4 Easy Ways to Prepare for the Engagement Session of Your Dreams

With a gorgeous new ring on your finger and a wedding date set, it’s time to start thinking about taking those engagement photos! But if the idea of kissing for the camera makes your insides curl, don’t panic! There are actually plenty of things you can do to prepare for the engagement session of your dreams!

And before you decide to panic-cancel your session, let’s recap why engagement sessions are so crucial for couples preparing for “I do.” Believe it or not, nothing will help you overcome camera shyness quicker than an engagement session! Not only will you be amazed by how incredible you look in the images, but your engagement session is also a chance for you to become more comfortable with your photographer. And who can forget those save the dates, custom wedding decor, and Instagram posts! 

But how can you prepare for engagement photos you’ll be ecstatic to share? Let’s dive into my top four tips: 

Choose your wardrobe in advance

The best gift you can give Session Morning You is an outfit laid out and ready to go. Trust me, the last thing you want to be doing half an hour before your session is tearing through your closet or racing through the mall to find an outfit. Reduce that pre-session stress by deciding what you’re going to wear well ahead of time and finding your fiancé an outfit that compliments your own. 

Let’s hit rewind and play back the tape. An outfit that compliments your own. Notice how I didn’t say “matches?” I think we’ve all seen enough “family of four in matching white t-shirts” photos to last us a lifetime! Trying to match perfectly always ends up looking awkward. Instead, choose match cool tones to cool tones, or opt for a neutral paired with a color. And if you’re not sure what any of this means, check with your photographer! They are always ready to lend a hand!

And why stop at just one outfit? I always recommend that couples bring at least two outfit changes to get a variety of images when time allows. Don’t forget to choose outfits that make you feel comfortable and confident. I know I just threw a lot your way, but head over to my post on what to wear for your engagement session if you’re ready to dive a little deeper!

Schedule a hair and makeup artist

Nothing makes me feel more camera-ready than a professional hair and makeup situation! And if you’re struggling with camera shyness, this could be just the thing to help you overcome it. Makeup artists are so talented at assisting clients in looking camera ready, and they’ll know exactly how to hit that sweet spot between “not enough” and “WOAH! Way too much!”

If you’re already planning a wedding hair and makeup trial run, why not schedule your engagement session photo session right afterward? This way, you’ll have the fun experience of a day full of wedding fun while also getting the chance to see how your hair and makeup ideas will look in photos. Ideally, you’ll look incredible in your photos, but if any adjustments need to be made, better to find that out before your wedding day arrives! 

Check the weather and make adjustments

Most engagement sessions happen outdoors, so the weather plays a key role in how your session will go. When you schedule your engagement session, make sure you ask your photographer about backup plans for bad weather. They may have a particular location or technique for rainy days. Or they might just have you choose a backup day for your session if it needs to be delayed. No matter what your photographer plans, it’s always best to be prepared! 

Triple check the details

And finally, your engagement session can’t happen if you don’t show up! Don’t forget to confirm your session’s date, time, and location with your photographer. Then, plan to arrive at least 10 minutes early. This way, even if you hit traffic or run a bit behind schedule, you won’t miss your session. 

It will also be challenging to have the engagement session of your dreams if you’re not allowed to take photos. Some locations, including many national parks and tourist destinations, require permits for professional photography. Make sure you have any permits necessary for your photo session to go off without a hitch! 

Engagement sessions are some of the most fun sessions for me to take! Spending time with a newly engaged couple as they take a break from the hustle and bustle of wedding planning always fills my heart with joy. And I’ve found that by following these four simple tips, the couples I work with feel free and at ease to enjoy the experience. I hope they serve you well, and I can’t wait to see the astonishing engagement photos you take after giving these tips a try!

Do you have any more tips for couples prepping for their engagement sessions? Drop them in the comments below!