WHY - A Styled Shoot
Dear Venue Owners & Wedding Suppliers,
Have you been pondering why styled shoots benefit businesses? Have you been asked to be involved but don’t quite get what you get from them?
Dream team @ Hundhowe styled shoot!
The benefit of a styled shoot for your couples is to allow them to view inspirational ideas along with providing a strong list of suppliers that work well together at your venue. It’s like a tested style and plan for them!
For venues its the same. its testing the space, the ideas and generating a team of people to talk about your venue. Networking and word of mouth are the most powerful marketing tools. You can certainly use the shoots like a day long networking event!”
How regular should venues undertake styled shoots & when’s the best time?
It’s easy for venues to jump on as many styled shoots as possible. I would first question the cost versus the gain. These events take up a lot of time and sometimes costs such as catering, power etc. The gain must outweigh this by double at least.
This could include exposure (price up using advertising rates to add a monetary value to coverage) or a booking. How much do you need from this to make it worthwhile?
The timing of shoots I feel are best when reflecting the seasons. This will showcase the site in each light level and weather for couples to view. It keeps the shoots varied and creative too. Don’t let the stylist get too carried away though, you have a brand to maintain.
Hair by Amanda @ Rookin House styled shoot
HOW TO PLAN A STYLED SHOOT
The team for a shoot is hugely important. I try to incorporate those I know, mingled with some new faces.
If you want to feature a food truck for instance, you have to get picky! If you need a certain style for lighting or florals, each business has their own brand and design portfolio. Also consider how well you get on with the faces behind the business. The day should flow, beyond the coordinators control. Kindness and consideration is vital. No one business is more important than another.
The right style for a shoot can be found in many ways. If you aren’t defining by season then look at current trends. What are couples looking at? Discuss what’s popular with other suppliers and if you are focusing on trend, move quickly!
Tip: Think about suppliers you love that have worked at your venue before, and also look at others in the local area that would be perfect for your venue.
GO IT ALONE OR ASK THE PROFESSIONALS?
Go it alone? Yes, it can be done of course. If a venue has the time, design and contacts then it’s very possible to put together a great shoot. I would suggest venues speak to someone like a marketing professional or just someone who has planned shoots before.
Getting advice on the structure of the day, possible costs and an achievable goal is certainly beneficial. If you decide to get a professional involved, they must be on the same page when it comes to the aim of the shoot and your branding will need to be in place to allow them to understand vision.
A professional will be able to take the reins and reduce your workload other than venue based tasks. They should also work with you afterwards to ensure you get the most results from your styled shoot. The hard work doesn’t stop after the photographer puts down the camera, the images need to be made visible in front of the right eyes.
Tip: Get some shots of you and the team too. Very handy for social media and your website!
Jill Liley enjoying the Calthwaite Hall styled shoot!
How can ‘Weddings by Annabel’ help wedding venues specifically with styled shoots?
I can be the marketing help, the experienced organiser and the sounding board! It’s a process that I go through with each venue to ensure its not just effective and productive but enjoyable. I know how much work has gone into making a venue and the worries when inviting unknowns into it. I make sure you feel at ease and importantly have invested wisely.
If you feel you’d like some advice then get in touch or check out my page on this service too.
Strike a pose and enjoy!
A x
P.S Behind the scenes blog coming soon so you can see even more about these fab events and what we got up to!
All suppliers mentioned are listed on my recommended suppliers page too if you want to investigate them further.
Alison from Yewbarrow Flowers @ Calthwaite Hall styled shoot
Helen Whitaker getting creative @ Calthwaite Hall Shoot