4 benefits of a prewedding photo shoot

Taking prewedding photos is a growing trend and has become a new wedding tradition in its own right. A prewedding photoshoot, also referred to as an engagement photo shoot, usually takes place three to six months before the wedding. If you’re tossing around the idea and wonder if it is worth the extra cost, look for a photographer that includes it as part of the wedding photographer’s package. Otherwise, an hourly charge usually applies.

4 benefits of a prewedding photo shoot

Before the photoshoot, it best for the couple to sit down with the photographer and share their story. This can include things like how they met, what they like to do, and ideas for locations and outfits that can be worn. The photos can be taken indoors or outdoors. Other than developing ideas for where and when the photo shoot can take place, planning a prewedding photo shoot can actually be beneficial in other ways. Two of these four benefits only apply if you plan to use the same photographer for your wedding.

1. Taking prewedding photos is an ideal way to capture romantic moments between the couple and is a perfect opportunity to create special memories to be cherished in the future.
2. Helps develop a good relationship with your wedding photographer. He/she will get to know you and be in touch with how formal or informal you are and what kind of setting(s) or theme(s) are suitable for your tastes.
3. Also these photo shoots let the bride and groom get familiar with the photographer’s style and help them feel more comfortable working with them.
4. Prewedding photos can be used for save the date magnets and engagement announcements in the newspaper.

Creative Elements for Great Engagement Photo Shoot

Shooting great engagement photos relies on a few things.  

• First, you want the photos to tell the bride and groom’s story.
• Secondly, you want photos to capture more than actions. You want them to capture the emotions.
• Thirdly, choose a backdrop meaningful in some way to the couple. For instance, if the bride and groom enjoy horses, pictures can be taken with an equestrian backdrop and even include a horse or two. Another idea may be something you do together, like baking cookies, or eating a romantic picnic lunch. Or for those planning a vintage themed wedding, a fun photoshoot may include outfits specific to an era and having the photographer include some sepia photos with a backdrop like an old train station or some other historic site. Other ideas include pictures taken in a place special to the couple like where he proposed, where they met, or where they went on their first date.

Whatever concept you plan to go with for your engagement photoshoot, it’s important that both the bride and groom are excited and embrace the idea, because a grumpy or bored participant will not make for good photos.

Photo credits: wikimedia.org, maxpixel.net, pexels.com

What Is a Cathedral Wedding Veil—and Is It Right for You?

(Updated February 2026)

If you watched Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, you saw a perfect example of a cathedral wedding veil making a regal entrance. Meghan’s veil was a stunning 16-foot silk tulle veil, designed to trail gracefully behind her as she walked down the aisle.

The terms cathedral and tulle don’t describe the style of the veil, but rather its length and fabric. A cathedral wedding veil typically measures 108–120 inches long, extending beyond the train of the wedding gown. This dramatic length is what gives the cathedral veil its signature elegance.

Silver Crystals Scrolled Scallop-Edge Bridal

The Tradition Behind the Cathedral Veil

Long wedding veils have historically been associated with formality, ceremony, and status. In royal and church weddings, extended veils emphasized the importance of the occasion and added a sense of reverence as the bride entered the space. Over time, the cathedral veil became a symbol of grandeur—perfectly suited to formal venues and traditional ceremonies.

Embellishing a Cathedral Wedding Veil

Cathedral veils can be beautifully simple and unadorned, but with so much fabric, they also offer endless opportunities for embellishment.

A memorable example is Meghan Markle’s veil, which featured hand-embroidered flowers representing all 53 Commonwealth countries. To preserve the veil’s pristine condition, the embroiderers were required to wash their hands every 30 minutes.

Another uniquely personal veil was worn by Angelina Jolie, whose cathedral-length veil was embellished with artwork created by her children, a true one-of-a-kind statement.

While most brides won’t commission custom embroidery, there are many stunning options available, including cathedral veils adorned with:

• Lace edging

• Crystals or rhinestones

• Sequins or subtle beadwork

• Two-tier cathedral veils with a blusher for a romantic, vintage feel

Is a Cathedral Wedding Veil Right for Your Dress?

While it’s easy to picture the drama of walking down the aisle in a cathedral veil, the most important question is whether it complements your dress and overall look.

When shopping for your veil:

• Try on multiple veil lengths during your first dress fitting

• Shop early so you have time to compare styles

• Look for veils designed to pair with your gown—many designers offer matching options

If your wedding style is more formal and traditional, a cathedral veil can elevate your entire look. For more informal weddings, shorter veils—such as a blusher, bandeau, or fingertip veil. You want to wear a veil that feels more appropriate while still adding personality and charm.

Cathedral Veil Alternatives

If you love the idea of a long veil but find a cathedral length overwhelming, consider these veil options:

• Chapel veil: approximately 90 inches

• Floor-length veil: approximately 72 inches

And if you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, a custom-made veil allows you to choose the perfect length, fabric, and embellishments to suit your vision.

 

A cathedral wedding veil is undeniably dramatic, timeless, and elegant—but it’s not for every bride. Understanding its length, history, and how it works with your dress will help you decide whether it’s the perfect finishing touch for your wedding day.

 

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