Like most wedding photographers, I love kicking off a wedding day by taking photos of wedding details. It’s a great way to get my creative juices flowing + set the scene for your wedding day.
The only problem? Wedding mornings can get a little, well, chaotic.
To combat stress, I tell all my couples to load up their wedding details into a tote bag or box. That way, when I show up in the morning, they can just point to the tote bag from the comfort of their makeup chair. There’s zero need to get up (unless it’s to give me a hug and re-fill your mimosa).
And, because I’m on a mission to make wedding days as stress-free as possible, I’m handing over my go-to checklist to you. The best part? It doubles as a shopping checklist.
Bonus: if you stick it through ’til the end, you’ll also find a few pro tips I’ve collected over the years.
What are wedding detail photos?
They’re photos of your wedding accessories, taken during the ‘getting ready’ portion of the day. They can be candid photos, ⬆️ like that photo of Steph putting on her bridal sneakers, or they can be stylized photos.
A popular type of stylized photo is a flat lay—they can be overhead photos, or any close-up photos of your wedding details on their own. ⬇️
Wedding Detail Photos Checklist
Here’s a list of some of the things I’ve seen couples gather together for detail photos on the morning of their wedding.
Pro tip: you don’t need to have everything on this list. Only gather the items you know you’ll want photos of (and don’t feel the need to go out and buy something just because it’s on this list*).
*Unless you want to be enabled. In that case, go ahead—go buy that monogrammed ring box!
The details that set the scene:
These are wedding accessories I like to take photos of at every wedding.
Invitations + Paper Goods
Pack 2 clean, unbent copies of your invitations and any other stationery you want to be photographed, like save the dates, change the dates, programs, menus, etc.
Wedding rings
Your engagement ring(s) and both wedding bands. I’ll make sure they wind up with the right person once I’m done with them.
Ring storage
You can stick with traditional ring boxes, like Mrs. Boxes, or you can opt for unique ring boxes like this or this.
Florals
Bouquets and boutonnieres can help incorporate the colors + vibe of your wedding.
Vows
If you write (or late-minute print and tape 🤣) your vows inside custom vow books or stationary.
Perfume or Cologne
If you’re a sensory person, it’s a nice reminder of what you smelled like on your wedding day.
If you’re rocking a dress, gather:
Your Dress
Try to make sure it’s steamed and all of the cardboard + padding is removed before I arrive.
Custom hanger
If you got (or were gifted) a personalized hanger, now is its time to shine.
Jewelry
Think earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, etc.
Hair Accessories
If I arrive before hair and makeup is finished, I’ll sometimes include hair accessories like pins, bows, hair combs, or headpieces.
Veil
Even if your veil is simple, they make a great backdrop for your wedding details.
Shoes
Both the shoes you’ll be wearing during the day and anything you’ll slip into later (what can I say, I love photographing fun reception shoes).
Personalized touches
If it’s monogrammed, sentimental, engraved or embossed, I’ll want to take a photo of it. Think things like:
- Spare wax seals used for your invites
- A custom clutch
- A personal touch sewn into your dress
- Embroidered handkerchiefs (whether you’re giving or getting them as a gift)
- Heirlooms, like a grandmother’s stole or family jewelry.
If you’re rocking a suit, gather:
Tie or Bowtie
If there are multiple patterns or colors throughout your wedding party, set aside one of each.
Cufflinks
Bonus points if they’re sentimental, monogrammed, or a gift.
Shoes
Specifically, if you bought new shoes for your wedding day (please break them in first—your feet will thank you later).
Watch
Especially if it’s special to you (whether it’s a gift or your favorite watch).
Personalized touches
If it’s monogrammed, sentimental, engraved, or embossed, I’ll want to take a photo of it. Think of things like:
- A custom jacket lining.
- Your initials on your shirt cuff.
- Socks that have the face(s) of your pets or any other inside joke.
- Embroidery on your jacket or tie (like your name and wedding date).
- Heirlooms, like an old family pocket watch or family ring.
- Any special gifts you’ve gotten, like a bottle of bourbon with your name on it (literally and figuratively).
Tips to make the most of your wedding detail photos
Tip #1: Ask your florist for loose florals
Loose flowers and greenery can add a great pop of color to detail photos and tie everything together. Ask your florist if they can include some loose florals when they drop off your bouquets and boutonnieres. If your florist is using a special ribbon that ties in with your colors, consider asking if they also have a few strands that they’re willing to part with to tie everything together (figuratively).
Note 1: Sometimes florists will charge extra for loose florals—if that’s the case, don’t worry about adding it on. I can make do with your bouquet!
Note 2: If you want florals in your flat lay photos, make sure your personal flowers are scheduled to arrive when (or before) your photographer arrives.
Tip #2: Keep your accessories organized
Instead of running around the morning of your wedding trying to find your shoes, jewelry, and other little details, put together a wedding accessories list and pack everything into a box or tote. That way you’ll know all your accessories are accounted for and you can simply hand off the tote to your photographer when they arrive.
Tip #3: Prioritize things with meaning
The most important tip—channel your inner Marie Kondo when deciding which items you want to be photographed. Which items spark joy? Which ones make you sentimental?
Let your photographer know which items are special to you and which ones you’re ‘meh’ about. There’s no right or wrong answer (and I promise I won’t judge you if you don’t want photos of your Minted invites or your rented cufflinks).
Tip #4: Set aside 30 minutes (or more)
Stylized detail photos take time—they involve a lot of ring balancing, experimenting, and finessing. If these photos are important to you, budget at least 30 minutes for details photos in your timeline.
Hopefully this checklist makes your wedding day prep a little easier!
