Are you looking to up your game and stand out in the competitive market of the wedding industry? Maybe, you’ve heard about styled wedding shoots but aren’t quite sure what they are or if it’s worth your time and effort? Well, let me just say this: a styled wedding shoot may be one of the best decisions you make for your business. As an experienced wedding photographer (& the founder of the Styled Wedding Shoots blog!) who has organized numerous editorials over the years, I can confidently tell you that these collaborative photo sessions have countless benefits for all involved. Want to know more? Get ready to dive into the world of styled wedding shoots!

What is a styled wedding shoot?

If you’re in the wedding industry, you’ve no doubt heard of the popular trend of styled wedding shoots. But you may be wondering what a styled shoot actually is. Well, essentially, a styled shoot is where a group of vendors come together to showcase their talents and creative ideas through a wedding-themed photo shoot. The concept of the photoshoot may be bridal or based around a mock wedding and focuses on a collaborative effort, with each vendor contributing their unique skills and expertise to bring the vision to life.

What is the difference between a Styled Shoot, Styled Wedding Workshop, and Content Day?

When it comes to wedding-themed editorials, you might come across a few different terms: styled shoot, content day, and styled wedding workshop. Although they all involve a collaboration between wedding professionals, there are some key differences.

• A styled shoot is essentially an editorial photo session, allowing vendors to showcase their work in a wedding-themed setting.
• A content day is similar to a styled shoot with a focus on providing lots of details. The content day shoot is generally open to a group of photographers and videographers, who pay for a ticket to come along and capture the content provided, for their portfolio.
• A styled wedding workshop is like a content day, in that it is open to other creatives to come and capture content to add to their websites & social media, but with a few added elements. A workshop may be held over several days, incorporating different shoots, and often includes an educational components for attendees, for instance seminars or talks be industry experts.

Essentially, the main goals of a styled shoot, workshop and content day are similar, but it’s important to understand the differences so you can decide which is the best fit for you and your business.

What is the goal of a styled shoot?

The idea of creating a styled shoot may sound interesting, but I’m sure as a busy wedding industry professional you may have questions. Like, what is the purpose of a styled shoot? How can a styled shoot benefit you as a wedding vendor? And, are styled shoots worth it?

So, what is the goal of a styled wedding shoot? Well, there are many reasons why you can benefit from planning a styled wedding shoot, which we will break down and discuss in more detail below.

Get those breathtaking shots and showcase your work to potential clients

Whether you are a planner, photographer, florist, or other wedding vendor, it’s essential to build a wedding portfolio that resonates with your perfect client – and a styled wedding shoot is a fantastic way to achieve this! Not only will you get beautiful images to add to your portfolio, but you can also tailor the shoot to produce the kind of work that will attract your ideal client and appeal to future clients.

Create content for your website & social media

Editorial shoots are a great way to create marketing material that showcases your skills and style. The images can be used as fresh content for sharing on your website, Pinterest, and social media platforms like Instagram. Having eye-catching visuals is crucial to capturing the attention of the kind of brides you would love to work with.

Develop a vision, try new techniques, and bring it to life

A wedding shoot is a really great way to push your boundaries to the next level and flex your creative muscles. Not only does it give you an excellent opportunity to experiment with new techniques, but it also gives you the creative freedom to bring your styled shoot vision board to life. You may be a floral designer who wants to experiment with a different color scheme. A calligrapher looking to try some new papers. A hair stylist wanting to create new hairstyles. Or a make-up artist interested in practicing with different looks? With no pressure from clients, a styled shoot is the perfect opportunity to try new ideas and showcase your unique style and talents.

Get on top of new wedding trends & styles

As a wedding vendor, you know how important it is to stay on top of new trends and styles – and that’s where inspirational shoots come in! Not only do they give you a chance to experiment with different ideas and let your creativity shine, but they also allow you to get ahead of the game and showcase new wedding trends before they become mainstream.

Great for networking and building vendor relationships within the wedding industry

When you are in the wedding industry it’s essential to build, strengthen and nurture connections with different vendors. A styled shoot gives you the opportunity to work with a team of industry professionals, build relationships with new vendors, and reinforce existing bonds with your fellow wedding creatives. Maybe you’re a cake maker who wants to establish a connection with a wedding planner. Or perhaps you’re a photographer who wants to collaborate with fellow photographers to learn different techniques and styles. Either way, a styled wedding shoot gives you the opportunity you to mingle with a vendor team, expanding your network. Working with a team of vendors will challenge you, help you learn and grow within your craft, and make lasting connections in the wedding industry. It’s a team effort, and the more like-minded people involved, makes for a successful styled shoot.

Fresh content to submit to wedding publications & blogs

As a wedding professional, having visually stunning content to share with potential clients is key to increasing exposure and booking your ideal clients. Not only will a styled wedding shoot give you new and exciting content to share on your website and social media, but it can also be submitted to wedding blogs for publication. Blogs like Style Me Pretty, Green Wedding Shoes, and Wedding Sparrow are always on the lookout for fresh and gorgeous wedding inspiration, and having your shoot featured on their site can attract the eyes of your dream clients. And don’t underestimate the importance of publishing a blog post on your business website. A behind-the-scenes look into a bridal shoot can give your potential clients a closer look at your process and expertise. Click to discover ‘How to get your Styled Wedding Shoot published’.

Should you use a real couple or a professional model couple for a styled wedding shoot?

When it comes to styled wedding shoots, deciding whether to go with a real couple or professional models for your bride & groom or same-sex couple can be difficult. As someone with experience with both options, each choice has pros and cons. If you use a real couple, you can capture raw emotions and genuine moments that are unique to them. On the other hand, professional models know how to pose and work with the camera, making it easier for you to get the perfect shot. The best way to choose is clarifying your goals for the shoot and making your selection based on them. Read more about this on ‘How to find models for a styled wedding shoot’.

What are the downsides of doing a styled wedding shoot?

When it comes to styled wedding shoots, there are a lot of benefits, as we’ve discussed above. However, there are certainly downsides that are worth considering before diving in. One of the biggest hurdles to overcome is time – planning a styled shoot can take weeks, if not months, to assemble. It can feel like a full-time job, from sourcing props and outfits to coordinating schedules with vendors. Additionally, there’s the financial aspect to consider. While many vendors may be willing to collaborate for free in exchange for photos & networking, there are still costs associated with putting on a shoot. These may include the cost of any rentals, decor, fresh flowers, or any other supplies needed to bring your vision to life. That being said, if you’re willing to put in the time and money, the rewards can be well worth it!

Are styled shoots worth it?

Are styled shoots worth it for your wedding business? It really depends on your main goals and where you are in your journey. The benefits include creating fresh content for your portfolio and getting seen on wedding blogs, as well as collaborating with other talented team members and experimenting with new trends. However, it’s important also to consider the disadvantages, such as the cost implications and time commitment involved. This includes time dedicated during the planning process and on the day of the shoot itself. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide if a styled shoot is the right fit for your business, but don’t rush into it without giving yourself plenty of time to weigh the pros and cons.

In Summary

Whether you’re a seasoned wedding vendor or just starting out in the industry, styled wedding shoots, workshops, and content days can benefit your business. Each option offers unique advantages, which ultimately come down to your specific goals and preferences. But no matter which route you choose, one thing is for sure: collaboration and community are key in the wedding industry. These opportunities not only allow us to create beautiful content, spread our creative wings, and connect with other talented professionals who share our passion for weddings. So do not hesitate to step out of your comfort zone and try something new!
If you’re looking to participate in a styled shoot or workshop, be sure to check out our directory and join our community of vendors looking to collaborate. Remember, together, we can elevate the wedding industry and create unforgettable client experiences. Cheers to growth, learning, and beautiful collaborations!

If you liked this, you may also like:

How to get your Styled Wedding Shoot published

How to find models for a styled wedding shoot