Creative Diy Pre-Wedding Prop Ideas For Your Special Day

Pre-wedding photoshoots are a great way to capture a couple's love story before their big day. One way to elevate the visual impact of the photos is by using props. Props can add a personal touch, express personalities, and create unique memories. They can be as simple as flowers or balloons, or more quirky, like a yoga ball or colourful smoke bombs. Props can also be used to showcase shared hobbies and interests, such as musical instruments or books. Couples can even make their own DIY props with simple materials like paper, fabric, and balloons. The key to using props effectively is to keep it simple, integrate them naturally, and use them to tell the couple's story. So, whether it's a romantic, whimsical, or fun vibe you're after, props can definitely enhance your pre-wedding photoshoot.

DIY props with simple materials like paper, fabric, balloons, flowers, or recycled items

Props can add a lot of creativity and uniqueness to your pre-wedding photoshoot. You can use simple materials like paper, fabric, balloons, flowers, or recycled items to create DIY props that reflect your personality and style. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Paper Props:

• Hand-written placards or printed signboards: These can be used to display save-the-date information or personalised messages. You can also use paper to create DIY photo frames for your pre-wedding photos.
• Paper flowers: Large paper flowers in different sizes and colours can be used as a backdrop or scattered as props on the floor.
• Banners: Create your own banners with fancy fabrics and paper. You can also add glitter or other decorative items to make them more festive.

Fabric Props:

• Fancy fabrics: Use different types of fabric, such as satin, silk, tulle, or faux fur, to create elegant backdrops or drapes. You can also use fabric to make bows, ribbons, or bunting for a festive touch.
• Tablecloths: A simple tablecloth can be a great base for your pre-wedding props. Spread it out on a table or use it as a backdrop.
• Dress items: Items like veils, hats, and bows can add a fancy touch to your photoshoot. You can also drape fabric around you for a romantic and elegant look.

Balloon Props:

• Colourful balloons: Choose a variety of colourful balloons to add a playful and whimsical touch to your photos. You can hold them, walk with them, or release them in the sky.
• Balloon garlands: Create a balloon garland arch or cluster balloons together to form a creative backdrop. You can find balloon garland kits online or create your own arrangement.
• Customised balloons: Personalise your balloons with printed messages, pictures, or decals. You can also fill them with confetti or glitter for an extra touch of sparkle.

Flower Props:

• Flower bouquet: Propose to your partner with a beautiful flower bouquet or scatter flower petals around for a romantic touch.
• Floral backdrops: Create a floral arch or hang flowers from the ceiling to frame your photoshoot. You can use fresh or artificial flowers for this.
• Flower crowns: Make your own flower crowns or headpieces using fresh flowers, silk flowers, or paper flowers.

Recycled Props:

• Mirrors: Use mirrors as props to create unique and artistic reflections in your photos. If you don't have any mirrors, you can use reflective surfaces like window panels or pond water.
• Lights: Glowing lights or fairy lights can add a magical and romantic atmosphere to your photoshoot, especially at night. Wrap them around trees, poles, or hold them in your hands.
• Bottles: Whether they're made of plastic, metal, or coloured glass, bottles can be great props. You can hold them, drink from them, or fill them with flowers.

Personalised props, such as custom name signs or items reflecting shared interests

Props are a great way to personalise your pre-wedding photoshoot and add your unique personality to your photos. Here are some ideas for creating custom name signs and items that reflect shared interests:

Custom Name Signs

Custom name signs are a great way to showcase your new last name and add a personalised touch to your wedding decor. You can order these signs from websites like Etsy and Amazon, or even make them yourself. Here are some ideas for custom name signs:

• Neon signs: These can be customised with your names and wedding date, and also make a great backdrop for photos.
• Wooden signs: A wooden sign with your last name and wedding date makes a lovely gift and can be easily customised with paint or markers.
• Metal signs: A metal sign with your initials or last name adds a modern and elegant touch to your wedding decor.
• Acrylic signs: Acrylic place cards with your names or initials in gold, silver, or rose gold add a touch of elegance to your wedding table.

Items Reflecting Shared Interests

Including items that reflect your shared interests is a great way to personalise your pre-wedding photoshoot and make it unique to you as a couple. Here are some ideas:

• Travel-inspired props: If you and your partner love to travel, incorporate this into your photoshoot by using props like vintage suitcases, maps, or even a small calligraphed globe instead of a traditional guest book.
• Music lovers: If music is your passion, bring this into your photoshoot by including musical instruments as props or using vinyl records, sheet music, or music notes in your decor.
• Nature and outdoors: For couples who love spending time in nature, consider using props like a vintage bicycle, flowers or flower petals, or even a boat for a romantic touch.
• Sports enthusiasts: Add a subtle nod to your favourite sports team by featuring their logo on your place cards or other decor elements.
• Movies and TV shows: Showcase your favourite movies or TV shows by incorporating props or decor elements inspired by them. For example, you could use film reels, clapboards, or even just include some fun quotes or references in your signage.

Seasonal and thematic props, like umbrellas, flowers, or lanterns, to match the season

Seasonal and thematic props are a great way to match your pre-wedding photoshoot with the season and create a memorable visual impact. Here are some ideas for seasonal and thematic props that you can use:

Umbrellas

Umbrellas can add a romantic and whimsical feel to your photoshoot, especially during the rainy season. You can opt for a lace umbrella or a colourful umbrella to add a playful touch. If you're feeling creative, you can even decorate an umbrella with hanging cut-out hearts or other decorations that match your theme.

Flowers

Flowers are a classic choice for adding a romantic touch to your pre-wedding photos. You can use them to create a flower bouquet, shower flower petals, or scatter flowers and petals on the floor for an aerial shot. Choose flowers that you and your partner love or use different coloured flowers to make your photos unique.

Lanterns

Lanterns can create a cosy and intimate atmosphere, especially for evening or night-time shoots. They can also add a rustic or vintage feel to your photos, depending on the style of lantern you choose. Consider using lanterns with candles or fairy lights to create a magical ambiance.

Seasonal Props

If you're having a pre-wedding photoshoot during a particular season, consider incorporating seasonal elements. For example, you could use autumn leaves, winter snowflakes, or spring blossoms as props or backdrops. You can also dress for the season by choosing outfits that complement the weather and the theme.

Thematic Props

Choose props that align with the overall theme of your shoot, whether it's rustic, modern, or vintage. For example, a vintage bicycle or a picnic set can add a rustic charm, while a sleek, modern prop might suit an urban setting better. You can also use props to symbolise your shared hobbies or interests, such as books for book lovers or a map for adventurers.

Props that enhance the background, e.g. vintage items for a rustic charm or modern pieces for an urban setting

Props are a great way to enhance pre-wedding photos, adding personality and character to the images. They can be used to express your interests and showcase your love story.

Vintage bicycle

A vintage bicycle adds a retro or vintage vibe to your photos. You can pose in front of it, ride it with your partner, or take a stroll with the bicycle for serene photographs. Decorate the bicycle with flowers or fairy lights for a creative touch.

Vintage car

A vintage car adds elegance and royalty to your photoshoot. You can use your own car or source one from a friend or family member. Alternatively, some pre-wedding shoot locations offer vintage cars as props, adding a retro look to your photos.

Vintage truck

Trucks are perfect for a rustic wedding theme, as they can be dressed up or down to match your wedding decor.

Vintage furniture

Renting vintage furniture is a great way to ensure you have a unique photo prop. A brightly coloured vintage chair, for example, can add a pop of colour to your photos, while also providing a modern and stylish vibe.

Vintage hay bales

Hay bales are a classic country wedding backdrop and can be used in various ways to create a rustic charm.

For a more urban setting, here are some modern prop ideas:

Balloons

Large, oversized balloons can add a fun and whimsical element to your photos. Choose colourful balloons and wear solid-coloured clothes for contrast, or vice versa.

Umbrellas

Umbrellas can be used as props in the rain or as a creative way to hide a kiss. They add a playful touch to your photos and can be used as both quirky and romantic props.

Sign Boards/Placards

These are great for save-the-date photos or conveying personalised messages. Use printed or hand-written signs to add a unique touch to your photos.

Scrabble letters

Spell out your names or a special message to your partner with Scrabble letters for a creative and personalised prop.

Frames

Frames are inexpensive and can be found at craft or thrift stores. They make great photo props and can also double as decorations.

These are just a few ideas to get you started. With a bit of creativity, you can enhance your pre-wedding photos and make them truly unique and memorable.

Use props to tell your story, like a map for adventurers or a classic car for a sense of nostalgia

Using props in pre-wedding photography is a great way to add personality and depth to your photoshoot. Props can help you tell your love story and showcase your interests and hobbies. They can also add a pop of colour and a dash of drama to your photos.

If you and your partner are adventurers, a map can be a great prop to signify your love for travel. You can hold the map together, point to a special destination, or use it as a backdrop for your photos. You can even incorporate a vintage suitcase to further emphasise your shared passion for exploration.

Alternatively, if you want to evoke a sense of nostalgia and elegance, consider using a classic car as a prop. You can either use your own car or look for vintage car rentals. Pose in front of the car, sit on the hood, or take it for a spin with your partner. You can also decorate the car with flowers or fairy lights to add a creative touch.

Another way to incorporate props is by using them as part of the movement in your photos. For example, you can hold colourful balloons or release them into the sky, creating a playful and joyous effect. You can also use flowing fabric or paper planes to add energy and dynamism to your photo shoot.

Remember, when choosing props, it's important to select items that reflect your personalities and interests. You can also use props to showcase your unique love story, whether it's through a map, a classic car, or any other prop that holds a special meaning for you as a couple.

Frequently asked questions