8 Must-Have Items for Your Engagement Session

You checked ‘book photographer’ off of your to-do list. Congrats! Now comes the fun of preparing for your engagement session. *Cue the happy dance* 😏 As a full-time Minnesota-based micro-wedding and adventurous elopement photographer (+ past bride, myself), I know how the wedding planning process can bring out every emotion — excitement, nerves, and everything in between. I’m also type-A, love organization, and couldn’t live without my lists. Hence, a list of 8 must-have items you need to know about that will prepare you for your engagement session.

Preparing for your engagement session is your opportunity to stop wedding planning for an afternoon and enjoy quality time with your honey. Slow down and soak up the moment while capturing adorable photos of you two. Remember, often these photos make their way onto Save the Dates, your wedding website, etc. I eat, sleep, and breath photography and want to share tips that can help you feel confident and help you look your best 🤌🏼 

Two of the commonly asked questions I get are, “What do we wear?” and “Should I pack anything specific?” Well, I’m here to give you all the nitty-gritty details to make sure your engagement session goes out without a hitch. Here are: 8 Must-Have Items for Your Engagement Session:

1. OUTFIT #1

When choosing outfits, prioritize comfort and practicality. Choose clothes you feel comfortable in – that will make your confidence sky-rock. If you wear a dress that you love but you find yourself tugging it down here and there, go with something else. Each photographer has their unique style of posing, however, I incorporate lots of movement with my couples. The more comfortable they are, the more confident they’ll look in their photos. I also suggest sticking with neutrals, earth tones, and subtle patterns. Want some outfit inspo? My Pinterest board has gotcha covered!

2. OUTFIT #2 

The best way to optimize your time during your engagement session? Outfit options. Pack more outfits than you need because you can never have too many options. However, I find that 2 outfits total for a 60-minute engagement session at 1 location is ideal. Connect with your photographer prior to your session to see if they have an outfit cap or specific outfit suggestions depending on the location you choose.

3. LINT ROLLER 

I don’t know about you, but when I leave the house, I’m still finding fur from my dog, Moss, on me. Even if you think you have found every last fuzz before you get out of the car, we will find more. Promise lol. Black clothing photographs very well and is a personal favorite for engagement sessions. However, hair/fuzz/fur is very noticeable. Add “Lint Roller” to your packing list. You can thank me later.

4. HAIRBRUSH

I am alllll about the windswept hair. Always. Sometimes hair needs a good little reset and a handy hair brush comes in handy. A small item to throw in your bag that can make a biiiiig difference.

5. HAIRSPRAY

Even if you’re generally not a hairspray girlie, bring it. You may be running, swaying, or jumping, and no one wants those pesky flyaways.

6. DEODORANT

As a Minnesota-based photographer, I have seen it all. I have photographed couples in -30 degree weather and 100+ degree weather. There’s a chance that your session just happennnnnns to land on a hot, humid day. A little deodorant during an outfit change may be the exact refresh you or your partner needs.

7. BUG SPRAY

Trust me on this one. Bug bites are the worst – especially when you’re trying to be cutesy in front of the camera. Don’t get caught up smacking skeeters. Pack the spray. ‘Nuff said.

8. CHAMPAGNE

My all-time favorite way to celebrate the end of an engagement session is by popping a bottle of bubbly. Now, if you’re one of my lovely couples, I bring a complimentary bottle of champagne for you (regular or NA — your pick!). You’ll find yourself smiling, giggling, and sipping champagne. The perfect way to end the night 🤍

Now, make a list of allll the items you need to pack. And, before you leave for your engagement session, check these 8 must-have items off of your list. Happy planning, love! Looking for a photographer to take your engagement photos? Send me a message over on Instagram @morganelizabethphotos and let’s chat 💫 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Wedding Day Survival Kit
5 Getting Ready Tips for Your Wedding Day