As you are wedding planning (and let’s be real, spending $$$), you may be wondering, is an engagement session worth the time and investment? 

A lot of photographers will include an engagement session into their wedding packages, but some may have it as a separate fee. Whether it’s included or not in a wedding package, the short answer is yes. Do an engagement session with your wedding photographer. 

Below are four reasons why you should do an engagement session.

Get comfortable in front of the camera.

Many couples have never had professional photos taken (as individuals or together) until they’re engaged. For some, it’s uncomfortable to be in front of the lens, and for others, it’s downright terrifying. If you plan to have professional photos or video taken on your wedding day, an engagement session is a perfect intro to getting and feeling comfortable in front of the camera. By having an engagement session, you’ll hopefully feel even more natural and relaxed in front of the camera on the wedding day.

Get familiar with your photographer.

You likely did thorough research on your photographer before booking, including interviewing them, looking through galleries and reading reviews of past couples’ experiences. All those things are important, but what better way to get to know your photographer than by having them participate in a rehearsal (engagement session) before the main event (wedding day)? An engagement session is a great opportunity to get to know your photographer’s personality, shooting style and general process so you can better connect before the wedding day. The alternative is only meeting and working with your photographer on the wedding day itself for the very first time.  

Use photos for save-the-dates, wedding décor and the wedding website.

One of the best parts of having professional photos of you and your partner is how you can use them throughout the wedding details. Engagement photos can be used when sending a paper or digital save the date, in your wedding décor for the gift table/reception tables/bar/favors, or on your wedding website. Engagement photos give a warm touch to wedding details and personalize your venue space.

A fun way to celebrate your love.

You don’t have to wait until your wedding day to celebrate your love. An engagement session is a fun day date or date night to hang out with your partner in a less formal, more relaxed atmosphere. You get a chance to connect, create new memories and spend time together.  And if you plan to have professional hair and makeup done on your wedding day and can coordinate it properly, you can combine the hair and makeup trial with your engagement session killing two birds with one stone for an ultimate experience!

Wednesday, July 31, 2024