So you're getting ready for your engagement photo session. You've picked out the perfect outfit (or outfits) and we’ve decided on a great location, but you're not sure how to wear your hair and makeup. Here are a couple ideas to consider before the shoot!

ONE:

A well-scheduled bridal trial will make your life a lot easier! If possible, talk to the hair and makeup artist that will be getting you ready on your big day and see if you can schedule a hair and makeup trial on the day of your engagement shoot. We realize this option won't work for everyone (for instance, if you're planning a long engagement, your artist may insist on having a trial closer to your wedding date, your artist may be unavailable, or maybe you don't have one yet), but if the stars align just so to make this happen, you can have your bridal makeup for your engagement shoot (and take it on a longevity test run) and ask your artist to take down any pins or embellishments and leave you with something a little more casual after your trial. If you can arrange this, it will be one less thing to think about on the day of your shoot!

TWO:

A lot of people tend to want their wedding look to be something classic and timeless, so your engagement shoot might be a great opportunity to try something more trendy! A pop of bright color on the eyes is a great way to play around and try something a little more unexpected. We have been loving a neutral eyeshadow look with a bright color in the inner corner/tear duct area, but this could also be a great opportunity to try a brightly colored eyeliner or mascara too! Keep the rest of the color palette neutral to keep the focus on that bright color of your choice.

THREE:

Another way to use your engagement shoot to try something that might not be quite as practical on your big day: bold lips! A bright or deep lipstick shade is a tricky choice for weddings because you'll be eating and drinking all day, so unless you are okay committing to frequent touch-ups, wearing your favorite bold lipstick may be an option better saved for your engagement session. Throw the tube in your bag with a couple tissues for blotting so you can make sure it looks photo-ready during your session without having to worry about how it's wearing off.

FOUR:

Floral hair accessories are so much fun and can be a really fun way to invoke a bridal feel without looking too formal. A flower crown can be really beautiful and trendy, or a comb or hair clip with flowers! If your session is outdoors, try to pick colors that are seasonally appropriate so that you don't look out of place with your surroundings.

FIVE:

An undone, simple updo like a "banana bun" (google it!) can be beautiful for engagement photos, and keeps your hair out of your face so that your loved ones can see you clearly in the finished images. If your hair is very straight and/or fine and doesn't hold a style easily, applying a texturizing powder or spray to your roots and through your mid-lengths will help this look stay put and give your hair a little extra volume. This look is also beautiful for curly hair! Be sure to pull a few wisps out around your face and neckline to give this an effortless, lived-in look.

SIX:

Braids are another way to keep hair from covering your face. A well-placed braid around the hairline will look beautiful and on-trend while keeping the focus on your face and the love in your eyes as you celebrate with your future spouse! Worn tight to the scalp or pulled apart for a looser, beachy look, braids are a great option for your engagement session.

If you plan on having your hair and makeup done by a pro for your shoot, talk to them about any of these options and see what they have to say! A hair and makeup artist will be able to give you feedback specific to your hair type, face shape, skin type and more, and help you come up with a look that will make your engagement session extra special! Either way, don't be afraid to use your engagement photos to be a little more creative or playful with your look.