Should We Book an Engagement Shoot?
There are so many fun parts of planning a wedding, but sometimes it can feel overwhelming, so many factors to consider!
One big tick off your list is of course choosing your wedding photographer - but the next question is should we book an engagement shoot? Do the benefits outweigh the additional cost?
Here we explore everything you need to know about engagement photography, helping you decide if it's the right choice for you…
Firstly, What is an Engagement Shoot?
An engagement shoot is a pre-wedding photo session that usually happens a few months before your wedding day. The shoot should be a relaxed and fun session and it’s a great way to practice for all those photos on the big day.
The photos can be used for save-the-date announcements, wedding invitations, or simply to commemorate this exciting time in your lives as you build up to the wedding.
The Advantages of Booking an Engagement Shoot
Getting Comfortable in Front of the Camera
For lots of couples, the thought of being in front of the camera can be intimidating. It can feel a bit awkward… so the engagement shoot allows you to become comfortable with your photographer. You'll get a feel for how they work, learn how to pose naturally, and discover which poses you prefer! This can honestly help with wedding day nerves and ultimately give you more natural and relaxed wedding photos.
Building a Connection with Your Photographer
Your engagement shoot is the best way to get to know your photographer and build a bond with them. How do they like to work? Does gentle coaching from them work for you or do you need them to be more specific in their directions?
Hopefully this process will make you happy you’ve made the right decision with your photographer. Check out our guide to asking the right questions for your wedding photographer to make sure you’ve got it right!
Creating Unique Save-the-Dates or Invites
The photos from your engagement shoot are perfect for creating beautiful save-the-date cards or wedding invitations, a unique way to reflect your personality as a couple. This personal touch can make your invitations stand out and set the tone for your wedding.
Exploring Different Photography Styles
Seen some wedding photos that look really cool but not sure how they’d work for you and your partner? The engagement shoot is your chance to experiment with different photography styles and themes. Staring longingly into each other's eyes, walking hand in hand through fields, hugging each other… All photo ideas can be explored here.
Talk to your photographer about your ideas, and remember these photos can help make your final decision about the style you most like for the actual wedding day.
Time Out Together
Amidst the stress of wedding planning, an engagement shoot can almost be a fun and lighthearted date for you and your partner. It’s a chance to step away from the planning and simply enjoy each other's company. Try to enjoy it and not let the nerves get in the way!
What to Think About Before Booking
Budget
As with all parts of wedding planning, budgeting is essential. Consider whether an engagement shoot fits within your budget… ask them upfront how much it will cost. Do they offer a package deal that includes both the engagement shoot and wedding day itself? Try to negotiate!
The Purpose of the Photos
How do you plan to use your engagement photos? If it’s just about testing out the photographer and getting to know them, then it can be more relaxed but if your goal is to create save-the-dates or invitations, be sure to discuss this with them. The shoot will need a bit more planning and they should be able to suggest poses or compositions that work well for printing.
Location
Discuss potential locations with your photographer and think about specific spots that hold significance for both of you. Whether it's a scenic outdoor park, a bustling city street, your favorite restaurant or the place you got engaged, the location can greatly influence the mood and style of your photos.
Outfits
What you wear will impact the overall look of your engagement photos. Even if you want something relaxed, you might not want to be TOO casual here. Consider coordinating outfits that reflect your style as a couple while also complementing each other. Choose clothes that you love and feel good in. You may also want to bring a few outfit changes to add variety to your photos.
Your Fave Photography Styles
Be prepared before the shoot… it’s handy to know what kind of wedding photos you love, which aesthetic aligns with your own wedding vision. Discuss these with your photographer - it will help them understand your preferred style and hopefully help with your working together.
Tips For a Successful Engagement Shoot
Relax and try to have fun, even if you are feeling camera shy. Show your personality and enjoy the experience. If you're planning an outdoor shoot, be prepared for changing weather conditions and have a backup plan. Even if it’s just a nice huge umbrella to cuddle up under!
Bring props or even signage if you are planning to use the photos for wedding invites.The most important tip is to communicate with your photographer! This is your chance to work together, so be open and honest.
In Summary… Should We Book an Engagement Shoot?
Deciding whether to book an engagement shoot ultimately depends on your preferences as a couple, and your budget. If you value the opportunity to capture your love story, build a connection with your photographer, and create stunning images for your wedding stationery, then an engagement shoot is a worthwhile investment.
However, if it doesn’t fit your budget or timeline, know that your wedding day photos will still be beautiful no matter what.
And don’t forget! You can capture every moment of your wedding day by getting your own Never Miss Moments online QR code gallery, allowing you to see all photos taken by your guests in one place.
Whatever you decide, remember that the most important thing is to enjoy the journey to your wedding day together!