One of my favourite things in this job is when I get asked to take part in a styled shoot. If you are unsure what a styled shoot is then think of an editorial fashion shoot but for a wedding.
A styled shoot brings many different wedding suppliers together to showcase their work and it allows them to have great photographs for their website, advertising and social media posts. The end goal of a styled shoot is to have it published on either a wedding blog or in a wedding magazine.
How do you plan a styled shoot?
So before you start to gather a team together you need to have a concept. The shoot I have featured in this blog was a Boho meets Urban shoot. The concept was that you can have a Boho inspired wedding indoors in an Urban environment. This concept was put together by The Urban Wedding Company with Stylist Zoey and Planner Chelle running the shoot.
Once a concept is confirmed then a venue or location needs to be secured. Many venues will allow you to use their property free of charge as long as they are given photographs that they can use in their advertising too.
Once a venue or location is secured (and do bear in mind if it is an outdoor location you really need a Plan B to account for the great British weather) then you can start on a moodboard.
The mood board is what will bring the shoot together. It helps all of the suppliers visualise what the final shoot should look and feel like. It is probably the most important part of the planning. You may have a look and concept in your head but to translate this effectively to the suppliers your moodboard is key.
Now it's time to get your team on board. Choose suppliers that you know will fit your style and have similar ideal clients as you do. Choose a photographer who will capture the mood and the shots that you want. Plan the shots you would like prior to the shoot and always have an end result such as a publication or blog in mind when planning the photos.
I'd say that after your photographer your model or models are the next most important members of the team. If the model is inexperienced or uncomfortable in front of the many suppliers who will be attending the shoot then you will not get the images you want. The rest of the team is up to you. Of course I'd always say a fabulous wedding cake is an absolute must and so are flowers, invitations and of course an amazing dress or dresses and don't forget a cool suit if you have a groom. A stylist and or planner will bring the whole look together.
Do make a call list for on the day so each supplier knows when they have to attend and what is expected of them.
Once the shoot is over and the editing has been done it is really important not to post any photos on social media or on your website before they have been accepted for publication. You will surely be super proud of the results and excited to share them but hang fire. Most magazines or blogs will want exclusivity and may not accept your submission if the photos have been posted elsewhere first.
Once you've got your shoot published then share, share and share some more. Just remember to credit all of the suppliers who were involved and they'll do the same for you.
So off you go and style that shoot, it's so much fun and a great way to meet new people in your industry.
Lisa x
If you'd like to book a wedding cake consultation please email: urbancakehousemail@gmail.com
I'd love to hear from you.
If you'd like me to provide a wedding cake for a styled shoot then email me on: urbancakehousemail@gmail.com
Suppliers involved in this shoot were:
FACILITATOR: THE URBAN WEDDING COMPANY STYLIST: BESPOKE EVENTS & STYLING PLANNER: MICHELLE AMY WEDDINGS CAKE: URBAN CAKEHOUSE PHOTOGRAPHER: EMMA BOYLE PHOTOGRAPHY MAKEUP: MAKEUP BY LAUREN POOLE HAIR: EVE BOWER VIDEOGRAPHER: JEN AMELIA FILM STATIONERY: RASPBERRY TOAST WEDDING DRESSES: THE CONSCIOUS BRIDE ACCESSORIES: FANCY BOUTIQUE LEATHER JACKET: SAMMY LEAS RETRO PILLOWS: RAGGLE TAGGLE MACRAME: LITTLE WHITE ATTIC VENUE: LOCK 91 IN MANCHESTER FLOWERS: PERFECT BOUQUET FULL OF FLOWERS MODEL – CHARLOTTE
Well first of all you need a concept and this has to resonate with your i