What to Wear for a Pre-Wedding Shoot
Expert Advice from Paul Aston Photography | Wedding Photographer in Somerset
If you’ve booked a pre-wedding shoot (also known as an engagement shoot) with Paul Aston Photography, you’ve made a smart choice. A pre-wedding shoot helps couples feel relaxed, confident, and comfortable in front of the camera—long before the wedding day arrives.
One of the most common questions couples ask Paul is:
“What should we wear for our pre-wedding photos?”
This guide shares clear, practical advice from an experienced Somerset wedding photographer, designed to help you look natural, feel confident, and enjoy the experience.
Why What You Wear Matters for a Pre-Wedding PHOTOGRAPHY
Pre-wedding photography isn’t about outfits—it’s about connection, comfort, and storytelling.
What you wear influences:
- How relaxed you feel
- How naturally you move together
- How timeless your photos will look
Comfortable clothing allows couples to walk, laugh, talk, and interact naturally—exactly how Paul photographs couples across Somerset and the South West.
The aim:
You should look like yourselves on your best day.
Wear Something That Feels Like You
The most important advice Paul gives every couple:
Choose clothing that:
- Reflects your everyday style
- Allows easy movement
- Doesn’t need constant adjusting
Avoid dressing more formally than you normally would. Confidence always photographs better than trends, and relaxed clothing supports Paul’s natural, documentary wedding photography style.
Best Colours to Wear for a Pre-Wedding Shoot
From a professional photography perspective, soft and neutral tones consistently photograph best—especially in Somerset’s countryside, coastal, and woodland locations.
Colours that work beautifully:
- Creams and off-whites
- Beige and warm browns
- Muted greens
- Soft blues
- Greys and navy
- Earthy, natural tones
These colours reflect light well onto skin, complement outdoor settings, and remain timeless in albums and wall art. dated in years to come.
Colours and Patterns to Avoid in Engagement Photos
If you can, I’d suggest avoiding:
- Neon or very bright colours
- Large logos or heavy branding
- Bold, busy patterns
- Pure white (it can blow out in photos)
- Very dark black next to pale skin
This isn’t about strict rules — it’s about keeping the focus on you, not your outfit stealing attention.
How to Coordinate Outfits Without MatchinG
You don’t need to wear identical outfits. Instead, aim to coordinate visually.
Good coordination includes:
- Similar or complementary colour palettes
- One lighter outfit, one slightly darker
- Mixing textures rather than patterns
Your outfits should feel connected without looking staged or overly styled.
Why Layers Work So Well in Pre-Wedding Photos
Layers are a photographer’s dream.
They add depth, texture, and variety — and they give you more photos without needing a full outfit change.
Great layering options include:
- Jackets or coats
- Overshirts
- Knitwear
- Scarves (season dependent)
You can start with layers on, then remove them as we go — relaxed, natural, and easy.
What Shoes Should You Wear?
Shoes matter more than most couples expect.
Paul’s advice:
- Wear something you can walk in comfortably
- Avoid brand-new shoes that might rub
- If heels matter to you, bring flats too
Pre-wedding shoots often involve walking, standing close, and moving naturally. Comfort always wins here.
Dressing for the Location and Season
Outfits should suit the setting:
- Countryside or Quantocks shoots: earthy tones and relaxed styling
- Woodland locations: texture and layers
- Urban settings: slightly sharper, modern looks
Paul will always guide you when planning your shoot, but thinking about location helps everything feel cohesive.
Should You Bring a Second Outfit?
You absolutely don’t need to — but it can be a nice option.
If you do, Paul recommends:
- One relaxed, everyday outfit
- One slightly smarter option
Keep it simple. A pre-wedding shoot with Paul Aston Photography is about genuine moments, not fashion changes.
Accessories, Hair and Makeup Tips
Keep accessories simple and meaningful:
- Watches
- Subtle jewellery
- Scarves or hats if the weather suits
Hair and makeup:
- Hair styled how you’d wear it on a great day
- Makeup slightly more defined than everyday
- Haircuts or beard trims a few days before
A pre-wedding shoot is also a confidence boost, helping couples feel far more relaxed about wedding-day photography.
Do We Need to Know How to Pose?
No. Absolutely not.
That’s my job.
I’ll guide you gently, keep things relaxed, and make sure nothing feels awkward or forced. You don’t need modelling experience — just be yourselves and trust the process.
Final Advice from Paul Aston Photography
If you take one thing away from this, let it be this:
Wear something that feels comfortable, confident, and completely you.
Pre-wedding shoots should feel fun, relaxed, and pressure-free. When you’re comfortable in what you’re wearing, everything else falls into place.
If you’re ever unsure, I’m always happy to help — send photos, ideas, or even screenshots from your wardrobe and we’ll figure it out together.
