You have booked the session, chosen the perfect location, and marked the date on the calendar. Now comes the panic: “What are we going to wear?” Choosing the right wardrobe for your engagement or pre-wedding shoot is one of the most important decisions you will make. Your clothing sets the mood of the images and impacts how you feel in front of the camera.
A common question I receive is: What should we wear? My answer is a blend of comfort, coordination, and context. This post serves as your personal style guide, helping you select outfits that complement your personality and the stunning Riviera Maya scenery, ensuring you look like the best version of yourselves.
Do not let logistics stress you out. Secure a photographer who knows the area inside and out. Contact Adrian Bonet Photography to check availability for your venue today.
Index
The Golden Rule: Comfort = Confidence
Coordinate, Don’t Match
Colors, Patterns & Fabrics
Dressing for the Location (Beach vs. Jungle)
Final Thoughts
The Golden Rule: Comfort = Confidence
Wear It, Don’t Let It Wear You
The most important piece of advice I can give is to wear something that makes you feel like you. If you are uncomfortable, it will show in your eyes and your body language. Avoid clothes that are too tight, require constant adjusting, or make you feel self-conscious. When you feel physically comfortable, you can focus on your partner, and that confidence shines through in the photos.
Movement Matters
My photography style involves movement—walking, sitting, lifting, and swaying. Test your outfit before the shoot. Can you raise your arms? Can you sit on a blanket without the fabric pulling awkwardly? Choose clothing that allows you to move freely so we can capture those dynamic, candid moments.
Coordinate, Don’t Match
The “Uniform” is Out
Gone are the days of everyone wearing white t-shirts and blue jeans. Instead of matching, aim to coordinate. Think of your outfits as pieces of a puzzle that fit together. If one of you is wearing a dressy outfit, the other shouldn’t be in gym shorts. You want to match the level of formality.
Color Families
Choose a color palette and stick to it. For example, if you choose “Earth Tones,” one of you might wear a rust-colored dress while the other wears tan trousers and a cream linen shirt. These colors compliment each other without looking like a uniform.
Colors, Patterns & Fabrics
Solids vs. Patterns
Generally, solid colors photograph best. They place the attention on your faces rather than the clothing. If you love patterns, keep them subtle (like a small floral print or a faint check) and limit it to one person. If both of you wear busy patterns, the photo can become visually chaotic and distracting.
Fabrics That Breathe
In the humid climate of the Riviera Maya, fabric choice is crucial. Natural fibers like linen, cotton, and silk are ideal. They breathe well, keeping you cool, and they add beautiful texture to the images. Avoid heavy synthetics that trap heat and cause sweating.
What to Avoid
I recommend steering clear of neon colors (which can cast unflattering tints onto your skin), massive logos or graphics, and tiny, tight pinstripes (which can cause a weird visual effect called moiré in digital cameras).
Dressing for the Location (Beach vs. Jungle)
The Beach
For beach shoots in Cancun or Tulum, think “flowy and airy.” Long maxi dresses that catch the wind look incredible against the ocean. Light colors like whites, soft pastels, and blues work beautifully here. And don’t worry about shoes—barefoot is often best!
The Jungle & Cenotes
If we are shooting in the lush greenery of the jungle, you need contrast. Wearing green will make you disappear into the background. Instead, opt for warm colors like mustard yellow, terracotta, red, or crisp white to pop against the deep greens of the foliage.
Urban & Architecture
For shoots in colonial towns or colorful streets, you can be a bit more fashion-forward. Structured outfits, bolder colors, or a “smart casual” look work well against architectural backdrops.
Final Thoughts
Your outfits are the props in the story of your engagement session. They should enhance the narrative, not distract from it.
When you book a session with Adrian Bonet Photography, I am happy to provide feedback on your choices. Feel free to bring a backup outfit or accessories (like a hat or sunglasses) to add variety. Ultimately, the best outfit is the one that makes you feel amazing, because when you feel amazing, you look amazing.