From classic rock to bumpin' new pop songs, here's a curated list of crowd-pleasers.
Updated May 15, 202422 Editor-Approved Engagement Photo Dresses for 2024 Brides
Whether formal or lowkey, we have the perfect one for you.
Photo: Westend61 | Getty
If you're a bride-to-be searching for an engagement photo dress, congratulations are in order! Once the newly engaged feeling sets in, there is a lot to plan, with one of the first things being an engagement photo session. Whether you're planning an elaborately styled photo shoot or something more simple, you'll want to consider what to wear for your engagement photos.
Above all, you'll want to look and feel like the best version of yourself in these photos, no matter what you decide to wear. "Don't be afraid to think outside the box and opt for a non-traditional style or wear something more comfortable if you love it," says Jillian Shatken, owner and creative director of Saylor. "Think less bridal specific and look to your favorite brands and retailers for pieces you would reach for day after day, and search around for any white items in silhouettes you already love."
FEATURED VIDEO FROM THE KNOT
Remember that these photos will likely be plastered all over your wedding website and on your save-the-dates, so you'll want to look and feel your very best in them, and that starts with choosing a great engagement photo dress.
- How to Choose Your Engagement Photo Dress
- The Best Engagement Photo Dresses for 2024
- Our Favorite White Dresses for Engagement Photos
How to Choose Your Engagement Photo Dress
Choosing an engagement photo dress is no easy feat. It can be difficult to know where to start. Luckily, we're here to help! We've broken down some common questions brides-to-be have when choosing their engagement photo dress. Plus, Amanda Uprichard, President and CEO of Amanda Uprichard, weighs in on her engagement photo dress advice.
Do I Have to Wear White?
The simple answer: not if you don't want to! Many brides feel pressure to wear a white dress to every single wedding-related event. However, you get to make the rules for your own wedding and decide on outfits that feel like you. Whether that means a ruffled white dress or something more subdued, the choice is yours!
Keep Comfort Top of Mind
The most important part of choosing an engagement photo dress is that it makes you feel comfortable and confident. You'll likely be taking photos from many different angles, so you'll want to ensure you're not uncomfortable and tugging at your dress the whole shoot. Your engagement photo session isn't the time to rock some out-of-the-box style you've never worn anything like before, it's a time to capture you and your partner as you prepare to join your lives. Choosing a silhouette, color, or fabric that you've worn and loved in the past is a surefire way to ensure you feel like yourself.
Feeling like yourself is the most important factor to consider, and Uprichard agrees. "Don't overthink it," she tells us. "The most important thing is to feel confident and comfortable in your engagement photo dress. It's a rare opportunity to capture a special moment in your life, so you should wear something that reflects who you are and makes you feel your best.
Take Some Test Photos
The hard truth is that not everything photographs the same as it comes across in person. If you're worried about it, enlist a friend to take a few test photos of you on their iPhone so you can get an idea of how the dress will appear on camera.
Uprichard suggests "Choose a dress that flatters your body, taking into consideration neckline, sleeve length, and silhouette that will make you feel confident. The photos are meant to live forever, so you're best to select a dress with a nod to classic styles over hyper-trendy to ensure the photos age well with time."
Accessorize
Accessories can transform your engagement dress and add a much more personalized feel. Uprichard suggests "Adding a few thoughtful accessories is a great way to complement the dress with a personal touch. Just avoid anything too flashy that could distract from the overall look."
Opt for More Than One
Depending on the length of your engagement photo session, you may even want to opt for more than one engagement photo dress. If you will be shooting in multiple locations, an outfit change is a fun way to get some variety in your photos.
Engagement Photo Dresses by Season:
Seasonality is important to keep in mind when choosing your engagement photo dress. Warmer months lend themselves to bright colors and prints while the colder months will call for cozy layers. Uprichard tells us " For warmer months lighter fabrics like linen make sense, while heavier fabrics may be better for fall and winter."
While that floral midi dress you love is perfect for a spring or summer engagement photo session, it won't translate well into winter. Be sure that your engagement photo outfit fits the season and location you're shooting in to ensure a picture-perfect day.
- Spring Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas
- Summer Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas
- Fall Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas
- Winter Engagement Photo Outfit Ideas
The Best Engagement Photo Dresses for 2024
There are so many beautiful dresses on the market that it can be difficult to know where to start. That's where we come in. We've scoured the internet for our top editor-approved picks for 2024 engagement photo dresses. Whether you're planning on wearing classic bridal white or want to veer into color, we've chosen a little bit of everything.
Best Floral: Saylor Amyra Dress
Photo: Saylor
This dreamy floral midi dress is perfect for a spring engagement photo session! It features a stunning dahlia floral print that's block printed by hand plus a smocked waist and adjustable neckline. Pair it with a pair of neutral block heels for an effortless, romantic look.
Size range: XS-XL
Best Something Blue: Amanda Uprichard Lusana Dress
Photo: Amanda Uprichard
This silky midi dress from Amanda Uprichard's latest bridal collection features blue satin tie straps, making it perfect for a subtle hint of something blue. Pair it with a coordinating blue satin heel for a picture-perfect look.
Size range: XS-XL
Best Simple: WEST K Women's Jones Tube Maxi Dress
Photo: Target
This breezy maxi dress comes in 9 colors, so there's truly something for everyone! The breathable, lightweight cotton material will keep you cool on a hot summer day, making it perfect for beach engagement photos
Size range: XS-XL
Best Slip Dress: Amanda Uprichard Tayce Silk Dress
Photo: Amanda Uprichard
You can never go wrong with a simple silk slip dress. This one from Amanda Uprichard features a cowl neckline and an open back for a sexy twist on a classic.
Size range: XS - L
Most Unique: Mestiza New York Carmen Mini Dress
Photo: Mestiza New York
This stunning printed linen mini dress is sure to turn heads. It features a mandarin collar and a functioning button closure with bow detail. Pair it with some blue high heels to tie the look together.
Size range: 0 - 14
Best Halter: Lulus Beyond Classy Satin Halter Midi Dress
Photos: Lulus
This timeless satin halter is a chic pick for engagement photos. Opt for classic bridal white, or shades of brown, teal, or black. The best part: you can wear this dress again as a wedding guest long after your wedding is over!
Size range: XS-XL
Most Luxe: KYHA Studios Young Hearts Dress
Photo: KYHA Studios
Cue "Dancing Queen." This luxurious silver mini dress is guaranteed to turn heads. Silver linear sequins move with you and reflect the light, making this dress by KYHA Studios a showstopping choice for glamorous engagement photos.
Size range: 2 - 11
Best Boho: Free People A New Way Maxi
Photo: Free People
A boho maxi is perfect for brides looking to channel ethereal energy in their engagement photo session. Dress it up with your favorite high heels or dress it down in some timeless cowboy boots or flat sandals.
Size range: XS-XL
Most Versatile: Abercrombie The A&F Camille Midi Dress
Photo: Abercrombie
This gorgeous midi is perfect for a spring or summer engagement photo shoot. It comes in 20 different colors — both solids and florals— so you're sure to find one that fits your style.
Size range: XXS - XXL
Best Print: Love the Label Phoenix Dress
Photo: Love the Label
If eclectic patterns are your vibe, look no further than this gorgeous printed midi from Love the Label. It can be dressed up or down and even layered with a leather or denim jacket for cooler fall months. The styling options are endless!
Size range: XS - L
Best Lace: Hill House The Lace Elizabeth Nap Dress
Photo: Hill House
The cult-favorite Hill House nap dress is given a chic upgrade in this dainty lace fabrication. As the name suggests, it's just as comfortable as it is fashion-forward. Pair it with a white satin heel to keep a monochromatic look.
Size range: XXS - 2XL
Our Favorite White Dresses for Engagement Photos
The obvious choice for any wedding-related occasion is for the bride to wear a white dress — and we're all for it! Being a bride is such a special time and you should embrace it and wear what makes you feel like, well, a bride. Clear some space in your closet, because you're going to want to add all of these little white dresses to your bridal wardrobe arsenal.
Best Feathers: Amanda Uprichard Lunaria Silk Dress
Photo: Amanda Uprichard
Feathers are practically a must-have in any bride's wardrobe. After all, not too many occasions in life allow for feathers, so you might as well rock them when you can! This silk feather-lined mini is perfect for brides looking to make a statement in their engagement photos.
Size range: XXS - XL
Best Bubble Hem: Birdy Grey Emily Bubble Mini Dress
Photo: Birdy Grey
Bubble hems, the notorious early-aughts silhouette, are making a strong comeback in 2024. Spring runway looks to feature a daring silhouette, so it's safe to say that will translate over to the bridal world as well. This sweet mini from Birdy Grey is the perfect piece to rock a bubble hem as your engagement photo dress.
Size range: XS - XXL
Best Bodycon: Windsor Zoe Formal Mesh Faux Pearl Midi Dress
Photo: Windsor
Sizzle in your engagement photos with this sexy bodycon midi dress. The on-trend pearl embellishments elevate it just enough for engagement photos. Pair it with some pearl-adorned heels to match!
Size range: XS-XL
Best Beach Dress: Saylor Bellona Dress
Photo: Saylor
Lightweight lace is the perfect choice for a beach engagement photo session. This lace midi from Saylor features long sleeves, a side slit, and a collar detail. Plus, you can even remove the tank dress lining and wear it as a beach coverup after the photos!
Size range: XS - L
Best Pearl Detail: Odd Muse The Ultimate Muse Midi Pearl Dress
Photo: Odd Muse
TikTok viral brand Odd Muse is your one-stop shop for gorgeous engagement photo dresses, and this pearl midi is at the top of our wishlist! The dramatic square neckline and pearl trim are an elegant addition to this waist-cinching midi.
Size range: XXS - 3XL
Best Sweater Dress: Steve Madden Francesca Knit Dress
Photo: Revolve
Winter engagement photos are practically made for cozy knit sweater dresses. This off-the-shoulder rendition adds a flirty feel to the cozy silhouette. Pair it with your favorite tall leather boots for a polished winter look.
Size range: XS-XL
Best Bow Detail: Lulus Radiant Romance White Tie-Strap Maxi Dress
Photo: Lulus
Lightweight white chiffon pairs perfectly with romantic bow tie sleeves on this charming midi dress. To lean into the coquettish vibe, pair it with a matching white hair bow.
Size range: XS - XL
Best Under $100: Azazie My Dearest White Lace Sleeveless Midi Dress
Photo: Azazie
This show-stopping midi features sweet allover lace and a romantic, full skirt. Pair it with a nude heel and simple jewelry for a timeless bridal look.
Size range: XS - 3X
Best Mini: Bronx and Banco Megan Mini Dress
Photo: Revolve
This lace mini dress practically screams "bride." If you're looking for a romantic, bridal-inspired dress for your engagement photos, look no further. Pair this one with delicate jewelry and a metallic high heel to add to the glamor.
Size range: XS-XL
Best Tweed: Reformation Jolie Dress
Photo: Reformation
Preppy brides are going to love this tweed button-front mini. Pair it with classic jewelry and a kitten heel for a Jackie O-inspired bridal look for your engagement photos.
Size range: 0 - 12
Best Open Back: Runaway The Label Havanna Mini Dress
Photo: Revolve
We can't get enough of this dreamy backless satin mini dress. Pull your hair into a chic chignon to keep your back on full display. You could even pair it with a trendy back necklace for some extra sparkle.
Size range: XS - XXL
