Hey, lovelies! If you’re newly engaged, you’ve probably been asked these first few questions: how he asked, if you’ve picked a date yet, and if you’re getting engagement photos taken. Once you’ve told the story a few times and picked out a date, next comes the engagement photos. Many people wonder whether engagement photos are worth the time and money, or what to use engagement photos for after the fact. Today we’re answering these questions and more with the latest Ask Emmaline wedding advice question. Bride-to-be Stephanie writes us with the following,
“Hi Emmaline Bride, I’m getting married next May and we got engaged a few weeks ago. My mom has been asking whether we’re getting engagement photos done and we’ve considered it, but I’m not sure if they’re worth it. I’m not sure if we should get them taken or what engagement photos are used for. Why do couples get engagement photos taken? Do you know what to use engagement photos for?”
Stephanie, great questions! First, your mom is probably asking you because she’s excited! And she probably wants you to get in on all the fun of wedding stuff — including those engagement snapshots. While taking photos might sound fun to some people (those already planning out outfit changes and hairstyles), others may look at scheduling and engagement session and taking photos as an inconvenience, an expensive to-do, or even a time commitment. Or they aren’t comfortable with how they look on camera so they shy away and don’t want to take photos. Even those who know they want to get engagement photos taken don’t necessarily know how they’ll use them; they just want to capture the moment in time. But there are some creative ways to use engagement photos, other than just sharing them on social media or displaying them in your home. We’re here to help with why engagement photos are taken, what to use engagement photos for, and how you can incorporate them in a few different ways.
Why Do Couples Take Engagement Photos?
First things first: we recommend couples get engagement photos taken for a few reasons. Engagement photos are a great way to interact with your potential wedding photographer, get to know him/her, and see how they work with you in person. After you see the photos, you’ll know whether they are a good match for your wedding photos. Engagement photos will also enable you to get more comfortable in front of the camera, which will help you so much on your wedding day — you won’t feel as shy or awkward when posing. It’s much better to do a “trial run” like this to feel confident in your photos on your actual wedding day.
And as a note, engagement photos aren’t usually that expensive. Some photographers even add them in to your wedding package!
What to Use Engagement Photos For
Now that you know why to get engagement photos taken, let’s talk about what to use engagement photos for. There are a variety of creative ways to use your engagement photos besides just framing them. Here are some of our favorites!
1. Use engagement photos… to make an instant heirloom.
An engagement photo book is the best way to use your engagement photos. Why? It’s a long-lasting way to encapsulate those memories of your engagement. You’ve probably never had professional photos taken of you as a couple; a professionally bound book is a beautiful way to arrange your engagement photos and will become an instant heirloom.
When getting an engagement photo book made, don’t go for a cheap big-box option, as the quality is never quite the same as something of heirloom quality. (I’ve tried those cheap options before; trust me on this.) Instead, have one book made that will last a lifetime. You’ll want to flip through it again and again, so it might as well be visually appealing and built to last. These engagement photos books — made by Albums by Elizabeth — are professionally printed on premium paper with high-quality covers and maximum durability. I love the way these books are designed.
2. Use engagement photos… as save the date cards.
When couples ask what to use engagement photos for, after the obvious answers — a photo book or displayed in photo frames at home — the next best thing is your save the date cards. When you send out save the dates, include a photo of you two (or a collage of your favorites) to really add a personal touch.
3. Use engagement photos… as a display.
Have your engagement photos printed and displayed inside photo frames or an old window pane (or a faux look-alike window pane frame, which you can find at Michaels or Hobby Lobby), like this:
4. Use engagement photos… as a cake topper.
You can put a photo in one of these clear cake toppers which opens to put a photo inside. Great way to use an engagement photo and cross cake topper off of your list at the same time.
And don’t forget to gift these to your parents, too! These are really cute.
♥
Do you have an Ask Emmaline question? Just send it in here and we’ll swoop in to help. Your question could appear in an upcoming blog post, like this one!
Happy Planning!
xo
-E.
