What I wear as a Wedding Photographer (And why it matters more than you think)
- Mar 30
- 4 min read
What does a wedding photographer wear for 10+ hour wedding days? Living in Branson Missouri our weather can change in a moment! So I need to be prepared for any clothing and shoe combination! I'm going to share my favorite skirts from Amazon, and also comfortable shoes, jumpers & dresses that give me my signature style! Photographers, I want YOU to create a style on wedding days that you love & feel comfortable in!
Hoping these tips can help you to choose outfits that are both functional and make your clients see you as a true artist & that you are attempting to look polished for their special day!
When most people think of a wedding photographer, they might think of someone showing up in all black, looking like they are just trying to fit in with the wait staff. I want you to consider another way....I'm hoping I can help you with my 20 years of being a photographer, that's around 500+ weddings that I've worn clothes and shoes at LOL!
But what do I wear on a wedding day?
It’s actually a huge part of how I serve my couples.
I’ve learned that my outfit isn’t just about style—it’s about movement, professionalism, and the more I'm on my feet during a wedding the more I want to choose something that is comfy & polished! Oh, and I like to blend in with the other wedding guests...I have found that wearing black on top, and the color of the bridesmaid dresses on the bottom (skirts, or slacks) makes me look like i'm apart of their day but not wanting to draw too much attention at the same time!
So today, I’m taking you behind the scenes to share exactly what I wear on wedding days… and why.
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✨ 1. Dresses & Skirts: Movement + Elegance
You’ll almost always find me in a long flowy dress or a long skirt.
Why?
Because I’m constantly moving—kneeling, climbing stairs, stepping into fields, fluffing dresses, fixing veils—and I need something that moves with me, not against me.
I love pieces that:
• Flow beautifully in motion
• Feel breathable in Missouri heat
• Look polished but effortless
• Photograph well (yes, even I think about that 😉)
Oh! and did I mention POCKETS! It's not essential, but when I find a skirt I love with them, it's an instant yes!
There’s something about a soft, flowing skirt that lets me feel creative, feminine, and still completely functional.
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✨ 2. Comfortable (But Cute) Shoes
Let’s talk about the real MVP: shoes!
Wedding days can easily be 8–10+ hours on my feet, so comfort is non-negotiable.
But… I still want them to be cute.
I typically wear:
• Neutral-toned sandals or flats
• Supportive wedges (if I want a little height)
• Closed-toe options for outdoor or rugged locations
LINKS TO COMFORTABLE SHOES ON WEDDING DAYS: (I do not recieve commision on these links)
Cushion + support https://www.drschollsshoes.com/
Neutral styling and comfort: https://soludos.com/collections/womens-shoes-2025?filter.v.availability=1
Dancing Shoes! https://www.vionicshoes.com/blog/wedding-shoes-for-dancing/
Washable flats: https://rothys.com/pages/stores/domain-northside
Because the truth is… I might go from a luxury ballroom to a rocky path in the same day!
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✨ 3. Neutral & Soft Color Palette
I stay away from loud prints or bright colors on wedding days.
Instead, I lean into:
• Soft neutrals
• Earthy tones
• Muted blues, creams, taupes, pinks, and warm browns
Why?
Because I never want to distract from the couple or stand out in the background of your photos.
My goal is to blend in like a calm, steady presence… while still looking polished and professional.
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✨ 4. Layers for Every Scenario
Missouri weather likes to keep things interesting 🌦️
So I always bring layers like:
• Lightweight cardigans
• Denim or neutral jackets
• Shawls or wraps
This helps me stay comfortable from getting-ready moments all the way through the dance floor exit.
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✨ 5. The Hat (Yes, the Hat 🤎)
If you’ve seen me at outdoor weddings… you’ve probably seen the hat.
It’s not just a style piece (although I do love it for that).
It also:
• Protects me from the sun
• Helps me stay cool during summer ceremonies
• Adds a signature touch to my look
It’s become a little part of my brand—and my couples always recognize me instantly.
✨ 6. Function Over Fuss (But Make It Beautiful)
At the end of the day, everything I wear has to serve a purpose.
I need to:
• Move quickly
• Stay comfortable for long hours
• Carry gear when needed
• Blend into intimate moments
• Look professional in any setting
But I also believe you can do all of that and still feel like yourself.
For me, that looks like a mix of:
refined + comfortable + a little artistic
✨ Why This Matters for My Couples
What I wear actually impacts your experience more than you might think.
When I’m comfortable and confident:
• I move faster
• I notice more moments
• I stay energized longer
• I show up fully for you
And when I blend into your day instead of distracting from it…
your photos feel more natural, more emotional, and more you.
✨ A Little Style Inspiration for You
If you’re planning your own session or wedding, take this as a little inspiration:
Choose outfits that:
• Let you move freely
• Feel like you
• Complement your surroundings
• And photograph beautifully in natural light
Because the best photos happen when you feel comfortable, confident, and completely yourself.
✨ Final Thoughts
After 20+ years of photographing weddings in Branson, I’ve learned that the smallest details often make the biggest difference.
Boho Skirt AMAZON LINK! https://amzn.to/48gvn26
And sometimes…
That starts with what we wear.
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