Planning a styled wedding shoot can be an exciting way to showcase your photography skills, but it can feel overwhelming if you've never done one before. Don't worry! You don’t need a huge budget or a fancy venue to create a stunning shoot. You can start small and simple, and with a few key vendors, you can create a beautiful portfolio piece. Here’s how to plan your first styled wedding shoot as a beginner photographer.
styled shoots
CATEGORY
03/29 /2025
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How to Plan a Basic Styled Wedding Shoot: A Beginner’s Guide
One of the most important parts of a styled wedding shoot is the couple. You’ll need a couple to model for you, and you don’t have to spend money on professional models. Reach out to friends, family, or even other photographers who might be willing to help out in exchange for photos. If you don’t have models in mind, you can always look for couples online (like on Instagram or Facebook) who might be interested in collaborating.
The couple’s outfits can be simple—don’t stress about fancy dresses or tuxedos. A more relaxed or elopement-style vibe can work perfectly, BUT THERE ARE PLENTY OF DRESS SHOPS TAHT WILL COLLABORATE WITH PHOTOGRAPHERS FOR A SMALL FEE OR CLEANING FEE. EITHER OPTION WILL help you keep things low-cost while still capturing beautiful images. You can even ask the couple to wear something they already own, as long as it fits the mood of the shoot.
START WITH THE COUPLE
The Florist: Bouquet and Boutonniere
Flowers are a key element in any wedding shoot. Even if you’re on a tight budget, having a basic bouquet and boutonniere can make a huge difference. Reach out to a local florist and see if they’re willing to collaborate with you for a styled shoot. Some florists might offer to provide just a bouquet and boutonniere in exchange for free publicity or photos.
If the florist is open to more floral pieces, like a floral crown or additional table decor, that’s even better! Just be upfront about your budget and see if they can work within those limits. Simple but beautiful florals can still add a lot of elegance to your shoot.
Venue: Elopement Vibes or Traditional Venue
If you’re not quite ready to tackle a full wedding venue, consider going for a more intimate elopement-style shoot. This can help you focus on the couple and their emotions, rather than a big venue and complicated setup.
However, if you do want a venue involved, reach out to some local venues to see if they’re open to collaborating. Many venues will be willing to let you use their space in exchange for photos, especially if the shoot will be featured on your website or social media. Be sure to check their availability, as venues often book up fast!
Rentals for Decor
If you’re including a reception or sweetheart table in your shoot, you might want to reach out to a rental company. Renting a few key items like table settings, chairs, and linens can add a lot of style and detail to your shoot without breaking the bank. You don’t need to rent everything—just a few pieces to create a beautifully styled table can make your photos look polished and complete.
Collaborate with a Planner
If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed by coordinating all the details, consider reaching out to a wedding planner. Many planners are open to collaborating on styled shoots, and they can be a huge help in finding additional vendors (like a cake maker or makeup artist), as well as creating a timeline for the shoot day. This can help ensure everything goes smoothly and that you have time to capture all the details.
Create a Simple Timeline
Once you have your couple, florals, and venue or elopement location lined up, it’s time to create a simple timeline. A timeline will help you stay organized and make sure you get all the photos you need. Here’s a basic outline you can follow:
Morning: Arrival and setup (for vendors, models, and you)
Late morning to early afternoon: Portraits of the couple, detail shots (bouquet, rings, etc.)
Midday: Reception or sweetheart table shots (if you’re including these)
Late afternoon: Sunset or golden hour photos
Morning: Arrival and setup (for vendors, models, and you)
Late morning to early afternoon: Portraits of the couple, detail shots (bouquet, rings, etc.)
Midday: Reception or sweetheart table shots (if you’re including these)
Late afternoon: Sunset or golden hour photos
Keep in mind that this is just a basic timeline. You can adjust it depending on your location, the couple’s preferences, and how much time you have to work with.
Have Fun and Keep It Simple
Remember, this is your chance to get creative and have fun! Don’t stress about making everything perfect—styled shoots are a great way to experiment and practice. Keep your shoot simple, and focus on capturing beautiful moments with your couple and the other vendors you’re working with. The goal is to create beautiful content that you can showcase in your portfolio, while learning and growing as a photographer.
