10 Essential Tips for Planning a Wedding Styled Shoot

by Tracey Manailescu, WPIC Co-founder and Vice President

Styled shoots are a fantastic way to showcase your creativity, attract clients, and build a stunning portfolio. If you aim to get your work published in a wedding magazine or blog, executing a flawless styled shoot with meticulous planning is crucial. I think I have done about twenty-five styled shoots now. This particular one, that I’m sharing the photos of, was featured in both Elegant Wedding Magazine and Today’s Bride! It’s still one of my favourites.

Here are 10 actionable tips from an experienced wedding professional that you might not have considered:

1. Define a Clear Vision and Theme

Start with a well-defined vision or theme. Whether it’s a boho chic garden party or an elegant ballroom affair, having a clear concept will guide all your decisions and keep the shoot cohesive. Editors look for distinctive and consistent themes.

2. Create a Detailed Mood Board

Compile a mood board with images that reflect your theme. Include colour palettes, textures, and inspirational images. This visual tool will help communicate your vision to all vendors involved and ensure a unified aesthetic that appeals to editors.

3. Select the Right Team

Choose vendors who understand and align with your vision. Collaborate with photographers, florists, makeup artists, and others who have a similar aesthetic. Their expertise and style will enhance the overall shoot and increase its appeal to publications.

4. Scout the Perfect Location

Location is crucial. It should complement your theme and provide various backdrops for different shots. Consider lighting, accessibility, and any necessary permits when selecting your venue. Unique and visually striking locations often catch the eye of editors. Also, make sure it fits your wedding business vibes.

5. Plan a Realistic Timeline

Create a detailed schedule for the day, including setup, shooting, and teardown times. Allow for flexibility but stick to the plan to ensure everything runs smoothly. Your wedding team, will appreciate shoots that are well-organized and punctual as it reflects on you, the planner.

6. Curate a Cohesive Wardrobe

Choose attire that fits the theme and looks great on camera. Work with designers or boutiques to source unique pieces. Ensure the wardrobe is well-coordinated to maintain consistency in your shoot. High-fashion elements can make your shoot more magazine-worthy.

7. Incorporate Meaningful Details

Focus on the little details that tell a story. Personalized stationery, unique decor elements, and bespoke accessories can add depth and character to your styled shoot. Editors love shoots with thoughtful, unique touches that inspire their readers.

8. Prepare for Unexpected Challenges

Always have a backup plan. Whether it’s a sudden change in weather or a missing prop, being prepared for the unexpected will help you stay calm and adaptable. Resilience and problem-solving are qualities that everyone expects.

9. Coordinate a Social Media Strategy

Plan how you’ll share the styled shoot across social media. Tease the shoot with behind-the-scenes content, collaborate on cross-promotions with vendors, and use relevant hashtags to maximize reach. Wedding pros that you may wish to work with, will often look at social media buzz as a gauge of interest.

10. Follow Up and Give Credit

After the shoot is published, promptly share the final images with all participating vendors. Ensure everyone gets proper credit in all shared content. This not only builds goodwill but also expands your professional network. Proper attribution is crucial for editorial submissions.

By following these tips, you can create a styled shoot that not only showcases your talents but also builds strong relationships with vendors and attracts future clients.

Remember, the key to a successful styled shoot lies in the details and the seamless collaboration between all parties involved.

With these strategies, you’ll increase your chances of getting your work published and reaching a wider audience.

Wedding Team:

Venue: The Hartman Venue

Photographer: 135 mm Photography

Designer/Planner: Tracey M Events

Florals: Flowers Time

Dried/Silk Flowers: Fleur Wholesale

Stationery: A Good Day Inc

Makeup/Hair: Michele Rose Beauty

Tables and Chairs: The Hartman Venue

Chargers/Plates/Glassware/Flatware/Napkins: Chairman Mills & Event Rental Group