The great results of a save the date or trash the dress photo shoot, lies in the interest that the couple gives to the organization of this small event, as well as the efficient communication with the chosen wedding photographer.
For a photo shoot to be successful, it is absolutely necessary to choose a theme or an activity that is to your liking, carefree, stress-free and simply brings a smile on your face and satisfaction to your heart.
“In the beginning, my clients think a lot about how to stand in the photo, whether they look good or not, and many other thoughts that keep them from really connecting with each other. As soon as I give them a theme or activity, they forget that they are in a photo shoot.”- Alin Chiriac
To make your work and your internet searches easier, we've prepared for you a complete list of everything you need to know before your engagement photo shoot, also called save the date:
What to Wear to the Photo Session?

We recommend slightly dressy or casual, but not too simplistic and especially pieces that are part of your everyday outfits, for added security and comfort.
We don't recommend custom t-shirts (unless you're planning to take a few photos), nor do we think shorts should be part of a photo shoot outfit.
What is she wearing? - A white or colored dress, patterned or patternless, floor-length or longer - a shirt paired with a short or over-the-knee skirt - a pair of jeans with a favorite blouse, and matching shoes according to preference.
Optional accessories: wreath, bouquet of flowers, hat, handbag or purse, sunglasses/glasses, earrings, bracelet, necklace, sneakers, shoes, sandals, boots, etc.
What is he wearing? - A white or colored shirt with puffed sleeves along with a pair of cloth trousers, maybe even a jacket or vest - a denim or leather jacket along with a pair of jeans - an unbuttoned shirt with a white shirt underneath along with a pair of comfortable trousers and matching shoes.
Accessories: hat, suspenders, sunglasses/glasses, wrist or pocket watch, cufflinks, sneakers, sneakers or shoes, etc.
NOTE: The examples above are just some suggestions. More ideas can be found on Pinterest.com with a simple search, such as “engagement outfits ideas”.
When and at What Time Do We Do the Save the Date Photo Shoot?

When - As a rule, the save the date photo shoot can be done at least 3 months, up to 6 months before the date of the event, announcing it in advance on social networks, but also taking into account the editing time of the photos, which can vary depending on how busy the photographer is.
What time? - In the photo, “golden hour” is the period during the day shortly after sunrise or before sunset, when daylight is warmer and softer than when the sun is high in the sky (e.g. 2pm), thus creating a harsh, bright light that can highlight a person's features in a negative way.
“The ”golden hour' actually lasts about 20 or 30 minutes, but you can continue your activity without a problem, an hour or two after sunrise or an hour or two before sunset.
When photographic activities take place indoors, we don't necessarily have a favorite time, but it would be best to work out these details with your photographer.
Save the Date activities:
From ideas and accessories to activities and locations, here is the most essential information that will make your photo shoot an unforgettable experience, giving you the ideal state of comfort, so you can take unique and memorable photos without stress, inhibitions or worries of any kind:
Dates at the Café or Confectionery

If you're a lover of coffee, tea, maybe even a cake, this idea is for you! Choose a café or coffee shop that suits your taste, with a pleasant, spacious, bright layout and do at least part of the final photo shoot. You can schedule the photo session during the weekday mornings to avoid the crowds and follow up the activities with a walk in the park or another activity in a different location.
Home, Netflix & Chill + Popcorn

We shoot with the idea of immortalizing the moment and telling the story exactly as it is. You may want your photos in the most impressive locations now, but as time goes by you will have a satisfaction that cannot be described when you reconnect with your past, even if only for a few moments. It is an intimate story, about you and your journey through life. #nofilter
Walk in the Park and Ice Cream

Suppose you're a character who favors simplistic ideas. How about a walk in the park, an ice cream, cotton candy, donuts and the list goes on. It's not the location or the props you use that define a successful photo shoot, it's the mood you're in at that moment and the energy you convey towards each other. The photographer will capture the story you are willing to share with them.
Romantic Dinner by the Sea

A unique way to announce the date is to organize a romantic dinner or a simple picnic on the beach at sunset or sunrise in a small, quiet area, followed by a walk on the beach, smiles, hugs and writing messages in the sand, creating a set of unique photos that you can brag to friends and family or on social media with the message “Save The Date”.
A Different Photoshoot

Want to spice up your engagement photos? Choose a favorite swimsuit and head to the beach for a series of unusual and sensual photos with your partner. Cosmopolitan magazine needs a new cover.
Greenhouse with Plants, Flowers and Trees

You may not relish the idea of going to the botanic gardens, but when was the last time you were in its greenhouse? With absolutely ideal light and a variety of plants from different corners of the world, they can easily contribute to your own story, told in a different and unique way to anything you've encountered before. Learning about new plant types and species will also be a bonus to your overall culture.
Autumn in the Heart of the Forest

What's not to love about fall with its warm and lively hues? Set off on an adventure into the heart of the forest and enjoy the tranquillity of nature and the sunshine that makes a special mark on your memories. For an extra touch of personalization, you can use any of the accessories mentioned below in this article.
Where you met

Take the most adorable idea of all, this music-loving couple. The lovers met in a record shop, so they naturally recreated their first date as an engagement photo shoot.
Orchard of Flowering Trees

If you're looking for a unique save the date photo shoot in the spring season, look for an apple or cherry orchard in bloom. It's a location with a magical, storybook effect and any photo will be special and wow-worthy, considering how rare such posts are published on social media. All your friends' attention will be drawn to these wonderful photos.
A Mini Vacation Documentary

An ideal photo shoot is when you manage to capture the natural experiences and experiences you enjoy together in this wonderful life. Take a short trip with your photographer and explore the unknown. We recommend getting out at least outside the city or why not, a special area of Romania and collect together a number of memories but also stories that can be told years and years later.
Bicycle or Motor Bike

As a lover of traveling by bike or motorcycle, you can't resist such a suggestion. Choose your favorite outfit, take the chain off your bike or press the gas pedal and set off on your own journey with your loved one. No plans, no gps, no rules.
Romantic Picnic in Nature

Opt for this activity in particular if you consider yourself camera shy or simply worry that you don't know how to pose for pictures. Create with your partner a natural, cozy and natural-looking environment, include some cold snacks, a bottle of red wine or champagne, your favorite fruits and why not, a few games to take your mind off the photo shoot. Be natural, enjoy your time together and the camera will surely love you.
Mountain Climbing

The world is much more fascinating when you have someone to share the experience with. What could be more memorable and exhilarating than a walk to the top of the world with the person you want to conquer it with. Leave the hustle and bustle of the city behind, for a relaxing day where you have the opportunity to reconnect with nature as well as yourself. The fresh air and beautiful scenery are just one more reason why you should choose this option.
Boat Trip on the Lake

We challenge you to try new sensations in romantic locations you've never been to before. Just like David and Roxana, organize a boat trip on the lake and let your love be carried away by the waves, while you can give each other romantic letters for an intimate moment to read each other's thoughts.
Tulips, Lavender, Sunflowers

Depending on the season, nature provides a variety of shades and colors. The options for your save the date or trash the dress photo shoot are endless. A field of tulips, lavender, sunflowers as well as a field of wheat, poppies, vines and more. Select the idea that resonates best with you and create a memorable photo shoot like others only see in the movies.
Save the Date accessories:
In order to have a variety of shots, we recommend including some save the date specific accessories in the shoot, such as:
A Bottle of Wine or Champagne

Yes, you can take some extraordinary photos with a bottle of champagne or wine as a prop, but that's not the point. We encourage consuming this bottle with your photographer before the shoot. You might be surprised by the final results. Do this experiment in the name of science! #drunkinlove
Colored Fumigants

Bring your photos to life with a special effect like the one created by colored smoke! You can easily find them in various colors at affordable prices and they can last from 60, even 120 seconds. The unpredictability of the smoke makes each photo unique giving you a variety of gorgeous memories to announce the date of your event.
Sparklers Hand Sparklers

What better way to spark the magic during a photo shoot than with the help of fireworks sparklers? Now you have one more reason to take those photos you've been longing for, as the sun's rays fade into the grandiose landscape.
Includes Some Music

What could be more romantic than a sweet serenade as the sun descends over the mountain and your hearts open to the universe? Make your partner fall in love with you for a second time and continue to do so every day of your adventure.
Balloons With or Without Helium

You'll find lots of balloons on the internet at affordable prices, in foil or latex, in different shapes and colors, with or without inscriptions. You can choose balloons with numbers to make the date of your event more visible, or those with letters to convey your message.
Garland of Lights

Some photographers end their photographic work shortly after sunset. We think the fun is just beginning! Add a magical effect to your photos with a battery-powered light garland with a very thin copper wire, it's ideal and very subtle in your final photos.
Pet

Almost all of us already have a third family member that we love and cherish more than anything else in the world. Include your pet in your photo shoot and create a new picture or photo frame to add even more sentimental value to your home.
Chalk Writing Board

Such an accessory is ideal for conveying the desired message, as it is very simple and easy to personalize, without too much expense or waiting time, unlike laser engraved or painted accessories. What's more, you can change the message as often as you like, so you have a multitude of final versions from which to choose the best.
Exchange of Letters

Open up to your loved one! Make a sweet declaration a few days before your save the date photo shoot and read your thoughts to each other on the day, making for touching pictures and a stronger connection with each other.
Colored Chalk Powder

This idea may not be for everyone, but you can certainly put your mark in an original way on the photos you want to take with a lively and colorful effect, thus getting the attention they need to announce the date of your event on social networks.
Soap Balloons

If you're a playful person you can have great fun with props such as soap bubble guns, water guns and even a water-filled balloon fight on a hot summer's day. Who says a photo shoot can't be fun?
Scrabble letters

Another nice idea to consider are messages you can send with a scrabble game. You can also include the engagement ring as an accessory, as illustrated in the above image.
Handwriting Marker

Probably the easiest and nicest idea is to take with you a marker with which you can write towards the end of the session, various messages in the palm of your hand to make 5-10 more unique photos that you can add to your photo album.
Old School Car

There's nothing like taking a ride in a vintage convertible through the city with your fiancé. Stop at your favorite spots and take a variety of photos as if you were the main actors in a romance movie.
Conclusion:

Wear clothes that make you feel like a superstar, but at the same time free of inhibitions, worry or stress. If you don't feel comfortable in your own skin, the camera will notice.
Choose activities you're passionate about and accessories that resonate with you. Don't think about which location will look best or which accessories will make you stand out the most. Focus on what you think will make you feel at ease, bring joy to your heart and bring smiles to your day.
Be careful with your make-up! Photographers as well as make-up artists do not under any circumstances recommend very heavy make-up with strong contrast, shadows and intense colors. Such makeup will do nothing but ruin your entire photo shoot.
You can use this opportunity to see how your chosen wedding photographer works, get to know each other better and make sure you've made the right choice.
So what is your favorite save the date photo shoot idea and why?