What to wear for an Indian engagement shoot

For an Indian engagement shoot, bring two looks: one traditional, such as a saree, lehenga or anarkali with a kurta or sherwani, and one Western. Choose colours that stand out from the location, fabrics that move in the wind, one statement piece of jewellery rather than a full set, and comfortable shoes for walking between spots.

The outfit question arrives about three weeks before every pre-wedding session, usually as a photograph of an open wardrobe. It matters more than couples expect, because the clothes decide the colours of every image, and colours decide whether the photographs feel like you. Outfit guidance is part of our two-hour session for exactly that reason. These are the principles we share with every couple.

How many outfits should we bring?

Two. A two-hour session across one or two locations leaves time for one change without rushing the photographs. A third look usually means spending twenty minutes in a car park changing instead of twenty minutes in good light. If you love three outfits, choose the two that are most different from each other.

Traditional, Western, or both?

Both, for most couples. One traditional look connects the photographs to the wedding and works beautifully on a save-the-date: a saree, a lehenga, a sharara or an anarkali, with a kurta, bandhgala or sherwani. The second, Western look, a dress or a tailored suit, or simply smart clothes you wear in real life, gives you photographs that feel like your everyday relationship. Start with the traditional look while hair and makeup are freshest.

Which colours work best?

Choose colours for the location, not just for yourselves:

Location	Colours that work	Colours to avoid
Gardens and green parks	Blush, ivory, powder blue, deep red, mustard	Bright green that disappears into the leaves
Stone, brick and old streets	Jewel tones: emerald, sapphire, wine, rani pink	Beige that matches the walls
The city skyline at dusk	Black, ivory, metallics, bold red	Busy prints that compete with the lights
Autumn foliage	Teal, navy, ivory, plum	Orange and rust that merge with the trees

The two of you should complement rather than match: if one outfit is a strong colour, keep the other neutral or in a tone from the same family. Our engagement photoshoot locations guide describes the light and the setting at each New Jersey location, which makes the colour choice much easier.

What fabrics photograph well?

Fabrics that move. A chiffon or georgette dupatta, a flowing saree pallu or a long skirt catches the wind and gives a photograph life; we will use it. Heavy, stiff fabrics look grand standing still but do not move, and very shiny synthetic fabric can flare in direct sun. Small, busy prints and logos date quickly and pull the eye from your faces.

How much jewellery should we wear?

Less than at the wedding. One statement piece, jhumkas, a maang tikka or a necklace, says more than a full set, and it keeps the wedding jewellery special for the wedding. For the Western look, simple and personal is best: your engagement ring, a watch, something you always wear. Bring the ring; we will photograph it.

What about shoes?

Bring two pairs: the shoes for the photographs and flat shoes for walking between spots. Many engagement locations involve gravel paths, grass or cobbles, and the shoes rarely show in the full-length frames anyway. A light shawl or jacket for between locations helps in spring and autumn.

How do we change between looks?

Plan it before the day. Choose a location with a nearby restroom, a car with tinted windows, or a hotel room if the session starts there. We plan the order of the session so the change falls naturally between the two locations.

What happens after the shoot?

You receive more than eighty hand-edited images within two weeks, in time for save-the-dates, and save-the-date films are available too. Our Indian engagement photographer page explains the session in full, and the services page shows how it fits alongside the wedding. To book a session, send us your dates.

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