Tips for Planning a Prenuptial Photoshoot

A prenuptial photoshoot is a modern wedding photoshoot that takes place before the actual wedding to celebrate the couple’s engagement. While it is not a necessary part of traditional wedding planning, it is becoming a contemporary tradition for capturing those tender moments before the marriage. In order to achieve the best results to memorialize those pre-wedding moments, the couple should prepare ahead of time for their prenuptial photoshoot.

Once the couple has decided on their wedding photographer and set a date for the photoshoot, it is time to start planning the theme or concept that they want to represent their relationship in the photos. After the theme has been chosen, the couple now must choose their outfits, the location, the time of day, and any props they want to include in their photos from flowers to furniture to cars and anything else that may speak to who they are as a couple.

The location for any photoshoot is probably the most important decision as it sets the whole mood for the pictures. The color scheme of the couple’s clothing choices is also important depending on the background and the lighting for the photos. Consulting with their photographer is the best way to decide on coordinating colors that work best with the location. A skilled photographer will know which colors appear with the best clarity considering all of the background details.

When planning a prenuptial photoshoot, having a vision of the images you would like to capture is helpful in achieving the desired result. The couple can discuss different poses that they would like to try and they can even practice at home by taking selfies to determine if they actually like these poses. This will save time during the photoshoot if the couple knows exactly how they want to position themselves for the photos. Capturing natural poses will create more beautiful pictures so it is important to consider what feels comfortable for the couple. They can embrace one another, walk hand in hand, kiss each other, sit beside one another, or any other pose that represents the nature of their relationship.

If the couple needs inspiration, there are endless theme ideas for prenuptial photoshoots that can be found by doing a simple search on social media platforms. Currently, the top 10 trending wedding themes are vintage, Alice in Wonderland, surreal, romantic date, playful, casual picnic, retro, home, and rustic.

Factors to consider when planning a prenuptial photoshoot

1. Location

Choosing the location for the photoshoot sets the entire feel for the images that you are wanting to create to memorialize the beginning of your relationship. After finding the perfect location, this will help to better guide you on choosing a central theme or concept for the pictures.

Here are some helpful questions to consider when choosing a photoshoot location.

• Are there any fees (entrance fees, requested donations, etc.) associated with using the location?
• Will the location be too crowded with people for photographs?
• Is the location difficult to access?
• How much time does it take to get to the location?
• Do you have alternative locations in mind in the event that your first choose is unavailable?
• What is the best time of day for photographs in the specific location?
• Are you permitted to decorate the location?
• Are permits or waivers required to use the location for photographs?

2. Props

Whatever location you choose, the natural backdrop of the space will provide the primary decoration for your photos. However, you may want to bring additional props to the photoshoot location to make the images more personalized or to create more drama or artistry in the pictures. 

If you need ideas for inexpensive props that may add to your prenuptial photoshoot experience, consider the following list of items.

• Balloons
• Picnic essentials (blanket, linens, wine, wine glasses, baskets, and flowers)
• Bicycle
• Paper décor
• Bubble maker
• Printable décor sets
• Oversized pictures frames
• Furniture set
• Jewelry
• Musical instruments

You don’t want your props to overwhelm your pictures, so be sure to keep the extras at a minimum so that the couple is the primary focus of the images.

3. Attire

Couples doing prenuptial photoshoots will choose among a variety of clothing themes for their photographs. Some may want to be in full wedding attire (wedding gown and tuxedo). Others may opt for non-wedding formal wear. Other couples may want to pick a costume theme for their photoshoot. Some prefer casual wear for the prenuptial photos. While others may choose a combination of these ideas. Coordinating the bride and groom outfits is often a good way to make the photos appear uniform and timeless. However, you want to avoid be overly matchy-matchy.

When choosing your outfits for photo day, comfort may also be a factor to consider. You want to look good, but you also don’t want to be fidgeting with adjustments to your clothing. The pieces you choose to wear should be easy to pose in a variety of different positions. If you are uncomfortable in your clothing or just don’t feel confident wearing it, that will show through in your final images. The key is to be natural and true to yourself and your own personal style.

For the couple who is on a budget and prefers a fancier, elegant photoshoot, they can rent or borrow outfits for the occasion. Or perhaps they have chosen a vintage theme but will not wear the vintage clothing after the photoshoot. Then it is much more practical to borrow pieces from friends or family and return them after the shoot.

During the course of the photoshoot, take care of your clothing so it doesn’t suffer damages or stains that will be visible in the photos. It may even be a good idea to have a few sets of outfits ready in the event that something happens or just to provide variety. If you are planning on wardrobe changes during the shoot, however, you may want to make sure there is a place to change at the location.

If you are recently engaged and planning a prenuptial photoshoot, I wish you the most magical experience. These photos will become cherished keepsakes that you will reflect upon year after married year.

Have you done a prenuptial photoshoot? What theme and location did you choose? Do you have any helpful tips that you learned in the process? Or perhaps you are planning a prenuptial photoshoot. What ideas do you have for your photos?

Keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

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