If there’s one thing we learned this past couple of weeks, it’s about the exclusivity of Engagement/Pre Nuptial shoots. Trust me, they’re like a separate entity from the whole wedding planning in itself. Yes, it’s true that the output from doing such will play a role up to the big day – hence reminders for the guests to block your wedding date, the AVP and video presentations and your new found connection with your  suppliers, with whom would turn out to be the same group of people who’ll be there to  do their expert services during your wedding – but a lot of things should be really considered when planning for one. I’m writing this not because we’re already done with our shoot but because we are currently in the process of doing it and this is what we have experienced so far while we’re preparing for it. You can do them in random orders depending on you and your fiance’s preference.

First off, you need to be specific if you want a Photoshoot, Video shoot or combined. Majority of Photo and Video teams offer their own Prenup or Engagement shoot packages or have one combined package if you book your P/V team from the same company But remember, some photo and video team also prefer to work alone and have the whole day with you guys. Although this would vary depending on your prenup theme or with the complexity of what you want to achieve.

Second, fix your leave from work and/or flight schedule especially if you’re overseas like us. This will give you enough time to properly plot your calendar and be flexible with the third step.

Third, you need to block the date. When starting your wedding preps, this is similar to knowing if all your dream Prenup shoot suppliers will be available, the desired venue included. Be mindful that you need to be flexible in adjusting the date if you really want your suppliers to work together especially if your desired Prenup date will fall on the -ber months (aka peak season).

**Tip!** Since it’s so damn hard to arrange supplier schedules, ask them if they do pencil booking so you don’t need to pay possible rebooking fees (for some strict suppliers). 

Fourth, choose your engagement/prenup suppliers wisely. This will depend on you and your fiance’s preference and budget. The list includes the prenup venue, photographers, videographers, HMUA and even your prenup stylist, if you think you’ll be needing one. Like what I stated earlier this is a good way to initially establish your connection with them especially if they’d be working for your wedding. Trust me, you must have that this is it feeling as well!

**Tip!** If you don’t have an idea of who you want for your suppliers, do your research. Do not hesitate to ask for promo, discounts or any offers that they might have. Most photo and video teams include Engagement/Prenup Sessions in their packages so be sure to check them out so you don’t need to hire a separate one since it will be costly.

Fifth, finalize your prenup shoot pegs and communicate it well with all your suppliers so it can be achieved on the day itself. It’s better if you can meet with them personally or if you’re overseas, use online portals. Be very specific about what you want but also consider what they have in mind.

**Tip!** How do you choose your prenup shoot pegs? Go to Pinterest, FB, and Vimeo for tons of inspirations. Usually, the themes vary from the casual ones, high editorial fashion,  sweet, romantic, school days etc. Prenup theme is actually “optional”. The best thing to do is to know what you and your fiance want — your likes, dislikes, similar hobbies, things you’ve never done before, places you wanted to see etc. The thing is, you can be unique if you want to or you can just be simply your usual selves without the extra frills. The most important thing is you both will enjoy your prenup shoot and just like your wedding photos, you can appreciate it even if you’re old enough and with grandkids!

If all is well with the schedules, date, and suppliers, focus now on one of the most important part — budget. This will usually include the following. You can omit some but this is how we see it. Also, if you don’t have the budget to get a Prenup Stylist, for example, it’s okay. Only get the suppliers if it fits your prenup shoot budget. You can always DIY the services that you don’t have the budget to start with! That’s what we did for our video shoot prenup. We used our old clothes and shoes, bought a Php 300 worth vintage dress from a clearance sale and borrowed one long dress from our Bridal couture to save money!

• Prenuptial shoot venue fee
• Prenuptial shoot suppliers fee (if not included in your wedding package)
• OOT fees
• Hotel accommodations for makeup preps (if not included in the venue, it’s out of town, the shoot is overnight, will start too early or end up late)
• Food and water
• Clothes, Shoes, Accessories (if you don’t have a stylist or not included in your styling package)
• Gas
• Toll fee, if any

**Tip!** Itemize everything so you guys will know if you are still within your allotted budget. 

Then, you also have to consider who to tag alone during your Prenup or Engagement Shoot. The list can include either one:

• your full coordinator (but be sure it’s included in your contract)
• your sibling(s)
• one of your BFF entourage like your MOH or Bridesmaid or Man of Honor

But when you do include them on your Prenup Team to help or assist you and your fiancé during your shoot, keep in mind that it will incur additional expenses for transportation (if you’re going to commute), accommodation (if you need to stay over) and food. Practically speaking if you’re on a budget, 1 person is enough to assist you, someone whom you can really trust to take care of your belongings and do some logistics like for food deliveries etc while you’re both busy with the Prenup session.

Also, keep in mind that OTD coordinators don’t need to be present in your prenup shoot since the scope of their work covers only your wedding day. You can, however, ask them for tips.

Last but not the least, trust your chosen suppliers and have fun! This doesn’t happen on a daily basis and even if you’d like to repeat the experience, this is comparable to a wedding that will hold once in a lifetime memories.

Don’t stress yourself.. CHILLAX!

Happy preps! 🙂

** For Prenup related post, you can check When is the right time to do your Prenup Shoot? link HERE.

** Before you book your photographer and videographer, check our Wedding Photographer and Videographer Checklist