What to Have Ready for Your Wedding Detail Photos (And How to Be Prepared for a Beautiful Morning)
The soft light streaming in, the quiet excitement, your wedding dress hanging nearby, your best people gathered around you—it’s all happening. But before the first look, the walk down the aisle, and the dance floor, your photographer will begin the day capturing one of the most meaningful parts of your story: the details.
Those small, intentional items—your invitation suite, your heirloom necklace, your vow books—may seem simple, but they tell the full story of your day. They’re the physical pieces of your love, style, and the thought you put into making the day feel like you. So how do you make sure your photographer has everything they need to capture this beautifully? This blog is your guide to getting ready and detail photo prep—including what to gather, how to organize it, and tips for making your morning flow with intention and ease.
Why Detail Photos Matter
Detail photos are about more than aesthetics. They set the tone for your gallery and preserve the parts of your story that often go unnoticed—the perfume you always wear, the vow book filled with words only you and your partner will know, the lace on your grandmother’s handkerchief. These photos are emotion in the form of objects. You don’t need everything, but having a curated collection of meaningful and beautiful details helps your photographer tell the most complete version of your story. Here’s what to include:
Wedding Attire & Accessories
•Dress + hanger: Bring a pretty hanger, wood or velvet preferred.
•Veil or cape: Please make sure if it needs to be steamed that this is done!
•Shoes: Clean the soles and remove stickers if you want them photographed.
•Jewelry: Earrings, necklace, bracelets, ring boxes, etc.
•Perfume: Bonus if it’s “your scent” or chosen just for the day.
•Clutch or small bag
Rings
•All three rings: Engagement ring, wedding band, and your partner’s band.
Pro tip: Keep them all with you in the morning so your photographer can capture them together. You can give your partner’s ring to the officiant later.
Invitation Suite
•Full invitation suite: invite, RSVP card, envelopes, wax seals, maps, etc.
•2 clean, unbent copies
•Optional: a styled tray or backdrop (some photographers bring their own)
Personal Touches
•Vow books
•Letters or gifts exchanged with your partner
•Handkerchiefs
•Hair pins or accessories
•Something old/new/borrowed/blue
•Special heirlooms or cultural items
•Your wedding day fragrance
Florals
•Bouquet + boutonniere
Tip: Ask your florist to deliver these to your getting ready location before your photographer arrives so they can be included in your detail shots.
How to Prepare & Organize It All
To make your morning flow effortlessly, gather all your details before the wedding day and place them in a clearly labeled box or bag. That way, your photographer can jump right in when they arrive.
Quick Detail Prep Checklist:
•Pack a “Details Box” with everything listed above
•Include your invitation suite (bring extras!)
•Clean your rings (jewelers will often do this for free)
•Steam your dress + veil the night before
•Remove tags, stickers, and packaging
•Assign someone (a bridesmaid, sibling, or planner) to be your go-to for questions while you’re in hair or makeup
Photographer Tip: A 30–45 minute window at the beginning of the day is ideal for capturing your details with intention and creativity—without rushing.
Getting Ready Tips for a Stress-Free Morning
You’ll feel so much more present and at peace if your space is prepped for comfort and creativity.
Create a Calm Getting Ready Environment:
•Choose a clean, well-lit room (natural light = photographer’s dream!)
•De-clutter the space or designate one area for bags & snacks
•Bring a speaker for music to set the mood
•Wear a cute robe or outfit for “getting ready” photos
•Have food and water easily accessible—you’ll need fuel!
Bonus Photo Moments:
•First look with your bridesmaids, parent(s), or chosen family
•Toast with your bridal party
•Reading a letter from your partner
•Final touches in the mirror
•Zipping/buttoning up with a loved one’s help
Final Thoughts
Your getting ready time and your details aren’t just about looking pretty—they’re about capturing what your wedding day feels like before anyone else sees you. These items, these moments, these quiet little pockets of time—this is where your story begins.
When you take the time to prep ahead and gather meaningful details, you’re giving your photographer the tools to capture every nuance with artistry and care.
Looking for someone to photograph your day with intention, meaning, and a love for the little things?
I specialize in documentary-style wedding photography that starts with the details and ends with memories that last forever. Let’s create a wedding story that starts the moment you wake up.
