You’re getting married! Whether you’re planning your big day all on your own or with the help of a wedding planner, one of the most exciting things on your to-do list is the engagement session. This is your chance to get some adorable photos of you and your soon-to-be-spouse in all your lovey-dovey glory!

But as exciting as your engagement session is, it can also make some couples a little nervous. Not everyone is comfortable in front of the camera, and you may be nervous about how you will look, what you should wear, and how you should pose.

Have no fear! Here are some tips to help you feel completely prepared for your engagement session.

 Choose the right outfit

The most common question about engagement photos is What should I wear? Whether you’re shopping your closet or buying something new, you want to stay away from flashy patterns and clothing with words. Go with neutral or solid tones that won’t distract from you and your partner.

If you want more outfit options, consider dressing in layers. Having a cardigan or jacket you can remove can add variety to your images without the hassle of changing clothes. And if you have no idea what to wear, reach out to your photographer for ideas!

 Get all dolled up

Your engagement photos are the perfect excuse to visit a salon and get your hair and makeup done. A mini-makeover can give you an extra burst of confidence and make you feel like a model. It’s also the perfect reason to turn your engagement photo day into a fun date night. After all, your makeup and hair is done, and you’re all dressed up. Why not go out?

If you’ve already chosen a hair stylist and makeup artist for your wedding day, your engagement photos are a great time to get to know your beauty professionals. Just be sure to let your hair/ makeup professionals know that you’re headed to a photo session, as hair and makeup for photos is often a little different than wedding day makeup.

Make sure you’re comfortable

You definitely should dress up for your photos, but keep the location in mind. Comfort is paramount. If you’re going to be walking a lot, be sure to wear comfortable shoes and don’t wear anything that’s difficult to move in. You don’t want to spend your whole session adjusting your outfit. Pick something that feels comfortable and allows for easy movement. And if there are gorgeous but uncomfortable shoes or clothes you just have to wear, bring a pair of sneakers along so you have something better to walk in.

And, if your black bra keeps popping out in front of the mirror, it will be evident in pictures too. Change the bra or change the outfit.

Don’t fret about posing

We won’t stop you from having fun striking poses in front of your mirror, but there’s no need to practice! Your photographer will guide you through poses and expressions, making sure you feel comfortable and natural. The last thing you want are images that look forced and strained. Experienced photographers offer advice and adjustments every step of the way to get photos you’ll love!

Just take a deep breath and trust your photographer. Focus on your fiancé, and the smiles will come naturally. Those are the best kind of smiles anyway!

Have your ring cleaned

An engagement session is all about you and your partner taking the next big step in your relationship. There will definitely be taking photos of your ring, so be sure to have it cleaned or clean it yourself prior to your session to make sure it sparkles!

Consider adding a furry friend

If you have a beloved pet, it can be fun to include them in your engagement session! Just be sure to get some of their energy out with a long play session or time at the park beforehand. We also recommend you bring along a friend to corral your pet during the photos of just the two of you. For more tips, check out this blog post on including your dog in engagement pictures.

Think about location

If you have a special place, like your proposal location, where you want to take photos, let your photographer know! It makes your photos that much more special to capture your love in a place that is meaningful for you. But if you aren’t sure where to go for photos, your photographer will surely have quite a few suggestions.

Make a day out of it

Your engagement photos are all about the connection you and your partner share, so why not turn your session into a full day of romance? Have brunch at a favorite restaurant before your shoot or take time afterward to go out for dinner. If it’s not too windy or too cold or too warm, arrive at your location early and take a long stroll together. Spending time together before your session will put you in the right mood for your photos and help the photographer capture what makes the two of you so special as a couple.

Trust your photographer

If you’re starting to feel especially nervous about your engagement session, remember that you hired a professional, and his/her job is to make you feel more comfortable and create images that you will love. They know how to pose you, how to get the most genuine smiles out of both of you, and how to frame, light, and edit your photos. So just relax and enjoy your day!

**All images in this blog post provided by White Wedding Photography.

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Dream it. Plan it. Love it.