Need some propping up?
Creative wedding photo shoots using props

We love that wedding photography has evolved from stuffy to sensational over the past decade. Don’t you? Not only have photographers upped their game by suggesting wild, wacky and dynamic shoots, but engaged couples of today are insisting on a fresh and innovative approach, too.

In the spirit of going all out to achieve off the wall wedding photos, the wedding photography industry has seen a rise in the use of props in photo shoots. Props add colour, life and a good dose of humour to the end result, so consider utilising one or two – the quirky additions are sure to launch your wedding pics into the realm of fabulousness.

Remember that these shoots can be quite intricate and time-consuming and, as such, are sometimes scheduled during the weeks following the wedding. A fab way to prolong the wedding experience!

1. Sky’s the limit
A bulbous bunch of helium balloons (or just one single balloon each for the bride and groom), whether in white, pastels or jewel-bright primary colours, is guaranteed to lend a happy, playful feel to the shoot.

2. Babes in bath tubs
Bridesmaids can pose inside the huge empty wooden tub in their dresses or the tub can be filled with foam, the giggling girls in white bathing suits and hair curlers - each diva clutching a glass of bubbly, of course.

3. Snookered
If snooker is your game, you simply have to have a dramatic shot of you and your spanking new spouse on either end of the table, ready to charge into a battle of the billiard balls.

4. Sweet somethings
Have a few shots taken while licking giant spiral lollipops, as you lean against shelves full of bottles that have been stuffed full of liquorice, marshmallows, candy canes, chocolate peanuts and more. We think Roald Dahl would approve.

5. Life’s a picnic
High-tea is always a treat, but this elegant tradition reaches a new level of special when incorporated into a wedding photo shoot. Set up a table in a lush garden, lay down a gorgeous tablecloth, then load it with vintage teacups, bohemian flower arrangements, tiered cupcake stands and lanterns.

6. Pokerface
Get some shots taken of the groomsmen playing an intense game of poker – jackets off, ties loosened and cigars at the ready. Your only challenge here is dragging them from the table.

7. Go fly a kite
The beach or an open field is the perfect setting for this photo shoot. Images of the bride and groom flying a kite, barefoot, hair blowing in the wind, will be happy, young at heart and carefree.

8. All wrapped up
Who doesn’t love opening presents? Make a photo opportunity out of the gift bonanza (which is arguably one of the best things about getting married!) The bride and groom slap bang in the middle of the pile of presents on the floor, reading the tags and ripping the paper off = a fab sequence of photographs for a wedding album.

9. Game on
The groomsmen, playing a game of rugby while decked out in slick suits, makes for a great photo. What’s a few mud splotches and grass stains when you’re in search of the perfect shot?

10. Pretty Parasols
A nod to the good old days, parasols can add a quirky yet feminine feel to a photo shoot that focuses on the bride and her posse of bridesmaids. Try to use parasols and brollies of varying styles and colours, and don’t forget to get a few shots taken from behind.

11. On the Upswing
A flat, wooden playground swing is a fabulous wedding photo prop. The movement adds a dynamic element, so let yourself get pushed around for once (hey, there’s a first time for everything!)

12. Arcade Parade
Ignore the open-mouthed stares as you walk into the mall in full wedding getup. Get yourself to the games arcade, then pose for some fun photographs of you playing pinball, Pac Man and Space Invaders – not forgetting to squeeze into the racing booth together for some hilarious high-action shots.

13. Lounging Around
Furniture can be used to great effect in wedding photo shoots. Couches, armchairs and chaise longes are particularly good props, with both vintage and contemporary pieces working well. Strike various poses – side by side, holding hands, bride lying across groom’s lap – then let the feathers fly with an enthusiastic scatter cushion fight.

14. Fully Booked
Books evoke fantasy, action, intrigue... and romance. Organise the use of a bookshop or library for your shoot, then imagine the scene: bride leaning on groom’s shoulder as he reads to her from a Dickens classic, shelves groaning with books all around the love-struck couple.

15. Photo Booths
For fantastic prop-laden photos that will be a blast to browse through after the wedding, you can’t go wrong with a mobile photo booth. Provide wedding guests with a treasure chest of fun props to choose from:

• Moustaches and glossy lips mounted on sticks
• Picture frames
• Oriental fans
• Hats of all kinds
• Exotic masks
• Oversized, Woody Allen or Lennon-styled glasses
• Pipes and cigars
• Bow ties, feather boas and pashminas
• Tiaras and costume jewellery
• Chalkboards on which guests can write personalised messages to hold up for the photo

Author: SA Wedding Photographers