4 Tips for Wedding Detail Photos

Wedding Detail Photos can be as creative as you’re wanting them to be – IF you are prepared beforehand (both as the couple and the photographer). The more details and knickknacks a couple is able to provide, the more creative the photographer is able to get with the details! Here are my top 4 tips for couples on how to get more creative and unique wedding detail photos:

Tip #1: The Absolute Must-Have’s

The must have details include:

• All rings – wedding bands and engagement rings
• Jewelry – any other jewelry either of you are planning on also wearing on your big day
• Vow Books or Hand Written Letters
• Shoes
• Veil
• Tie / Bowtie
• Flower Bouquet
• Invitations & Envelopes (provide 2 if there’s text on both the front and back)*
• Save the Dates (provide 2 if there’s text on both the front and back)
• Sentimental Items you’re using or wearing on your wedding day – Are you wearing your mom’s earrings? Or wearing your grandfather’s watch?
• Something borrowed, something blue, something old, something new

*Even if you’re planning to elope, you can still create and print out one singular invitation for yourself and to remember all the details of your big day – the date, the address, the ceremony time, etc. You’re still allowed to have detail photos even if you’re eloping!

Tip #2: Include knick knacks that relate to your wedding

To “spice up” your detail photos, include some knick knacks that relate to you, your relationship, and/or your wedding theme. Pinterest is a great spot to gather inspiration for detail photos as well! Here are a few examples:

• Ask your florist for a few extra flowers to be used in your wedding detail photos.
• Find any knick knacks around your house that relate to your wedding theme and bring those for photos. Thrift stores might also have some fun items to include within your wedding detail photos as well!
• If you have a specific color scheme for your wedding, bring some objects that match the colors.
• If you’re getting married along a coastal or at a beach, include some seashells and other beachy items.
• If you’re getting married at a National Park, include a park map, a sign that resembles a park sign with your new last name or wedding date on it, and other National Park items or souvenirs.
• If you’re getting married in the mountains, include a map, a sign that resembles a park sign with your new last name on it, a watercolor painting of the mountains, etc.

Tip #3: Have all wedding details prepared before your photographer arrives

Have all of your wedding details together in a box or a bag before your photographer and videographer arrives. Typically, most photographers and videographers start on the detail photos to allow you more time to continue getting ready. Having everything prepared beforehand also allows for the photographer to get straight to photographing instead of waiting for you to pull everything together, which results in more photography time on you (and your people!) later on. Starting with photographing the detail photos helps a photographer in getting the creative juices flowing for the remainder of your big day as well.

Tip #4: Don’t Forget About Your Ceremony and Reception Wedding Details

Don’t forget to include time to allow your photographer and videographer to get shots of your ceremony and reception space before your guests arrive. This really should be your photographer’s responsibility to make sure there’s time within the timeline to get these shots, butttt it’s also the couples responsibility to make sure there’s time allowed within the timeline to get the detail shots of the ceremony and reception. Although all wedding timelines are different, I recommend giving the photographer at least 15 minutes before guests arrive to photograph the ceremony details and at least 10 minutes before guests are allowed to enter the the reception space.

Final Advice

Whether you’re planning on a wedding or an elopement, the details of your big day are so important. The time, effort, and money you put into alllll the little details throughout your day deserve to be remembered!

The following is more advice and tips for your big day:

• 3 Tips for Family Photos on a Wedding Day
• Should I Do a First Look on My Big Day? & Alternatives If Not
• What to Do with Your Photos
• 12 Ways to Have a Unique Wedding
• Destination Wedding Packing List
• Check out more of my portfolio here

IN NEED OF A WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER?

Well hey there – I’m Emily! I’m a wedding and elopement photographer based in California. I spend a lot of time photographing adventure elopements of rad couples all around the world.

If you’re looking for a photographer who will:

• Photograph your beautiful wedding ceremony and activities through storytelling photos that you can look back on for the rest of your life
• Help you come up with your dream wedding day and itinerary
• Help you to make your wedding intentional, unique, and memorable
  …then I’m your person!!!

Visit my website to learn more about me, get to know my approach to photography, and then reach out to me if you think we’re a good fit. I cannot wait to hear from you and start planning your dream wedding day!!