Picking your perfect engagement session dresses is a big deal! These photos will grace your wedding website, save the dates, and your walls. That’s just a few of the ways you can use them, and you want to make sure you document this amazing season of life. That means you want to look and feel your very best!
To help you start, we send every Katie & Alec couple an engagement session style guide (see an abbreviated version here). It will walk you through everything you need to know to pick your outfits and prep for your session. Once you’ve read that, the fun part starts, shopping! To help you out, here are 6 of our favorite spots to shop for your engagement session dress! They all hit different styles and price points so you can find something that fits your unique personality and budget.
They’re known for their gorgeous, designer dress options. With varying prices, tending more towards the higher end these can be great permanent additions to your closet. They carry so many incredible brands and styles you’re sure to find an option there. Plus, we have a Nordstrom Rack (their version of an outlet store) here on Highway 280 not far from the Summit.
This is a local store to Birmingham located at the Summit! They have a ton of great selection, great jewelry, and their customer service is always phenomenal. Their style is definitely younger and has a fun, colorful boho feel to it. It can be a bit on the pricey side, but it can definitely be worth it for the right engagement session dress! If you aren’t local, you can still order online too!
This dress shop has some of the cutest, most romantic pieces!! We’re obsessed with their selection and their prices are pretty great. They also have a ton of cute skirts and top options that pair so well together. Katie even just ordered a piece from them for our latest anniversary photos!
This is another affordable, local option at the Summit in Birmingham. They have tons of dresses and Katie actually found 2 dresses here for our recent headshots. We will say, it’s not for everyone and it can be a little hit-or-miss depending on your style. It’s definitely worth the try though if you like trying clothes on in person! You can also order online if that’s more your thing.
Looking for affordable, stylish pieces? Lulu’s offers a huge selection at a great price! They have tons of different styles from classic to boho to glamour. Plus, they have phenomenal customer service and a great return policy. Feel free to order 3-4 pieces and return what doesn’t work. Honestly, Katie loves using Lulu’s for all our own photoshoots!
Looking for a fabulous, high-end look without the high-end price tag?? Renting may be the perfect option for you then! Rent the Runway offers designer pieces for rent at a fraction of the cost. Plus, it will let you play around with pieces you may never have been able to afford or would never need to wear again. Choose from tons of runway-worthy pieces and find your perfect look. Just send it back when you’re done!
We hope these are helpful and that you find an amazing dress to make you feel confident and beautiful! If you have any more questions about the style guide, just let us know. Up next, picking your dream locations! You can see our favorite Birmingham, Alabama photo locations and why we love them here.
Blessings,
Katie & Alec
