Expert guide to save-the-date photography including location ideas, wardrobe tips, posing for camera-shy couples, working with card designers, and camera settings for golden hour.
Should we use engagement photos or do a separate save-the-date shoot?
Use your engagement session photos. A separate shoot is rarely necessary and adds unnecessary cost. Just tell your photographer you need at least one save-the-date-friendly image during the engagement session.
Almost every couple should use images from their engagement session for save-the-date cards. There is no need for a separate shoot. Before your engagement session, let your photographer know you want at least 2-3 images that will work on a card, meaning they need to leave space for text overlay and shoot in both portrait and landscape orientation. Any experienced engagement photographer will know exactly what you mean. The engagement session already gives you the wardrobe options, location variety, and relaxed time needed for a great save-the-date image.
When should we take our save-the-date photos?
Schedule your engagement session 8-10 months before the wedding. This gives you time to get the photos back, design the card, print, and mail them 6-8 months before the wedding.
The timeline works backward from your wedding date. Save-the-dates should be mailed 6-8 months before the wedding, sometimes earlier for destination weddings. Card design, proofing, and printing takes 3-4 weeks. Your photographer needs 2-4 weeks to deliver the edited gallery. So you need your photos about 8-10 months before the wedding. For a June wedding, shoot your engagement session in September or October of the prior year. This also gives you the benefit of fall foliage and golden light if you are in a temperate climate.
How do we leave space for text on our save-the-date card?
Tell your photographer you need negative space in some shots, meaning areas of blur, sky, or simple background where a designer can overlay text. Horizontal and vertical options both help.
This is a conversation to have with your photographer before the session. They need to intentionally compose some images with open space, usually above your heads, to one side, or in a blurred foreground area, where text can be placed. A good engagement photographer will shoot a mix: tight portraits where you fill the frame and wider compositions with breathing room for text. Ask for both horizontal and vertical options because card formats vary. If you already know your card template (from Minted, Shutterfly, etc.), share it with your photographer so they can match the composition.
Should we include our dog or pet in save-the-date photos?
Absolutely, if your pet is part of your story. Just plan for it logistically: bring a handler, have treats ready, and schedule the pet portion first before the animal gets tired or restless.
Pets in engagement and save-the-date photos are very popular and they can be wonderful. The key is planning. Bring someone other than the two of you to handle the pet, a friend who can hold the leash between shots, offer treats for attention, and take over completely when you are done with the pet photos. Do the pet photos first when everyone (including the animal) has the most energy. Keep pet expectations realistic: you might get 3-5 great frames with the pet looking at the camera and behaving. That is more than enough for a save-the-date card. After the pet portion, the handler takes the dog to the car or home and you continue the session stress-free.
What makes a good save-the-date photo location?
Meaningful locations beat pretty locations every time. Where you met, where you got engaged, your favorite neighborhood spot, or your future wedding venue are all better choices than a random scenic overlook.
The best save-the-date locations have personal meaning to the couple. When guests open the card and recognize the spot where you had your first date, it adds a layer of storytelling that a random pretty location cannot. That said, the location also needs to photograph well. A meaningful spot with terrible lighting or ugly backgrounds can be improved with timing (shoot at golden hour) and lens choice (shoot wide open to blur the background). Talk to your photographer about combining meaning with beauty. Sometimes the answer is starting at a meaningful location for a few shots and then walking to a nearby photogenic spot for the hero image.