We know planning a shoot can be overwhelming. Not sure where to start with your shoot planning? Let me guide you to it!

Before you make any dress confirmation and deposits, please talk to your photographer first! This is for making sure the dresses will work for your chosen locations.

Step 1 - Research on the style & mood you love

Start with collecting a few photos you like that reflects your vision of the shoot outcomes. It can be on Instagram, photographer websites, wedding blogs, Pinterest, editorial magazines. I usually save them in one folder, and look at them as a set, or make it into a moodboard (putting it into one page) will be even better.

Putting inspiration images together will give you an idea to envision your end result and better communicate with your creative team & vendors

You can start to see some common elements in the moodboard, such as if you like outdoors or indoors, glam editorial or more candid, formal or casual, darker colors or lighter colors for the suits. Having this in mind will help you choose the locations or outfits.

Keep in mind that if you have multiple ideas, you will need to select the ones that could work.

Step 2 - Decide on the locations

You may start to have some ideas on the potential locations, research if it is possible to go to these location on the same day. Usually I like to plan one indoor location + one outdoor one, this timeline is by far the most comfortable plan as you can change outfits & hairstyling before going to the outdoor location. Changing looks outdoors is possible but will be a bit more hectic, especially for very hot weathers.

I also love shooting with sunset lighting, so I love to plan a location that has access to beautiful light.

Have a back up plan in mind in case of bad weather. I usually suggest rescheduling for very bad weather, but if it is difficult to move the date, moving to indoor locations such as the 1881 Champagne Gallery / Studio is a great option as well.

Step 3 - Planning the timeline

Usually it’s the photographer’s job to plan out the timeline in order to get the best shots. We keep the timeline flexible as we might start earlier or later according to the sunset time, or weather conditions.

If your shoot involves 2+ locations and /or they are remote, I would highly recommend booking a 7 seater car for your shoot (please ask me for driver contact if you are my client).

Step 4 - Styling your outfits & looks

This is my favourite part of shoots! Styling is super fun and is a great way to flatter you and wear your dream outfits.

For wedding gowns, my favourite gown shops with designer dresses include

The Wedding Gown - offers a huge selection of rental options for stylish brides
Trinity Bridal - mostly purchase options which is great for most fitted tailoring. small selection of rental options.
Bridalistic - rental options. great for the stylish mermaid silhouette gowns with stylish details.
The Loft Bridal - purchase options. Another fashion heaven for brides looking for something different.

All of these above have great emphasis on style and beautiful tailoring which I think is very important for the shoot outcome. My favourite designer brands include Liz Martinez, Berta, Ines di Santo, Oscar de la Renta, Lee Grebeneau, Carolina Herrera, Monique Lhuillier etc. It’s hard to name all the designers, and there are always new ones coming in! I do tend to love gowns that are easier to walk and move around, or ones that have interesting details or shapes for a fashion vibe.

For suits, we recommend a tailor made suit! Trust me, it makes a huge difference when suits are tailor made. Depending on your budget and preference, you can go for one dark color suit (Navy, Black) or one in lighter color (grey, sand, beige) for a classic but refreshing look.

Pro Tip: Go for smart and more stylish tailoring for suits (if you are my client, please ask me for tailor recommendations).

I recommend first deciding on the dresses before deciding on the suit. Ideally you want to match the formality of the outfits. For example, if the bride goes for a dramatic Nicole Felicia ball gown, it makes more sense to pair it with a formal black tux, or anything as formal.

Pro Tip: Make sure you try the full set of outfit and send a photo of you in the outfit to the photographer before the shoot. This is to make sure everything works well. Common items that grooms forget are socks & cufflinks.

Pro Tip: Check height differences with your groom to wear the right height for the heels (check with Hilary at the meeting for this).

Step 5 - Don’t forget the accessories!

Once you got the dresses & suits, make sure you also think about earrings, shoes, rings & watches (for the groom). Dont forget to clean your diamond ring for the most sparkle.

For a classic look, you can go for diamond earrings, wedding rings, engagement rings and tennis bracelet. For more fashion/edgy vibes, go for statement earrings.

Our partner make up artist Cherry Wong Makeup offers earring styling services (optional add on). DM for more info.

Step 6 - Don’t forget the underwear

Wearing the right underwear is crucial for wedding gown or bridal looks especially the sheer dresses.

Talk to your gown shop for recommendations. The NuBra brand is often a good option.

If you are wearing a slip dress, look for a seamless nude color brazilian cut panty from Intimissimi (pick a color closest to your skintone).

Pro Tip: Make sure to use a color very close to your skin tone. Try it with the dress and take a photo using your phone to see if the underwear shows.

Step 7 - Props

Sometimes a flower bouquet or loose styling flowers will help make the shoot more interesting. We recommend styling with a bouquet from Terrain Florals. I highly recommend using fresh flowers for shoots! It can be a little expensive but makes a huge difference.

Step 8 - Make up & hair

Usually we will share photos of you and your outfits to our MUA for them to style you in a suitable hair & make up look. This can be decided much closer to shoot date and will be taken care of by the MUA team.

Step 9 - Start a healthy lifestyle & fitness plan to get in shape

If you really want to look your best, this is crucial step in looking great in photos. This is the reason most celebrities have personal trainers. A good personal training coach can help improving your posture. Almost in every shoots I see slouching shoulders (this does not communicate confidence visually), so I recommend training upper body muscles to improve posture and spine health. A strong core can help with posture as well!

As soon as you booked your prewedding shoot, source a good PT and start your training. Ideally you should be following a healthy diet plan and pay attention to what you are eating. Start cutting down sugary foods and drinks is a big step!

Step 10 - Beauty Appointments

Hair color - Single color or baby lights. Avoid pure black hair but this is personal preference. I recommend Sing for haircuts and Zuii for hair coloring.

Nails - nude / elegant natural colors - I recommend Artpower Nail

Brow shaping & Keratin lash - I recommend Sparkle Up Workshop

Get these done around 1 week (Lash / Hair) and few days (nails) before the shoot would be great.

Step 11 - Self care for days leading towards the shoot

These are optional things you can do on the days leading towards the shoot

2-3 weeks before, start cutting down amount of sugar & carbs in the diet. This will help with getting rid of bloating in the body.
Moisturise often including face, lips, leg, arm
Book a lymphatic massage 1-2 days before the shoot. We recommend Shh Massage in Jordan / Happy Valley.
Drink Dandalion Root Tea the night before the shoot to reduce bloating.
Drink black coffee the morning of the shoot.
Wash your hair on the morning of the shoot & come with a fresh, moisturised clean face.

Last but not least, most importantly is to relax and enjoy the photo shoot! It’s a once in a lifetime romantic & intimate experience. Don’t worry about not knowing how to pose! I will be guiding you to look your best on the day.

Hope you enjoyed my blog post on shoot prep! Please share it with your friends if they are preparing for a prewedding shoot.

xx Hilary

May 27 The Complete Shoot Prep Guide - How to Plan a Prewedding Photo Shoot