What to wear for your pre-wedding shoot

Updated 17 October 2026

Most couples change two or three times in a shoot: one casual look that feels like everyday you, one Indian look for the heritage frames, and one hero outfit for the big shot. The place should decide the outfit, not the other way round.

Casual

Linen shirts, denim and sundresses for cafés, bazaars and street walks. Pick plain colours over big logos or busy prints, and shoes you can actually walk in.

Whispers over Turkish tea: a couple photographed at An old-town café, Turkey — Whispers over Turkish teaAn old-town café, Turkey

Laughing through lanes: a couple photographed at Old city lanes, Udaipur — Laughing through lanesOld city lanes, Udaipur

Resting on his shoulder: a couple photographed at Kite Beach, Dubai — Resting on his shoulderKite Beach, Dubai

Light Indian

Chikankari kurtas, cotton sarees and pastel anarkalis. Light enough for a full day, and they photograph beautifully against painted walls and temple stone.

Embrace with flying dupatta: a couple photographed at Sahastra Bahu temple, Udaipur — Embrace with flying dupattaSahastra Bahu temple, Udaipur

Roses under the arch: a couple photographed at Patrika Gate, Jaipur — Roses under the archPatrika Gate, Jaipur

Festive Indian

Lehengas and sherwanis for forts, ghats and havelis. Jewel tones (red, emerald, deep pink) hold up in strong light; a dupatta that catches the wind gives you movement.

Red lehenga at the ghat: a couple photographed at Gangaur Ghat, Udaipur — Red lehenga at the ghatGangaur Ghat, Udaipur

Running through sand: a couple photographed at Sam sand dunes, Jaisalmer — Running through sandSam sand dunes, Jaisalmer

Twirl under the chhatri: a couple photographed at Gaitore ki Chhatriyan, Jaipur — Twirl under the chhatriGaitore ki Chhatriyan, Jaipur

Suits and evening dresses

A black suit and a dark gown at dusk, or a checked blazer in the city. Western formal suits skylines, classic cars and night lights.

Bouquet by the car: a couple photographed at Amer Fort, Jaipur — Bouquet by the carAmer Fort, Jaipur

A kiss on the hand: a couple photographed at Fairy-chimney valley, Turkey — A kiss on the handFairy-chimney valley, Turkey

Gowns

The flowing gown is the hero shot of many pre-wedding shoots: a long train on a rooftop, a veil on a yacht, a red gown among lamps. One is enough; it is the frame everyone remembers.

Embrace under lanterns: a couple photographed at Grand Bazaar, Turkey — Embrace under lanternsGrand Bazaar, Turkey

Veil in the wind: a couple photographed at Out at sea, Goa — Veil in the windOut at sea, Goa

Rooftop veil embrace: a couple photographed at Cave-house rooftops, Turkey — Rooftop veil embraceCave-house rooftops, Turkey

A few rules that always help

Coordinate, don't match: one shared colour family is enough.
At temples and mosques, cover shoulders and knees and keep poses gentle.
Bring a plain layer for wind and evenings in the desert or the hills.

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