No drones. No drama. Just you, your vibe, and good lighting. Planning your pre-wedding shoot but don’t want to go broke before the actual wedding?
You’re not alone. Gen Z couples are skipping overhyped locations and over-edited poses — and creating shoots that feel more them. You don’t need fancy gear or a destination. All you need is some smart planning, creative thinking, and a phone (or a friend with a DSLR).
photo courtesy- Pinterest
photo courtesy- Pinterest

Let’s break down how you can get scroll-stopping photos without maxing out your budget.

  • Local Spots, Real Vibe
    Look around — your city is probably more photogenic than you think.
    Old forts, gardens, rooftop views, railway tracks, even that lake you pass by on your way to work — it’s all potential shoot material.
    The trick?
    Go during golden hour. Show up in a pastel kurta, some clean sneakers or jhumkas, and keep it real.
  • Forest Core > Destination Core
    Green fields, empty trails, or even a random farm outside town can set the mood. Bring a picnic mat, fairy lights, maybe a book or two. Wear outfits that flow, not fight with the breeze. Nature does half the work, you just have to show up and be cute.
  • Shoot at Home (Yes, Really)
    No travel. No stress. Just you, your partner, and your living room. Rearrange a few cushions, light a few candles, hang a dupatta over the curtain rod — boom, vibe. Throw in some coffee mugs, your pet, or your playlist. It’s chill, cozy, and actually personal.

photo courtesy- Pinterest
photo courtesy- Pinterest

  • Graffiti Walls, Flea Markets, Street Corners
    You want edgy? You want colour? You want Gen Z chaos meets couple goals? Graffiti-covered walls. Art zones. That one shutter-painted store that never opens. Just show up early (like, 7 AM early) and bring your best offbeat energy. Urban shoots are loud, fun, and completely underrated.
  • DIY Props Hit Harder Than You Think
    Please don’t rent glitter smoke bombs for ₹1,500. Make your own "Save the Date" board. Blow bubbles. Bring paper hearts or flower crowns from your last craft project. Throw on a lehenga or use your nani’s dupatta for a vintage moment. Your shoot = your theme = your rules.
  • The City Is Your Backdrop
    Why fly somewhere when your own city is giving vintage cafés, rooftop parking, bookstores, and late-night street lights? Shoot while grabbing chai. Pose while reading. Take a selfie at a red light. It’s real, romantic, and perfectly unfiltered.

photo courtesy- Pinterest
photo courtesy- Pinterest

  • Your Friend With a Camera Is the Real MVP
    Skip the ₹30K photographer — unless that’s your thing. Ask your college friend with a DSLR or a really steady iPhone hand. Show them a mood board. Plan a few Pinterest shots. Pay them in coffee or food. Everyone wins.

    Bonus: Tiny Shoot Hacks That Save Big

  • 1 outfits. That’s it. Don’t go to a full fashion show.

  • 2 Don’t pay for permits. Choose places you can walk into and shoot.

  • 3 Golden hour > any filter ever.

  • 4 Edit on Lightroom, Snapseed, or VSCO — all free.

  • 5 Always carry: a mirror, pins, water, tissues, and one chill playlist.

  • 6 The best pre-wedding shoots aren’t about Instagram. They’re about capturing what makes you two — well, you.

    • So don’t worry about trends or “what everyone else is doing.” Your love story is already perfect. Just press record. Want Help Planning Your Wedding Without Losing Your Mind? We got you.

    ShaadiVibe is where smart, chill, confused, and excited couples come to figure things out — with real tools, real help, and zero pressure.

    Chat with our free Virtual Wedding Assistant on WhatsApp: 9274504655

    Follow us on Instagram for ideas you’ll actually use.

    Let’s make wedding planning fun again — one vibe at a time.