One of the most common questions I get when it comes to engagement photos is: “should we bring any props?”
Props can be a great way to add personality to your engagement session and make your photos your own! Many of my couples, when thinking about props, voice that they’re afraid their engagement photos will appear “cheesy.”
Truth be told – some props can be a little cheesy, but fear not! Within the world of cheesy props, there are some props that never seem to go out of style – regardless of what is currently trending!
Today, I’d love to share a few of my favorite simple, non-cheesy (at least to me!) props.
Champagne & Flutes
Ever shaken a bottle of champagne and let the cork fly?! If not… you’re missing out! Champagne is a fun and fitting prop that is perfect for couples who want to keep it classy… but fun! And as a perk, if you’re nervous about having your photos taken, you can have a bit of liquid courage!
Confetti or Petals
Engagements mean celebration, which means it’s time to cue the confetti! Being engaged is something to be excited about, and personally, when I think of excitement, I think of confetti! There are some great biodegradable options for confetti out there to choose from. If you’d like to go a little more natural with your celebratory toss – consider flower petals instead!
Your Engagement Ring (duh!)
Possibly the most obvious (and best!) prop of all is your new bling - your ring! Don’t forget to take your ring to be cleaned (or clean it yourself!) before your engagement photos. I love snapping a few quick “macro” (or super close up!) shots, and my camera always picks up on dust or hairs that is caught in the prongs!
Floral Bouquet
You don’t have to limit your bouquet carrying to just the wedding day! A bouquet of flowers can be a fun way to add a pop of color to your engagement portraits, and to make them slightly more upscale! And if you have a favorite flower, or a type of flower that your S.O. often gets for you, it could be the perfect personal touch to add in!
Blanket
There’s something about a blanket that makes things extra cozy and close! A blanket is an easy prop to bring that will 1) keep you warmer if you’re having your photos taken during a colder season, and 2) can add a pop of color or a neutral compliment to your outfits!
Something that Represents Your Relationship, Specifically
Was your first date at an ice cream shop? Ice cream and photos totally mix! Do you love going on picnics together in the summer? Pack a cute little picnic basket for your engagement photos! Love to fish together? Grab your fishing poles and bring ‘em along! Sometimes props like this can be cheesy, but if you have a prop you would love to bring that you feel could be cheesy, just communicate that fear to your photographer! I love when people bring props that I’ve seen in “cheesy” engagement photos and let me create something that’s not cheesy with them – just something that’s personal and representative of who they are!
And there you have it! Six prop ideas for non-cheesy engagement photos. But if you decide to bring a pizza as a prop… beware. Your photos will definitely be cheesy.
Happy prop planning!
