Styled Shoots: Worth the Hype or a Vendor Trap? My Honest Take

Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get mentioned enough in the vendor world: styled shoots.

On paper, they sound dreamy. A collaborative event where vendors come together to create Pinterest-worthy content? Yes please. You show up, showcase your work, sip a latte, and leave with a camera roll full of fire content.

But here’s the thing no one tells you: not all styled shoots are created equal.

We recently did one with our coffee cart, and while the promise was free content and exposure, what we actually got was an unpaid catering gig. We made coffee for everyone at the shoot (around 50 cups), but didn’t get a single usable photo. No shots with the bride model, no videos of our setup, no nothing.

The content creator ghosted us. The styled shoot host forgot to put us in the photo schedule. And we walked away with zero content and less coffee inventory than we came with.

Was it a total waste? Not entirely, we learned. And that’s why I’m writing this.

If you’re a vendor thinking about doing a styled shoot, here’s what you need to ask before saying yes:

• “Will we be included in the official shot list?”

• “Is there a specific time slot where the model(s) will be interacting with our setup?”

• “Who is the content creator and will they be providing deliverables to each vendor?”

• “How many people will be served and what’s expected of us?”

Styled shoots can be amazing when everyone is on the same page. In fact, we have another one coming up where the planner sent us the full timeline and blocked out a 45-minute time slot just for us. That’s how it should be.

So no, styled shoots aren’t a scam—but they’re also not automatically worth it. Like most things in this industry, it comes down to the details.

If you’re a vendor reading this: ask the questions. Get it in writing. Protect your time.

Because exposure doesn’t pay for product and no one wants to be the free barista in the background.

Need help knowing what to ask or how to prep for a styled shoot? DM me or check out our styled shoot checklist dropping soon. Let’s make sure your next one is actually worth the hype.