Styled wedding shoots are often something that mystifies couples when they first start looking for wedding inspiration.
After all, they're basically fake weddings!
But the thing that's so wonderful about them is that they allow wedding vendors and photographers to flex some creative muscle, experiment with ideas without having to consider a bride or groom, and bring new concepts and trends to the table.
Styling by Amanda Michel, Trendy Wedding, Photos by Camille Marciano for Junophoto via Bridal Musings
While some might seem a little too whimsical, or over the top, the point of a styled shoot is that you can take what you want from it, and leave the rest.
So while the overall concept might be a tad ‘out there' for your hotel/garden/marquee celebration, a colour combination, a tablescape, or a bridal styling idea is totally steal-able!
This year we've had so many creative styled shoots on the blog from all over the world, each and every one brimming with unique ideas, chic style and beautiful photography.
It was hard to select our favourites from 2015 (we love them all), but that's just what we did.
We've plucked a variety with something for everyone, whether you're planning a beach bash, a vintage soiree, or a fine art wedding, prepare to be utterly inspired…
1. Indie Inspiration
Styling by Il Giorno che Vorrei , Photos by Margherita Calati via Bridal Musings
This burgundy-dipped autumnal inspiration shoot by Margherita Calati, Il Giorno che Vorrei and a team of Italian vendors, has to be one of our favourite of the year, and it was pretty popular with our Instagram followers too!
Expect bold groom attire, luxe blooms, rustic table decor and a rather quirky cameo from an owl!
2. Ethereal Romance
Styling by Ginny Au assisted by Charlene Tea , Photos by Julie Kay Kelly via Bridal Musings
Oh this fine art inspiration shoot was a particularly dreamy one! It was captured by Julie Kay Kelly as part of a workshop with Erich McVey.
A four-part shoot, set against rugged clifftops, windswept beaches, and unspoilt woodland, be inspired by ethereal style and abundant blooms.
3. Conceptual Elegance
Styling by Nina Marika, Photos by Jess Petrie via Bridal Musings
Northern England was leading the way in wedding styling with this shoot that combined fine art elegance with a bare urban setting.
Photographed by Jess Petrie, and styled by Nina Marika, it features the most delicate blooms, the prettiest gown, and softly beautiful decor.
4. Farm To Table
Photo by Cat Mayer Studio via Bridal Musings
We just adore the idea of a wedding that feels more like relaxed supper with friends (only with gorgeous style, stunning florals, and beautiful bakes thrown in), so this farm to table shoot basically ticked all of our boxes.
Photographed by Cat Mayer Studio and set in the Colorado countryside, there's very little about this rustic wedding inspiration that doesn't make us swoon.
5. Sweet Vintage
Styled by Events To a T, Photos by Olga Thomas Photography via Bridal Musings
This French-inspired love shoot is something a little bit different. Laced with whimsical touches and vintage styling, it was photographed by Olga Thomas Photography and styled by Events To a T.
Think pink cupcakes, red lipstick, milkshakes with two straws, and lots and lots of love hearts!
6. Artistic Haze
Photos by Sara Lobla via Bridal Musings
This shoot was so utterly romantic and authentic looking, we thought it was a real wedding. Sweetly candid and impossibly cool, it was captured by Spanish photographer, Sara Lobla, in her signature dreamy style.
A shoot that feels more like a artistic movie, expect chic style, perfect portrait ideas, and real life love. Oh and watch the film at the bottom by UnParDeMedias – it's pretty special.
7. Southwest Bohemians
Styling by Nicoella, Photos by Marissa Kay Photography and Olivia Richards Photography via Bridal Musings
We saw lots of Southwest wedding inspiration this year, but we loved this one the most because, while it's beautiful and creative, it could be totally adaptable to your own big day
Photographed by Marissa Kay Photography and Olivia Richards Photography, and styled by Nicoella, we're pretty obsessed with the foliage garland, macrame backdrop and off-the-shoulder gown.
8. Regal Romance
Photo by Chymo & More Photography via Bridal Musings
We love how inspiration shoots allow us to swoon over such diverse styles of wedding, and this elegant shoot from The Netherlands indulges our inner princess brides with elegant regal styling and plenty of touches of pink.
Photographed by Chymo & More Photography, check this one out for sweet florals, chic hair and make-up and particularly pretty styling.
9. Elegance in the Tropics
Styling by Wedrock Weddings, Photo by Trouvé, via Bridal Musings
Tropical weddings were one of the standout trends from this year, so it was pretty awesome to share this elegant twist on the theme with a shoot all the way from Singapore, thanks to one of our fave fellow bloggers, The Wedding Scoop.
Styled by Wedrock Weddings and photographed by Trouvé, this shoot features vintage styling touches, tropical florals, and refined beachy decor.
10. The Folkster Bride
Styling by Amanda Michel, Trendy Wedding, Photos by Camille Marciano for Junophoto via Bridal Musings
And last, but most certainly not least, was this effortlessly gorgeous folksy inspiration shoot from Paris. Styled by Amanda Michel of Trendy Wedding and photographed by Camille Marciano for Junophoto, it's the stuff boho dreams are make of.
Fall hard for the rustic Southwest touches and bright colourful blooms, but it's that unmistakably cool Parisian feel that gets us every time!
So many chic shoots! And they were just the tip of the (utterly gorgeous) iceberg, so be sure to check out our Styled Shoots archive for more inspired ideas for your wedding – you're guaranteed to find something to suit your style of day.
Which was your favourite? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
Check out the rest of our Best of Bridal Musings 2015 round-ups.
