Wondering why wedding detail shots are so important? Trust me, these are more than just pretty pictures!
Why are detail shots important?
Your wedding detail pictures are so important for many reasons!
Your wedding detail pictures honor family memories
I’ll share more on this in a moment, but wedding detail pictures have the power to tie in the love stories from different generations of your family. Whether you’re incorporating pictures, jewelry, champagne flutes, or something else from a family member, there is a deeply important memory there.
And, if I’m guessing correctly, it’s something that you want to honor. Your grandparents longstanding dedication to each other is inspiring, and you want to pay homage as you begin your own wedding journey.
Plus, you’re creating new memories for your own family legacy. Perhaps one day you’ll have a daughter or a granddaughter of your own to pass something down to, and both that heirloom and the pictures of it will tell your story to future generations.
Your wedding detail pictures set the tone for your wedding photography
To borrow a famous line:
“Momma always said you can tell a lot about a person by their shoes…where they been, where they going…”
Forrest Gump
The same can be said for your wedding details. The items and accessories you chose say something about who you are at this moment in time.
When you create a wedding album–the real thing, one you can hold in your hands, not just scroll through on your phone–wedding detail shots almost always come first.
So those details really do prime the viewer for what comes later in the day.
Leaving out your wedding detail pictures would be like trying to tell a story without giving any background information. It’s just not helpful!
Your wedding detail pictures are part of your memories.
For however long you were engaged, you spent time planning your wedding and all the little details. If these are the items you labored over choosing, they simply deserve a moment in the spotlight.
What is in a wedding detail shot?
There are a ton of wedding details to capture, so it’s better to think about the different groupings rather than just one image
Wedding stationery
Any and all of your paper goods should be saved for a giant flatlay.
What’s a flatlay? I’m so glad you asked! A flatlay is when items are placed on a flat surface and then captured from directly above. So you can really have a flatlay for anything, not just wedding details. If you’re a girl that lives by the motto “the camera eats first,” you may already be a flatlay expert!
So, make sure that you include your save the dates, full wedding invitation suite, envelopes, and any other paper products you have for your wedding day. It’s easy to forget your programs, menus, and even customized napkins. But if you’ve worked hard on something, that memory needs to be captured!
It’s also best to have two copies of each paper good. So two save the dates, two full invitation suites, and so on. And if you have any leftover stamps, set those aside, too. This way your photographer (hi!) can utilize the front and back sides of each piece of paper. Again, the goal is to preserve every well thought out detail regardless of how big or small.
If you’re using a calligrapher to address your envelopes, have them create an extra envelope for your flatlay details. You’ve invested in their gorgeous handwriting, so it deserves to be captured
Bridal Details
If you are wearing or holding something, even as an accessory, it should be set aside for your wedding detail shots.
So, you’ll need your steamed dress, veil, shoes, any and all jewelry (earrings, rings for both almost spouses, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, hairpieces), perfume, bouquet, vow book, etc.
And, if you have any props for your accessories, you should set those aside. So, for your dress, if you have a fancy hanger, you’ll want to make sure it goes in your detail box. If you have any extra ribbons from your florals, you can include those. Have a fancy ring box, perhaps even a customized one? Definitely throw that in!
Heirloom Items
Some brides even like to include family heirloom items for detail shots. If you have a special ring that your grandmother handed down to you or the champagne flutes you’re toasting with have been in the family for generations, you may want to preserve those memories.
So even if it might not be a traditional wedding detail shot but it is an important part of your family’s legacy, you’ll want to add it to the detail photos.
Wedding detail pictures for the groom
Of course, the bride isn’t the only one putting lots of effort into the wedding day! The groom also has important details to preserve.
Similarly to the bride, if anything is being worn or is an accessory, it should be set aside. Think cologne, cuff links, watch, tie or bow tie, shoes, pocket square, boutonniere, or anything else of sentimental value.
If possible, and if the groom details will be separate from the bridal ones, send along another copy of the invitation suite. This ensures consistency for all of the wedding detail pictures, even when they’re happening in different locations.
How to prepare for your wedding detail pictures
Gather all of your wedding details in one place
Whether it’s an easy to carry bag or an easy to carry box (emphasis on easy to carry, please and thank you!) it’s best to have all of your wedding details in one place.
This helps your photographer be able to fully utilize the time dedicated to your wedding details instead of trying to gather them after arriving.
Designate someone to help with your wedding details
It’s best to have either a bridesmaid or a family member know where all of your details are so that they can help set up the photographer. You’ll most likely be in the middle of hair and makeup when your photographer arrives, so it won’t be easy for you to give instructions.
Plus, even if you weren’t busy, it’s your wedding day! You shouldn’t have to worry about organizing anything. Delegate this to someone else so that you can be stress free and fully present.
Confirm with your florist that the bouquets and extra blooms will be present when your photographer arrives
Florals make all the difference when it comes to your wedding detail pictures!
It’s worth it to invest in a few extra stems for those detail shots.
You’ll want to make sure that the bouquets arrive before your photographer so that there aren’t any delays for the wedding detail pictures
Wedding photography details checklist
Need an ultimate checklist for what to pack for your wedding detail pictures? I’ve got you!
- Invitation Suite (all parts that get mailed out to guests). At least 2 copies. Include envelopes, addressed if possible
- Extra stamps
- Save the Dates
- Perfume Bottle
- Rings (engagement and the two wedding bands)
- Dress-steamed
- Special hangers
- Shoes
- Jewelry (earrings, bracelet, necklace)
- Bouquet
- Garter
- Veil
- Written vows
- Heirloom items (grandmother’s brooch, mom’s ring, etc.)
- Any loose ribbons from other decorations throughout the day
- Decorative ring box
- Cologne
- Save the Dates
- Tie/tie clip
- Cufflinks
- Shoes
- Flask
- Watch
- Pocket square
- Boutonniere
I’m so excited that you’re investing in the perfect wedding detail pictures! Your love story and legacy is so important, and I can’t wait to see what you do with it.
If you’re still looking for your wedding photographer, I’d love to chat with you and see if we’re the perfect fit. You can inquire with me and see if I have availability by clicking here. You can also join my newsletter by clicking here so that you don’t miss any of my updates!
Until next time,
Christine
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