Why Styled Shoots Are More Than Just Pretty Pictures
Styled shoots are a fantastic opportunity for venues and suppliers to showcase their creativity, expertise, and the beauty of their offerings. They bring together talented professionals to create stunning visual displays that capture the essence of a dream wedding. These eye catching photographs can inspire couples, highlight a venue’s versatility, and provide content for websites, brochures, and social media.
Styled shoots are also a great way for suppliers to network, collaborate, and experiment with new ideas in a low pressure environment.
While these shoots are undeniably fabulous, they can sometimes paint an idealised picture of what’s possible. As a couple, it’s important to look beyond the beauty and consider the practicality and logistics of translating those ideas into your real wedding.
A WEEK OF LOVE
The stunning wedding setup pictured above by Calvin Lee Taylor, holds a very special place in my heart, it’s from my own wedding on Christmas Eve, 2016. This magical scene was the result of a week of dedicated preparation by myself and my amazing team. Every detail was thoughtfully created to bring my vision to life, and there were a lot of details!
We suspended elegant trees from the beams, adorned with sparkling crystals that twinkled in the light. Each chair was draped with covers and finished with two perfectly tied sashes. Lush flowers and soft feathers brought texture and beauty to the room, while rustic logs and glowing candles added warmth and a cosy winter charm. It truly was a labor of love, with so many intricate elements coming together to create something unforgettable.
If you’d like to know more about this magical day, you can check out the full story on my blog – click the pic below
5. Things to Consider When Drawing Inspiration from Styled Shoots
1. Table Setups: Is It Scalable?
Styled shoots often feature one beautifully elaborate table designed for eight to ten guests. While this setup is breathtaking, ask yourself whether it’s realistic for your wedding size. Will the same level of detail and decor be feasible for the 50, 60, or even 100 guests at your event? Consider the cost of replicating elaborate centerpieces, high-end linens, and intricate place settings across multiple tables. A single showpiece table is manageable in a styled shoot, but it’s important to understand how the design translates to a larger scale.
3. Cost of Hiring Decor
Styled shoots often feature high-end, unique decor items that may be rented specifically for the shoot. While these items create a gorgeous aesthetic, consider how hiring similar decor will impact your budget. Do the items require specialized handling or delivery? Will you need to hire multiple pieces to achieve the look for your wedding size? It’s worth discussing these details with your decorator or florist to ensure the design aligns with your vision and budget.
2. Supplier Access and Setup Times
A styled shoot typically allows suppliers ample time to perfect every detail, but wedding timelines can be much tighter. Find out how much time your chosen suppliers need to set up the decor you love. Does your venue allow access the day before, or only on the day itself? If early access incurs extra costs, factor this into your budget. You should also consider whether the setup will require additional equipment, such as lifts or ladders for elaborate installations, or extra staff to handle large-scale designs.
4. Removal and Breakdown
While the focus is often on the setup, don’t forget to think about the end of your event. Who is responsible for breaking down and removing the decor? Some suppliers handle this themselves, but it’s crucial to clarify what’s included in their service and whether additional fees apply for late-night or next-day removal. Ensure that your timeline accounts for sufficient time to clear the space, especially if your venue has strict rules about departure times.
5. Practical vs. Aspirational
Styled shoots are designed to inspire, so they often focus on creating a “wow” factor rather than practicality. While it’s wonderful to be inspired, keep in mind that a real wedding involves many moving parts—guests, meals, timelines, and logistics. Don’t hesitate to discuss your favorite ideas with your planner or suppliers, who can help adapt those ideas into something both beautiful and achievable for your big day
Making Styled Shoot Inspiration Work for You
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