Wedding details make up the entire aesthetic of your big day! While you may not keep the earrings you wore, or remember the style of your invitation suite, you’ll be able to look back on the photos to remember the day.

I love being able to capture gorgeous flat lays featuring all the pretty little things, so I wanted to create a helpful post that lists all of the things to have ready for your photographer + some examples of what other brides have done!

What are detail shots?

Details shots capture all of the gorgeous work you and your vendors collaborated on to make up the beauty of your wedding day. Here are some common shots wedding photographers take:

• Flatlays of your invitation suite
• Jewelry + rings with florals or special ring boxes
• Flatlays of groom’s details (watch, tie, cuff links, pocket square, etc.)
• Tablescape shots
• The wedding dress hung somewhere in the venue
• Floral close-ups
• Bridal details (veil, jewelry, makeup, perfume, etc.)

How to Prepare for Detail Shots:

The easiest way to make sure your photographer can get the shots you want is to put them all together in a box the night before. Either before, or in between getting ready photos, they will be able to capture all of the pretty, aesthetic photos you want. Here is a checklist of things to have ready for your photographer on your wedding day:

• Full invitation suite; include RSVP cards, save the dates, formal invitations, calligraphed envelopes, etc. (*Bonus: find some fun stamps that fit the vibe of your suite or even wax seals to add a little something extra.)
• Bridal Details: earrings, necklace, engagement and wedding ring, veil, hair pieces, bracelet, shoes, perfume, lipstick or makeup, garter, etc.
• Groom Details: tie, cuff links, cologne, pocket square, watch, shoes, wedding ring, class ring, etc.
• Flowers: bouquet, boutonieere, corsages, etc.

How to Add a Little “Oomph” to Your Detail Shots

I love when I get to create a unique layout from a couple’s details. There are so many different things you can do to add a little extra pizzazz to your detail shots to set them apart from everyone else! Here are a few of my favorite things to help jazz up your photos:

• Antique ring boxes: My favorite are the velvet ones, they are so easy to find and you can match them to the color scheme of your wedding! They photograph prettier than the boxes rings come in from the store, and can help pull together a flat lay shot with a unique texture.
• Invitation details: I’m talking wax seals with a pretty stamp on them, antique stamps, and color-coordinated ribbons. These little things can add texture and creativity to your suite and make for a unique setup.
• Flowers: One of the most important things in my opinion, please, please, please ask your florist for a few extra stems to include in your detail shots. Flowers help brighten up the flat lays, and helps the photographer to capture shots of the pretty stems as well!
• Antique pieces: I love including unique antique trays, knick-knacks, and more to tie in the theme of your day while adding texture and depth.

While capturing candid moments of my couples is my absolute favorite, wedding details are a special little love of mine. I love getting to create gorgeously composed shots for my couples to look back on and help remember all the little things that created one of the most important days of their lives.

More Examples: