Your pre-wedding photos will appear on invitation cards, social media announcements and, at many Ghanaian receptions, a life-size banner at the entrance. Couples spend weeks choosing the location. The outfits deserve just as much thought.
Location and coordination
Choose clothes that suit where you are shooting. Flowing dresses and linen shirts work on a beach at Labadi or Kokrobite. Sharp suits and elegant dresses suit a city rooftop or a hotel lobby. Traditional attire looks striking at historic sites such as Jamestown or a palace courtyard. Matching outfits in exactly the same fabric can look stiff. Instead, choose colours that complement each other. If one partner wears a bold print, the other might wear a solid colour drawn from that print.
Looks and colours
Most photographers can manage two or three outfit changes in a session. A common plan is one casual look, one formal look and one traditional look, such as kente, ankara or a smock. Ask how long each change will take and where you can change.
Rich colours such as emerald, burgundy, royal blue and mustard stand out against greenery and sky. Very bright neon colours can reflect onto skin. Pure white can lose detail in strong sunlight, so ask your photographer how they handle it.
Logos and comfort
Large logos, slogans and very small, busy patterns distract from faces. Keep the focus on the two of you. You may walk on sand, climb steps or stand in the sun for hours. Bring flat shoes for walking between shots and save heels for the photos themselves. Choose fabrics that do not crease badly in heat.
Book hair and makeup for the shoot, especially if you want a polished look. Bring blotting papers and a small kit for touch-ups.
Props and timing
Simple props such as a picnic basket, umbrella, flowers or a sign with your wedding date can add personality. Accessories like beads, hats and sunglasses can change a look without a full outfit change. The best light is usually early morning or late afternoon. In Accra, midday sun is harsh and hot. Plan your outfits around the light your photographer recommends.
Your pre-wedding photos are the first picture guests see of your marriage. Dress for the story you want them to tell.
