What to Wear to Your Columbus, Ohio Engagement Session

What to Wear for Your Engagement Session: A Guide by Jaclyn Willman Photography - Columbus Wedding Photographer

Your engagement session is more than just a photoshoot; it’s a celebration of your love story and the perfect opportunity to capture memories you’ll treasure forever. As a Columbus-based wedding photographer, I’ve worked with countless couples to create stunning engagement photos. One of the most common questions I get is, “What should we wear?” In this blog post, I’ll share tips and insights to help you choose outfits that not only look amazing but also feel authentic to you.

1. Coordinate, Don’t Match

When selecting outfits, aim to complement each other rather than wearing identical colors or styles. Choose a color palette with two to three coordinating shades. For example, soft neutrals like beige, sage green, and blush pink photograph beautifully together and add a timeless elegance to your images.

2. Dress for the Season

Columbus has all four seasons, each with its unique charm. If you’re planning a fall engagement session, consider warm tones like rust, mustard, and forest green. For spring, pastels and floral prints are a lovely choice. Winter sessions call for cozy textures like sweaters and scarves, while summer photoshoots shine with light, breathable fabrics in soft hues.

3. Choose Flattering Silhouettes

Pick outfits that make you feel confident and comfortable. Flowy dresses, tailored blazers, and well-fitted jeans are all great options. Avoid clothing that’s overly tight or too loose, as it can detract from your natural shape in photos.

4. Prioritize Comfort

Your engagement session should be fun and stress-free. Make sure your outfits allow you to move freely, whether you’re strolling through Goodale Park or cozying up on the Scioto Mile. Movement is prioritized in all sessions! The more you can move your body and flow with your outfits, the more fun you will have and more of that will be captured. I like to walk around and explore different locations for engagement sessions so if you are wearing high heels, bring an extra bag of things you might need in the meantime - like a comfortable pair of walking shoes, extra lipstick, hairspray, etc.

5. Add Personal Touches

Incorporate elements that reflect your personality and relationship. This could be a piece of meaningful jewelry, a scarf in your favorite color, or even a jacket that matches your vibe as a couple. Personal touches make your photos even more special.

6. Think About Layers and Accessories

Layers and accessories can add depth and dimension to your photos. For example, a cardigan, statement necklace, or wide-brimmed hat can elevate your look. We can always opt out of wearing these things once we get to the photoshoot, but you won’t regret having them on you in case you do want to use them!

7. Avoid Distracting Patterns

While a subtle print can be lovely, avoid overly busy patterns that might distract from the main focus—your love. Solid colors or understated prints tend to photograph best. I try to stay away from flannels as much as possible.

8. Opt for Timeless Over Trendy

Your engagement photos will be displayed for years to come, so choose outfits with a timeless appeal. Avoid overly trendy pieces that may feel dated in a few years. The classic look is white and black! I love getting to shoot a white dress and black suit before the wedding! Feel free to dress it up and make a date night out when the session is over!

9. Consider the Location

The setting of your engagement session can guide your outfit choices. A session in a rustic, outdoor setting might call for earth tones and casual attire, while a cityscape or elegant venue could inspire more formal clothing, like a dress!

You can find some of my favorite locations for engagement sessions in my next blog post!

10. Don’t Forget Hair and Makeup

While this isn’t strictly about your outfit, polished hair and makeup can enhance your overall look. Consider booking a professional hair and makeup artist to ensure you look and feel your best on camera. Some of my favorite makeup artists can help with this, plus you can use it as a trial run for your wedding hair and makeup to see how it will look in your photos!

Hair: Avery Noel Hair, The Beauty Box, The Salon on Miami, 614 Beauty

Makeup: Brides by Blake, Avola Bridal, Livin like Lexi, The Blowdry Cafe

Bring an Outfit Change

If you’re torn between two looks, bring both! A quick outfit change can add variety to your photo gallery and allow you to showcase different aspects of your style. Sometimes couples like to do a more fancy look for half of the photoshoot, then switch it up to something more comfortable. This will give your gallery and your photos a different feel, almost like getting two sessions in one!

Final Thoughts

Your engagement session is a chance to celebrate your love and have fun. By choosing outfits that reflect your style, suit the season, and complement your location, you’ll create photos that feel authentic and timeless. If you’re planning your engagement session in Columbus and need more advice, feel free to reach out. I’m here to help you look and feel your best!