The Ultimate Wedding Detail Checklist

If having epic wedding detail photos is important to you, then you are going to want to save this wedding detail checklist. 

In it I include all of the things you want to make sure you have set aside for you photographer before they show up as well as some extra accessories that help us take those beautiful shots. 

The extra accessories are definitely optional (you don’t NEED a ring box to get beautiful ring photos) but having a few of them will absolutely uplevel your wedding detail photos. 

Getting married in Roanoke? Check out my guide to the best wedding venues in Roanoke.

Side note, this article is about what I would call “still life wedding detail photography.” But honestly, my favorite way to capture details is in context. I love photographing shoes on you. Or the details of your dress on your body. Or your veil while it’s being held by your mother before she puts it on you. For me, object shots are beautiful, but they start to tell a story in the context of the person who is using them. So I try and get both still life and context details whenever possible. 

In other words, know that when you work with me, I will make sure all of the pieces you put so much time and effort into gathering are documented beautifully! 

Types of wedding detail photos

Generally when I’m doing wedding detail shots for a couple, I take:

• A flatlay of the invitation suite and jewelry 
• Ring shots 
• Dress shot
• Bouquet shot
• A few extra “separates” if there is time like photos of the jewelry by itself or the veil details 

I also make sure I get room shots of the reception space and details of the tables like place settings, table decor, and floral arrangements. 

For the ceremony, I try to grab a shot of the ceremony setup before it’s disturbed by guests, details of flowers or decor if present and any special signage. 

Whatever is there, I photograph. But if you want that “luxury flatlay” look or really want to uplevel your detail shots here are a few extra accessories that help do that. 

Optional Wedding Detail Accessory Checklist 

Think about the theme of your wedding when choosing which accessories to bring with you. Having a garden wedding? Include tiny pots and fairy garden tools. Having a travel themed wedding? Bring a map for a backdrop, a decorative compass and vintage camera. Having a forest themed wedding? Bring greenery you’ve gathered or acorns from your favorite oak tree or bring a beautiful handmade cutting board as backdrop for your flatlay. 

Optional wedding detail checklist:

• A ring box – I prefer ones like this that have a removable lid. That way the lid doesn’t get in the way of the flat lay! 
• Custom ring dishes are also beautiful. Just note that in the box linked above the rings fit facing upward and in a ring dish they will be photographed flat. You can also do both! 
• Custom wax seals and stamps are a beautiful addition to flat lays – especially if you used a seal with your invitation suite!
• Ribbon or gauze in your wedding colors can be a beautiful way to tie a flat lay together 
• Perfume or cologne – especially if you have a signature scent – is a great way to add a hint of luxury to your detail shots 
• Vow books can be a beautiful detail to include in your detail shots 
• Vintage stamps can also be a beautiful detail to include in your detail  
• Extra blooms from your florist. Make sure when you do your floral order you include extra flowers from your florist so I can use the in your detail shots 
• Personalized hanger for wedding outfit. Pro tip: Make sure the hanger you choose has notches – it can be hard to get wedding dresses or jumpsuits to stay on hangers without them
• Vintage or personal items such as a beloved book of poetry, photo of your grandparents, personal letters to one another or items you got on vacation like cigars, momentos. 

Wedding Detail Checklist for Detail Photos

This list includes all of the things you should have on hand for your photographer before they get there. 

Pro tip: Gather everything you want photographed in a plastic storage bin. That way you aren’t leaving hair and makeup trying to figure out where your shoes got to. You can just hand your photographer the bin and they can start working on your details!

• Invitation suite x 2 (just in case one gets bent)
• All rings Pro Tip: Get your rings professionally cleaned before your big day so they are nice and shiny for your photographs! 
• Cufflinks
• Tie clip
• Tie or bow tie 
• Wedding shoes Pro Tip: Even if you plan on slipping on flats or tennis shoes later in the evening, include a fancy pair of shoes for your detail photos
• All jewelry 
• Hair accessories 
• Veil
• Watch 
• Bouquet
• Boutineer 
• Handkerchief 
• Belt/suspenders  
• Socks (if custom or fun)
• Wedding outfits 

How Much Time Will Your Photographer Need for Detail Shots?

On a traditional wedding day I try to allocate an hour for details. I know that sounds like a lot, but it’s kind of like Tetris in that we show up and are handed a bunch of objects that we then need to organize in an aesthetically pleasing way. Doing this takes time and some trial and error! Ideally I usually set up 2-3 versions of a flat lay before moving on to photographing the more important details individually like the dress and shoes and bouquet. If we don’t have an hour then of course I’ll do the best I can, but like anything, I find the more time I have, the better the end result.