Tips on Preparing for Your Engagement Session
Once you’ve selected your photographer- it’s time to start planning your engagement session! Engagement sessions are such a great opportunity to do a bit of a practice run before your wedding day. For most couples, this is one of the first times you’ll be getting professional photos done, and it helps so much to have a little bit of time to run through how the process works. You can get to know your photographer and how they work, and also make sure you are feeling comfortable in front of the camera. You can also use these photos for so many different things (see some of my top ideas here). Here are some of my top tips to planning the perfect engagement session.
A Time and Place
The first order of business is deciding where and when to have your engagement session. What kind of backdrop do you want? Beach? Mountains? City? Gardens? There are limitless options! I always say to pick somewhere that feels right to you and your fiance. If you aren’t beach people- don’t take your photos at the beach! If you like to hike, consider a forest or mountain backdrop. If you’re not sure what to pick- talk to your photographer about different options. Many times engagement photos are taken during golden hour- which is the hour before sunset when the lighting is even and everything is glowing. Since your photography session is dependent on natural light- make sure to be on time.
Make it a Date
An engagement session is the perfect opportunity to have a date night. Make it extra special by bringing a bottle of champagne or setting up a picnic! You can even have your engagement session at a favorite coffee shop, ice cream parlor, or bar if there’s somewhere special to the two of you. You may also want to consider scheduling your hair and makeup trial for the same day. This way you knock out two birds with one stone- you get to try out your hair and makeup artist and look fabulous for your engagement photos. Win win!
Dress to the Nines
I have a whole blog entry dedicated to what to wear for your engagement session here, but here’s the short version. I always suggest having two outfits, one dressy (think going out to a fancy restaurant) and one more casual (think cute meet up at your local coffee shop). Make sure to hang up your outfit the night before and give it a good steam so it stays fresh. On the day of, pack up a bag with all of your accessories and bring a touch up kit with hair products, face powder, and your favorite lipstick. Keep your outfits hung up on the car ride or laid on the back seat so you avoid wrinkles!
Pamper Yourself
Not only is an engagement session a great chance to do your hair and makeup trial, but it’s the perfect excuse to pamper yourself. I suggest scheduling any facials or waxing a couple weeks before your engagement session to ensure that your skin reacts well to the treatments. If you want to get a tan done, also do this a couple weeks before so that the tan settles into your skin and looks as natural as possible. A teeth whitening also is a great idea the week of your session, especially if you decide to wear white. These are all great things to test out before your wedding so that you know how your body reacts to different treatments.
Take Care of Yourself
I know this one sounds a little strange, but it’s important that you feel your best before your engagement session too! Make sure to eat before your session and bring water to stay hydrated. No one wants to take pictures while they’re hangry. Get a good night’s sleep the night before to avoid dark circles and bags under the eyes. Another great tip is to keep your hands moisturized. More often than not, I’ll be getting close up shots of your ring and hands. Keep them moisturized and your nails tidy so that they are picture ready. You may also want to get a cleaning for your ring. If you can’t take it to the jeweler, a soft toothbrush and some Dawn dish soap will do the trick.
With these tips in mind, you’re right on your way to having the perfect engagement session!
xoxo misterdebs
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