious advice about how to dress for your engagement ring photos. These photos are meant to be fun and a bit informal, but you’ll probably use them on your save-the-dates, wedding programs and possibly even your invitations. So even though you don’t want to dress to the nines, you don’t want to take informal to mean “t-shirts and sneakers” either.
Pick What to Wear Ahead of Time
Don’t wait until the last minute to find something to wear to your photoshoot; that’s a recipe for disaster. You don’t want to be rummaging through your closet and dresser at the last possible moment slowly coming to the dreadful realization that everything that you would have wanted to wear is at the cleaners, in the hamper or just plain missing.
Dress for the Season and Setting
If it’s spring – which it definitely is if you’re reading this shortly after we posted it – then you should dress for the spring. If you’re going to be on the beach, then leave the stilettos at home. If it’s winter, wear something heavy and with sleeves. This is common sense advice, but you’ll be sorry if you forget to heed it and your photos look out of sync.
In Fact, Embrace the Season
Expecting some cold weather? Be ready to go with wintry accessories like faux-fur, knitted hats or fun rain boots in case it rains. Even an umbrella can really make a fun statement and make lousy weather seem fun.
Get Ready to Transition
Don’t think you have to be totally married (terrible pun intended) to the current season, though. Spring and fall weather can be especially tricky to predict, so consider bringing a lightweight sweater to wear over a flirty skirt or dress. That way you won’t be totally freezing if it ends up being unseasonably cold, but you’ll still look airy and fresh. If he’s going dressy, have him bring a suit jacket or blazer but don’t be afraid to take it off or lose the tie and/or unbutton his shirt and roll up his sleeves if it’s warmer than expected.
Keep Your Wedding in Mind
Your shoot doesn’t need to feel overly bridal; that’s what wedding photos are for. Still, don’t be afraid to go with a white dress or blouse as a not-so-subtle nod to the fact that you’re getting married. Swiss dot, eyelet lace, crochet and other cotton fabrics will really show up well on camera and give your photos a vintage and classy appearance.
Make It Personal
Who’s getting married? You are, of course, and people should know that when they see your photos. Don’t dress the way you think others would or would want you to – dress like you would. Wear something that really feels like “you.” Hate dresses? Don’t wear one! Like being goofy, either you or your fiancé (or both) can wear some silly hats, sunglasses or other accessories.
Get Colorful
This one is especially good advice if your photos are being taken during the spring or summer. Bright colors will pop out in photos and give things a celebratory feel to them. Be sure to pick bright colors that play well with one another without making things look like a hodgepodge of colors. If you’re thinking about prints like argyle or polka dots, make sure they’re big and bold enough to show up on camera, but not humongous.
If You’re Going to the Beach, Go Barefoot
No shirt, no shoes, no service? No way. If you’re having your photos taken on the beach, then leave the footwear behind. Going barefoot will make for a super laid-back mood that works well for seaside settings. Bonus: this will save you an immense amount of time trying to pick out footwear that’s just right. Pair the barefoot look up with structured outfits like white and navy blue ensembles to really pull off a beach vibe that’s as perfectly relaxed as it is well-put-together.
Cubic Zirconia
Our last tip involves your ring. If you’re thinking about getting your photos taken on the beach or in some other natural setting that you have to travel to and could potentially lose or damage your ring at, then leave your ring at home! Instead, wear a Russian formula cubic zirconia engagement ring. Russian formula cz rings are so close to the real thing that not even veteran gemologists can tell the difference without using specialized equipment. Keep your special ring safe for your special day and wear cz to your photoshoot instead.