How to Prepare for Wedding Day Detail Photos

As a photographer, one of my absolute favorite elements of the wedding day to capture are the details. I understand the time and effort that couples put into perfectly curating their wedding day, and those thoughtful details allow me to add even more depth and dimension to their wedding story. However, I have found that when the wedding day timeline is finalized there is often not enough time scheduled for me to be able to appropriately style and capture the wedding day details, and when the timeline is inevitably delayed it will mean that unfortunately, these photos are often the first to go. To ensure that this doesn’t happen and that I am able to capture some of the smallest but most important details of your wedding day, I have put together a few wedding details photography tips for brides.

Set aside details in advance. This is SO important, as it allows me to know what items are of special significance to you, plus it saves me time so that I can get right to work instead of spending 20-30 minutes trying to collect everything from you on your wedding day. Assign this task to a bridesmaid or female family member who will be getting ready with you, and focus simply on savoring each and every moment of the wedding day. Items that should be photographed include:

• Invitation suite (invitation, details card, map, addressed envelope, save the date)
• Day of paper goods (table number, place card, escort card, menu)
• Bridal jewelry
• Shoes
• Veil
• Bouquet
• Boutonnier
• Garter
• Engagement ring
• Wedding bands
• Family heirlooms
• Vow books
• Wedding dress
• Perfume bottle

Styling is key. My couples value a fine art aesthetic, but creating those beautifully styled photos takes time and consideration. To ensure photos have the painterly quality that you so desire, I highly recommend the following items set aside and ready for me upon my arrival:

• Velvet (or antique) ring box to photograph your rings
• Spool of ribbon, vintage stamps (even if you didn’t use when you mailed your invitations), a few loose florals from your florist
• Dress hanger

Don’t skimp on photographic coverage. For brides and grooms on a budget (and I understand, as I was just there myself), it can be tempting to cut an hour or two from the wedding day photography collection to save money. However I strongly urge you against this. My two main goals as a wedding photographer are to be able to capture all of the moments and details (large and small) that make up your wedding day, and for you to have a day that is peaceful and relaxed. By cutting back on your photographic coverage it means that both you and I will be scrambling trying to squeeze as much photography opportunities as we can out of the little time that we have available. Ultimately, I need about 90 minutes in a quiet, well-lit space to ensure that your details are beautifully and thoughtfully photographed.

Collaborate with me on your wedding day timeline. My last piece of advice for you is to collaborate with me on your wedding day timeline. If you are using a wedding coordinator or planner I can work directly with them, or if not I would be happy to create your wedding day timeline with you. It is SO important that we designate enough time for photography, and by keeping me involved I will ensure that I do all I can to not only keep the day relaxed but most importantly that your photos will be even more beautiful than you could have ever hoped for.

Looking for more wedding planning tips and advice? See how to pick a destination wedding photographer, my favorite destination wedding locations, how to pick your destination wedding location, and why I had a destination wedding.