Most couples opt for pre-wedding shoots these days. We spoke to seasoned photographers and asked couples who've done it as well. 
Is the hassle worth the result? 
Written by Zainab Faizal 

A pre-wedding shoot in action - Liza and Anush captured by fluke

Wedding time means picture time. However this can be quite the ride, when instead of being relaxed and enjoying the day, you can be pretty stressed out and bordering on a nervous breakdown. 

You want nothing but the best and this also means the perfect photographs. So in moments like these, pre – wedding shoots come in handy. 

Why a pre – wedding shoot?

A pre - wedding shoot is the privilege of getting to know your photographer better and vice versa, it’s like a rehearsal which is a fantastic way for you to get comfortable in front of the camera. You get prepared for the big day where you would be the centre of attention with flashing lights, hoping for no awkwardness and less stress.
Pre wedding shoots can be tedious if you’re photographer insists on cheesy poses and uncomfortable surroundings.
We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons to these shoots so you can decide if you’d actually want one for your wedding!

• If you’re a softie and you’re probably gonna end up crying on your wedding for every tiny thing, then you most certainly can’t afford to have embarrassing pictures taken of you (even if your makeup is waterproof). Therefore, a pre wedding shoot is ideal, when your hair and make-up is gonna be fresh and gorgeous! Plus you won’t have your aunt’s lipstick smears all over your cheeks. 
   
• Weddings are always full of people you haven’t met in ages and you need to socialise, go on with the ceremony and more. Your day’s schedule can be quite packed. Pre-wedding shoots are handy, in that, you can take the photographs and get them out of the way and only focus on the most important shots on the actual day. 
   
• On the actual wedding day, you’re likely to spend a considerable amount of time “finding” the flower girls or the page boys who’d be somewhere dancing or playing with other kids. Before the ceremony is the perfect opportunity to be able to have the bridal party and immediate family in one place for any important pictures. 
   
• You’d be much calmer at a pre-shoot than on your big day!
   
• You can travel elsewhere and take pictures in places you’ve always wanted to be pictured with your beloved fiancé. Maybe a particular coffee shop you both cherish, or that beach you always wanted to go to. There shall be no fuss! 
   
• You’d not have to worry about a lengthy photo shoot straight after the ceremony, and have more time to mingle with guests and enjoy! 

• For those who believe that seeing the bride before the ceremony is bad luck, this won’t be an option. 
   
• Most couples tend to fear that the magic of the ‘first look’ won’t be the same as when the groom sees the bride for the first time whilst walking up the aisle.
   
• The photo time you usually have during the wedding will be skipped, therefore taking away the much needed “break” from all the festivities. 
   
• Not to mention – double the cost! 

10 tips for brides before your

pre-wedding shoot

Meet up with the photographer and makeup artist – you need to discuss your personal styling and the particular theme you’d be interested in. Why do you need to talk to these two? Because they are your creative force, the ones who’re gonna put your masterpiece together, therefore communication is absolutely vital to determine the right type of makeup, hair and style of photography.
 

Dress rehearsals – make sure you go for your gown fitting as close to the shoot day as possible, mostly because brides tend to lose or put on weight in the last minute and you don’t want some unfitting dress on this important photoshoot of yours.
 
 

Exercise! – you’d want to look your absolute best on both the pre wedding shoot and the wedding day, therefore step up your game for a healthy diet and exercise regime to make sure you look absolutely glowing.(Do this a few months prior!) 

 

Facial masks – a radiant complexion is definitely every bride’s most crucial piece of accessory, and with all the wedding planning hassle, it’s best you get a few relaxing masks to help calm down. So start going on regular facials and also have your own DIY ones at home.  A good complexion is best to hold make up and give you that natural glow. 
 

Manicure & pedicure – you most certainly would like to show off your beautiful toes and finger nails, especially when you’ve got that giant diamond ring to flash around! 
 

Flower bouquet – if you’ve got them in early, just make sure to never keep them in your home refrigerator, mainly since you can’t determine the right temperature. Keep them in a container filled with water and place them in an air – conditioned room to maintain freshness. 
 

Heels & comfort shoes – pre wedding shoots would require you to walk around quite a lot. Therefore instead of making your way around in your expensive heels and getting shoe cuts, it’s best you pack your comfortable sandals, that way you’re at ease, can travel and keep your feet fresh and healthy. 

 

Early to bed – sleep early and be hydrated as much as possible, drinking sufficient water in order to avoid puffy eyes. However avoid having large quantities of water before sleeping too. 
 

Lingerie please – your chest area may tend to get sweaty during photoshoots, especially if it’s an outdoor one. If you’ve got on a silicon bra, it will lose its stickiness due to sweat, so bring a few more with you just in case. 


 

Place your trust in your photographer and makeup artist – your creative team has ample experience and they know what they are doing so don’t you worry child, just smile! 


 

“Pre wedding shoots are certainly those things that help the photographer and the couples reach a common ground and understanding and to get to know each other. The couples end up being far more relaxed and this makes a difference in the pictures and it’s always a good thing. We tend to let the couples be themselves; then the pictures come out natural; the shoots also help them to ease out before the big day.”
– Geeshan Bandara of U & G photography 
Contact number:  077 345 1983

“Some couples have a pre wedding shoot to ensure the photo session is relaxed. Whereas on the other hand some don’t believe in the whole pre wedding shoot.”
- Malaka of Weddings by Fluke 
Contact number: 077 266 0045 

 
“We had a brilliant time, it wasn’t a suffering at all, it was actually amazing and fun! I’m personally someone who’s horrible in front of the camera, however Weddings by Fluke allowed me to be who I am and made it an comfortable experience.” 
– Anush De Costa & Liza De Jong 

“What we found is that during the pre wedding shoot we weren’t following anything nor having any choreography, they made it all real. The best part was that they allowed us to focus on our moments and to be ourselves, it was all natural photography.” 
– Thilanka Abeywardana 

"In my opinion, a pre-shoot gives you an opportunity to get lovely pictures before the function starts and before your makeup goes off and before you get all tired and all that but then again when the love of your life sees you all dolled up for the first time.... that moment, that excitement...I think that's priceless....." 
- Azeema & Rimaz

“We didn’t have a pre wedding shoot, and with all the hassle and drama with the wedding itself we wished we had done one.” 
– Mr & Mrs. Ramzan

Are pre-wedding shoots worth it? You decide. At the end of the day, the choice is always yours. It’s your wedding day after all!