“Is there really a need to take pre-wedding photos?” Just like any bride who’s planning her wedding, you’ve probably asked yourself this same question. Well, it isn’t really mandatory to do a pre-wedding photoshoot, but doing so is actually a good way to document yourselves right before your marriage. If you want, you can also use your photos as a wedding day décor or gifts to family and friends. But aside from that, one of the most important reasons why you should consider having an engagement shoot is you’ll be able to test your photographer’s skills. Felt a bit interested? Then read on to know the basics on how you can get the most out of your pre-wedding shots.

1. Photoshoot Schedules. The best opportunity to take your pics would depend on when and how you’re planning to use these photos. Here’s a quick rundown of the photoshoot scheduling options that might work for you.

• First or Second Day. Take a photo or a hire a Korean pre-wedding photographer (for Korean-themed shoots) to take a photo of yourselves immortalizing the moment you got engaged.

• First Month. Schedule your pre-wedding shoot early if you want to have beautiful korean wedding photography from Singapore after your engagement if you’re planning to submit an engagement announcement to your local paper. Just don’t forget to check on the paper’s website for the guidelines on announcement printing requirements.

• When You’ve Set Your Wedding Date. If this wedding trend somewhat captures your attention, and you want to send your guests an early heads-up, then have your save-the-date pictures taken eight to 10 months before your wedding and send them to your guests no later the six months before your big day.

• Two Months Before. Already trying out your wedding day makeup and styling? Then schedule your makeup, hair, and gown trial appointments with your bridal studio on the same date as your photoshoot. This way, you get to capture a glimpse of how fab you’ll look on your wedding day. Just remember to set an in-between time for some damage control in case the salon results aren’t as great as your expected it to be.

2. Photographer In-Charge. Most photographers include a pre-wedding photoshoot as a part of their over-all Korean wedding photography package, which allows to observe your chosen photographer in action before the wedding day. Through this, he gets to work and experiment on different poses, angles, and levels of lighting that he can use for the day itself.

3. Photoshoot Theme. Before calling out your Korean pre-wedding photographer, discuss what your photoshoot theme will be with your partner first. Make your decision-making process a lot easier by thinking of how you’ll be using your photos. Will you hang it on the walls, or have it printed as personalized favour stickers? Go through these photoshoot options to help you decide on the kind of pre-wedding snaps you’ll have.

• Bring Your Shoot Outdoors. It’s really not needed to your entire day cooped in your photographer’s studio if you don’t want to. So instead of doing studio photoshoots, try visiting a nearby botanical garden or arboretum, or your favourite landmark in downtown Singapore. You can also try asking for great local site suggestions from your photographer.

• Significant Spots. Give your engagement photos a rather sappy vibe by doing your shoot on the places that were significant to your relationship – the ice cream parlour that you frequent on weekends, or the restaurant you dined on your very first date. As soon as your photographer starts snapping his camera, start retelling your stories and reliving those moments to help your photographer capture a series of romantic and fun candid’s.
• Close-Up Shots. There’s no better way to show how in love you are with your fiancé than an affectionate close-up photo where you’re holding hands, hugging, or if you want, kissing. Apart from showing off your love for your betrothed, a close-up couple shot is the shot specifically requested in most publications (if you’re planning to post an engagement announcement on your local paper).

4. Photoshoot Outfits. While your pre-wedding photo doesn’t require you to shop and wear matching outfits during your shoot, it’s still important that you stay mindful on the attire you’re going to wear on that day to ensure a lovely end result. Use these tricks as your guidelines for dressing your part.

• The Duds. Whether you’re having a casual or a formal shoot, sticking to solid colours is a must. As much as possible, avoid wearing outfits set it florals, patterns, plaids, or going on a head-to-toe black or white ensemble. If you’re worried about colour, try picking a neutral shade and some coordinating colour tones that you both like (brown with blue and pink, grey with violet and blue) and stick with those.
• The Details. For your jewelleries, it’d be best to keep everything simple to avoid all the flashy distractions in your photos. Men should leave out their watch and their pinkie ring on the dresser, while women should just stick with a pair of unfussy earrings, a simple bracelet and necklace, and of course, your engagement ring.

5. Photoshoot on Budget. If an engagement shoot isn’t included in the Korean wedding package of the bridal boutique you signed up with, try hiring a stand-alone photographer instead. If you’re just going to have a portrait shoot at a studio, then an a la carte photographer is the best choice for you. If you’re following a really strict budget, then ask your trusted shutterbug friend if he or she can play the role of your wedding photographer.

Just like with your actual day photoshoots, signing up for a pre-wedding photoshoot is also a great way to document your relationship before you finally tie the knot. So do keep these tips in mind, and you’ll definitely be able to make the most out of your photoshoot.