Engagement Photos?

lm3mille · May 2010

Hello all, like another post I was just reading, I’ve been a “lurker” since I’ve gotten engaged about 2 months ago.

Hooray for my first post! J

My first question is: engagement photos – yes or no?

Out of my close group of girlfriends, I am the first to get engaged. However, I’ve spoken with one other friend who did not have the engagement photos taken, and now (5+ years later) she regrets it.

I guess I just don’t understand what they’re for. I can see the usefulness for the announcement/notice in the paper and possible save the date cards but otherwise, if we have them taken and get prints for family and friends, won’t the photos just be replaced in a year or so, with wedding photos?

I’m just looking for some thoughts from both sides?

Thanks Ladies – it’s been a pleasure lurking so far! Looking forward to becoming more active! J

boogerbearoriginal · May 2010

I think a lot of people like engagement photos as a way to 'get to know' their photographer before the big day to get a sense of their style and personality. Also some photographers include them in their packages.

We didn't do them, mostly because we kept putting it off, but we had recently had photos taken for Christmas so we weren't overly concerned with needing professional shots. I seriously doubt we will regret not doing them.

They make for really cute save the dates, and people use them for different DIY projects like table numbers, and also as a nice memento for yourself as well as your family/friends.

IMO Its just like any other professional photo - not necessary but nice to have.

ETA - Congrats & Welcome btw, I got so busy answering your question I didn't say hi!

Gwenwhyfare · May 2010

If your photographer includes them in your package, I would take advantage of them. This will help you understand your photographer and how they shoot and also offers an opportunity for your photographer to get to know you before the big day.

People have different priorities about what they want out of the planning process. Some people focus on the decor, invites or on the photography (ETA: obviously there are a lot of things to focus on, these are just examples). The photography is our main focus as far as vendors go. This is the last thing that we'll be left with at the end of the day to look back on (besides our memories of course

ericadangelo · May 2010

I was like you, and didn't see the point in them. I was not willing "to pay extra" for them, but if they were included in my package (which they ended up being with the photog I chose), then I was fine with it.

In hind sight, I am really glad we have them. I expect that one day, after our wedding, the engagement photos will be a nice contrast to us all dressed up for our big day. I also think it helped my fiance to practice some in front of the camera.

jodyk23 · May 2010

Congrats and welcome!!

I actually had some photos taken at JC Penney to use for our newspaper announcement. I LOVE our engagement pics!! (They are in my bio below) I used them for our save the date cards and it is just nice to have some great photos of us together. I also used them for our Christmas cards.

They aren't necessary, but as pps have said, I great way to get a feel for your photographer and great some great pics of you and FI.

cmkuno · May 2010

Welcome to our board!

I honestly don't think they are necessary, and I really doubt you'll regret not doing them. If they're going to cost you extra $, I'd say skip it. We are honestly only doing them because they come with our photography package. We actually had my cousin (who owns a very nice high res camera) take a photo of us (siggy pic) which we used to make our save the date postcards as we are just doing our engagement shoot this coming weekend.

In addition to all the reasons PP's mentioned, I plan to use my engagement photos to make a photo book (like these: www.blurb.com/create/book/photobook) which I'll use as our guest book at the wedding. I think it'll make a nice keepsake!

lm3mille · May 2010

Thanks ladies, all great points. I guess I need to book a photographer and see if it's in the package or not. I don't think I am going to actively pursue them though.

Also, we're thinking the Gazebo in Warren. Great package for the $$. We've been there for a few other occasions and the food has always been great. Any thoughts?

(I'm sure this should be a new post, lol!)

Julz629 · May 2010

We didn't do them, but we wanted a nice picture of the two of us to use for our STDs. We have FI's dad who is decent with a camera snap a couple pictures of us in downtown Plymouth and ended up using one of those. I sometimes wish I had some professional ones, but they weren't included in our photog package and I wasn't willing to pay extra for them.

Sue-n-Kevin · May 2010

Welcome & congrats! Can't wait to hear about all your other plans.

We aren't getting married for a long while, so I'm hoping we end up with some pics before we need them to use.

I haven't been to the Gazebo, but if you have & liked it, then you have the best answer. I don't live far from there and they seem to do a pretty good business on weekend evenings.

Good luck.

ladysunkissed · May 2010

It's up to you. Like Jen said, photos (to us) are one of the most important parts of the wedding and I am excited to get my FI in front of the camera so he will relax a little and won't feel awkward around the photog on our wedding day (he is always so serious in photos!). We're getting our e-pics done on Sunday...can't wait!

LeahDVM2003 · May 2010

I'm pretty much a lurker, too, but I can help with this one.

Re: engagement photos--we had ours taken at JC Penney. They did a good job, and we used one for our engagement party invitiations. They can't retouch anything, though. I wanted pictures for the invites, and announcement. If you ever need a picture of the two of you, it's nice to have one without all the formalwear.

Re: The Gazebo--I've been to several showers there. There is never enough parking, but the food is good. Not spectacular, but good. I did meet with them about my wedding, but chose not to use them as they have no flexibility about reception times. Your reception will be from 6pm to midnight, period. They also only do buffets.

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