Ah ,The engagement pictures! A dream right? I feel like, besides the actual proposal, it’s that extra special part in the road down the aisle that makes everything real! From using the beautiful shots for Instagram posts, save the dates and your wedding invitations, welcome signs, seating charts, favors, you name it, engagement pictures will be seen any and everywhere! So I’m sure any couple will be interested in making sure the pictures come out great, especially if they will live long after the wedding is over. I’ve gathered a couple of DOs and DON’Ts in order to achieve some great shots you’ll be proud to showcase as part of your wedding and show to your loved ones.
The DOs
–DO take an in-person look at the location of your choice.
Location plays an important part in your engagement pictures, depending on your theme gather a couple of locations that you like, and ask your photographer for suggestions, cause chances are they have been to plenty of locations and can give you some feedback about them, finally do your leg work by checking these places out for yourself. It doesn’t have to be very long or take an entire day or afternoon, but just simply drive by the location and take a quick look can help you in figure certain spots for different shots (see what i did there lol). What I did was sometimes after work I drove by Mizner Park and on a Sunday my fiance and I went to brunch in the palm beach area to check out Worth Avenue. So go see for yourself !
-DO share a mood board with your photographer!
A bit excessive, I know, but it helped. I put together a mood board on Pinterest that had a couple of pictures I was drawn to and shared them with Rosie. That way she had an idea of what I was looking for and therefore we were on the same page. Because every couple is different, some may want playful shots while some may prefer sexier sultry shots. So get on Pinterest!
Please note: go to your E-shoot with an open mind, your photographer will not be replicating every single picture in that mood board, first of it’s illegal to replicate shots of other photographers and you want to give your photographer the chance to shine as well in order for you to build trust in them.
-DO try on your outfit before the shoot.
For guys this isn’t as crucial but for the bride to be, I’d say to try your best to do so. Try the full outfit on, that includes the undergarments as well. Like that you see if you need to adjust if any panty lines, shaper bulk that may appear, and you’ll overall feel more confident about wearing the outfit the day of.
-DO schedule your E-Shoot at/around the golden hour.
What is the golden hour you ask? Well ,that’s the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset. At these times the sun is higher up in the sky, which makes the light redder and softer. The optimal time to capture the best images of you guys!
-DO try to coordinate your outfit with SOLID colors instead of prints.
I emphasize solid colors because prints can most of the time be distracting. Not to say that they are complete no but if you are not 1000% sure of your print choice, please pick complementary solid colors.
The DON’Ts
-DON’T underestimate the time that you will need to get ready.
Ladies, even if it takes about 3 hrs or more, please allocate yourself ample time to get everything done. Trust me you don’t want to rush your hair and makeup for this. I made that mistake and barely made it. So give yourself enough time.
-DON’T take a chance on the weather!
As I mentioned in my previous post about dealing with bad weather (especially in Florida) maybe you’ll have to reschedule your shoot and that’s OKAY! Better be safe than sorry. Remember these pictures will be everywhere, you are paying for them, and your photographer’s equipment may get ruined so waiting for blue skies is definitely worth it!
-DON’T forget to get your bling cleaned out!
Small but very important, even if it quick steam at the jeweler make sure that your engagement ring shines from all angles. Most likely your photographer will be taking close up of your ring, so be sure your new best friend looks her best! This goes without saying but do get a manicure as well.
Can you think of any other DOs and DON’Ts when it comes to engagement pictures?
Do share!
As always, I will see you back here next week and thank you very much for reading!
Happy Planning!
Don’t Forget your MOH/ Bridesquad! <3
Author
Of course not! 😘😘