What to Wear for Engagement Photos from a Toronto Wedding Photographer

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"What do we even wear?" is the first thing almost every couple asks me before a shoot, and I get it. Figuring out what to wear for engagement photos feels bigger than it is, especially when you're staring at a full closet the night before. Good news, it's simpler than it feels, and a few small choices make a big difference in how the photos come together. I shoot engagement sessions all over Toronto, from Evergreen Brick Works in the fall to the Distillery District and the beaches out east, and the same handful of ideas work no matter where we end up. So if you just got engaged and this is next on the list right after the 15 things to do after getting engaged, here's everything I tell my couples.

Stick to a few colours that go together

Aim for 3 colours or fewer, and think coordinate, not match. Matching head to toe in the exact same shade tends to look a little dated, and honestly it can read more like a family photo than a romantic one. Colours that complement each other look intentional and let you both stand out on their own.

The easiest way to do this is to pick a small palette of 2 to 4 colours, then split them between the two of you rather than wearing the same thing. If one of you is in a solid, let the other bring in a soft pattern or a different tone.

Two families of colour work best. Pastels and muted tones are the first, so soft greens, dusty blues, muted reds, and blush pinks rather than their loud versions. Neutrals are the second, meaning black, white, beige, cream, navy, and warm grey. Both flatter almost everyone and neither one fights the background, so you can pull from either and land somewhere good.

Complementary outfits

Colours sitting opposite each other on the colour wheel give you the strongest contrast, which makes you pop off the background. Soft complementary pairings are having a real moment, think lilac with pale yellow, or sage green with blush. They play beautifully with a black and white edit too, which is worth knowing if you love that timeless look, and you can read more about that in my styles of wedding photography guide.

The trick is keeping the contrast in the colour, not the loudness. Skip the neon and the busy prints, because bright colours bounce their own light back into the shadows of your face and patterns pull the eye away from the two of you. Muted and jewel toned versions of the same colours photograph so much softer.

Monochrome outfits

A single colour palette looks clean and a little artful. Depending on the setting, it either melts into the backdrop for something soft and dreamy, or stands against it for something bolder and more striking.

Just be a little careful not to disappear. An all white look can wash you out on a bright beach, and all dark tones can vanish into a shady forest. As long as there's some separation between your outfits and where we're standing, monochrome is one of my favourites.

Analogous outfits

Warm tones like reds, oranges, and ambers sink beautifully into a fall or sunset shoot. Cool tones like blues and greens are made for blue hour or the beach. Just keep it to 3 colours or fewer so the photos don't get busy.

This is where the Toronto seasons actually help you out. Rusts and mustards feel right at home in October leaves, while soft blues and greens suit a summer evening by the water. Let the time of year point you toward your palette and half the decision is already made.

Match the formality to the setting

Dress for where you're shooting. Semi formal is a safe bet almost anywhere, and it's the level I steer most couples toward when they're unsure. And if you're planning to include any wedding dress or dressier shots, make sure you're both dressed to the same level so one of you isn't left overdressed.

If your session is tied to the bigger picture of your day, it helps to think about the overall vibe you're going for, which I touch on in my wedding planning tips. A city rooftop asks for something different than a walk through a park, and leaning into the setting always looks more like you.

Think about your shoes

We cover more ground than most couples expect. There's a fair bit of walking between spots and the occasional light jog when I want movement in a frame, so your shoes matter more than you'd guess. Heels always look great if you don't mind being on your feet in them, and plenty of people are totally happy in them all session.

If that's not you, a nice looking flat or a clean pair of boots photographs just as well, and you'll be far more relaxed. Beach sessions are their own thing, so bring slides or sandals you can slip off if we want those shots of the two of you walking through the water.

Bring props if they mean something

Props aren't required at all, but the ones tied to you two always add something. Matching hats, a small bottle of champagne for a toast, a picnic blanket and a couple of glasses, a book or a record you both love. Little details like these give you something to do with your hands and usually loosen everyone up.

Your pet counts too, and honestly those end up being some of my favourite frames. Just bring someone along who can hold the leash when we shoot the two of you alone.

Accessories and makeup

Little things add depth: a necklace, some earrings, a nice watch. They give your hands something to do and add a bit of texture up close, which reads really nicely in the tighter, more intimate frames.

If the shoot is before the wedding, it's also a great chance to test run your wedding day makeup, and bring a lip gloss for quick touch ups between shots. A small bag with the essentials and you're set.

If the weather turns

Rain doesn't have to cancel anything. If you still want to shoot, grab a couple of clear umbrellas, since they keep you dry without blocking your faces and the light comes right through them. Wet pavement picks up all the city lights too, so a drizzly evening downtown can look incredible.

Pick outfits you actually feel like yourselves in and you're already most of the way there. Comfortable and confident always photographs better than fussy. And if you're torn between two or three options, just send me photos of them and I'll tell you which one I think will photograph best. Any photographer worth booking is happy to weigh in, so ask yours if I'm not the one shooting it. If you want a second opinion on your palette before the session, reach out and I'm happy to help you plan it.

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