In the bustling world of wedding planning, styled shoots have emerged as essential events for vendors to exhibit their skills and services, while simultaneously building their portfolio. These collaborative endeavors provide a platform for photographers, florists, planners, and other professionals to come together and creatively display what they can do. But what exactly is a styled shoot, and why are we hearing about them more and more?
Grab yourself a glass of wine, because you are about to find out!
Styled shoots are meticulously planned photo (and sometimes video) sessions where multiple vendors work together to create a stylized visual narrative. Unlike real weddings, styled shoots aren’t about capturing authentic moments or documenting a couple’s love story (though with the right models, it will feel that way). Instead, they focus on showcasing the talents and creativity of each vendor involved; from stunning floral arrangements to intricately designed tablescapes, and just about everything you can imagine in between.
Just as with actual weddings, the theme options for a styled shoot are endless. A team might come together to set up a rustic-chic woodland wedding or a glamorous urban elopement (or have a little more fun with it and go with something dramatic like “Phantom of the Opera”). By combining their skills and resources, these professionals can produce images that display their individual strengths while also highlighting their ability to work as part of a team. From photographers and videographers capturing every decor element detail to bakers showing off their most intricate cake designs, every vendor involved pools their expertise to create a cohesive and visually captivating experience.
So, why are these professionals willing to do this for free?
Styled shoots are not cheap, and they take a lot of time, both in planning and execution. However, they also offer numerous benefits for those involved. First, they provide an opportunity for each vendor to showcase their work in a controlled environment that allows them to focus entirely on aesthetics rather than the operation of an actual event (unlike at a real wedding, where the priority is the the event itself and actually getting two people married). This ensures that their work is presented in the best possible light, without anyone having to worry about Uncle Bobby tripping over the flower girl and spilling his Vodka Cran all over the guestbook table.
Additionally, styled shoots offer vendors the chance to network and build relationships within the industry. By collaborating with other professionals, they can expand their professional circles, learn from one another, and form valuable partnerships for future projects. Having a trusted network where you can exchange ideas, resources, and referrals is invaluable in the event industry, and ultimately benefits everyone involved. Plus, with the right team, they are really, really fun!
As the demand for unique and personalized weddings continues to grow, styled shoots will remain a cornerstone of innovation and creativity in the industry. And at Bella Vie, we personally adore them.
Remember, the Bella Vie Team is here for you for every need you have, including those you haven’t thought of yet!
Always, always feel free to reach out to us for tips and advice, no strings attached! We will be happy to point you in the right direction.
Until next time,
Ciao, Bellas!
Photography: Cain’s Candids, Brittani Chin Photography
Venues: Upper Larimer, Casa Sagrada
Event Design + Signage: Bella Vie Event Company
Florals: KM Flowers and Events
Decor: Manus in Manu Events
Rentals: Allwell Rents, Flexx Productions
Appetizers: Harvest to Home Personal Chef Services
Violinist: Kaleidoscope Music Studio
Disco Ball Chandelier: Event Design by Scott + Katie
