Wedding Detail Photos: What to Include for Stunning Memories

Your wedding day is made up of so many little details—each one thoughtfully chosen to reflect your love story. As a wedding photographer, I love capturing these elements in a way that transports you back to your day, even years from now. These detail shots help tell the full story of your wedding, from the carefully selected accessories to the meaningful heirlooms.

So, what should you include in your detail photos? Here’s a guide to make sure we capture everything beautifully!

1. The Wedding Invitation Suite

Your invitation suite is the first glimpse guests get into your wedding day, so it deserves a spot in your detail photos. Bring a clean, unfolded copy of your:
✔ Invitation
✔ RSVP card
✔ Envelopes (with calligraphy if applicable)
✔ Any special wax seals, ribbons, or stamps

2. The Rings (All of Them!)

Your engagement ring, wedding bands, and even any special family rings deserve their moment! Having a small, stylish ring box or dish can help showcase them beautifully.

3. Bridal Accessories

All the little details that complete your wedding look can make for stunning, elegant photos. Don’t forget:
✔ Earrings, necklace, or bracelet
✔ Hairpieces or veil
✔ Shoes (yes, even if they’ll be hidden under your dress most of the day!)
✔ Perfume bottle (bonus points if it’s sentimental!)

4. The Dress & Suit Details

Your wedding attire is a huge part of the day! Make sure to have:
✔ A nice hanger for the dress (wood or personalized ones look great in photos!)
✔ The groom’s tie, cufflinks, and pocket square
✔ Boutonnière
✔ Any custom embroidery or sentimental details

5. Florals & Bouquet

Your bouquet is a big part of your overall wedding aesthetic. If possible, have your florist set aside a few loose florals or greenery stems for styling the detail shots.

6. Something Old, New, Borrowed & Blue

If you’re following this tradition, include these special items so they can be captured as part of your story. This could be a family heirloom, a locket, a special fabric sewn into your dress, or even a handwritten note. Or like below an old post card from your venues history!

7. Love Letters or Vows

If you and your partner are exchanging private letters or handwritten vows, having them photographed before the ceremony adds a deeply personal touch.

8. Wedding Favors or Personalized Details

If you have any custom items like wax seals, custom napkins, or meaningful trinkets that reflect your personalities, these can add an extra layer of storytelling to your detail photos.

9. The Perfume & Cologne

Scents are tied to memories, so capturing the perfume or cologne you wore on your wedding day is a small but meaningful touch.

10. Extra Styling Elements

To elevate your detail shots, consider bringing:
✔ A piece of fabric or ribbon in your wedding colors
✔ A small dish for rings
✔ Any decorative elements from your wedding décor (like textured paper or lace)

Final Tips for Perfect Detail Photos:

✅ Gather all these items in a box the week before to allow things to run smoothly the morning of. Bonus if they’re labeled for easy access for your photographer.
✅ Assign a bridesmaid or family member to give them to your photographer in the morning.
✅ Ask your florist for extra blooms to incorporate into the styling. 2-3 stems of each flower work best.
✅ Have a clean, well-lit space for these photos (natural light works best!).

Your detail photos are more than just pretty pictures—they’re a way to preserve the small, thoughtful pieces of your wedding day that mean so much. I can’t wait to capture them for you!

If you’re planning your wedding and looking for a photographer who cares not just about pretty photos but telling your story lets connect!