Detail shots might be a bride’s favorite wedding day to-do. Why? Because you don’t need to worry about them! This is where your wedding photographer (and the details you took such care in planning) really shine. And the best part? It doesn’t take any time from you on your big day. You’ve already put in the work to make every detail picture perfect. Now let your wedding photographer preserve them forever in a meaningful way! Not familiar with these images? Let’s talk dreamy detail shots—and why they’re an important part of every wedding gallery.

What Are Detail Shots?

Detail shots help to tell a whole story by highlighting a smaller part of the big picture. When it comes to wedding photography, these images can bring focus to the smaller details that help make your big day so special! 

A few examples of photo subjects would be:

• Your invitations
• Your guest book
• Your food
• Your dress/suit (without you in them)
• Your shoes
• Your rings and other jewelry
• Perfume/cologne bottles
• Bouquets/corsages 
• Signage/decor
  
  

Why Do You Need Them?

Yes, the traditional wedding photos, both portraits and candids, are an important part of your wedding gallery. In fact, they’re probably the first images that spring to mind when you’re booking a wedding photographer! But capturing those lesser-known elements is just as important. These are the sentimental touches that will be harder to remember over time, and your detail shots will preserve them forever. 

Think of it this way… after you choose a wedding dress, you wouldn’t skip the accessories, would you? The veil, hair and makeup, shoes, and jewelry decisions are all part of the complete bridal look. And the detail shots make for a complete wedding album when all the “I Do-s” are said and done.

What Should You Bring?

While detail shots won’t take up any of your wedding day time, there are some things you can prepare (or assign to someone in your circle) ahead of time. These are things that will set your wedding photographer up for success—and they’re all things you can start to put in a box in the weeks (or even months) leading up to the big day as you think of them.

Here are a few things you’ll want to pack:

• Two copies of your wedding stationery (your invitation suite, save-the-date card, program, menu, etc.) Why two sets? So we can get both sides in one great photo!
• Polaroids or old film photos of the bride and groom
• Nice hangers—Yes, you’ll have your dresses and such packed already, but you’ll want something more than a plastic Target hanger for the detail shots of your gown!)
• Boxes for jewelry and shoes—Just like the hangers, your photographer would appreciate a few fancier options for displaying your sentimental pieces.
• Cake toppers—make sure your photographer gets a hold of it before you place it on top of the cake!
• Empty photo frames—this might sound strange, but having a frame that suits your style or wedding colors/theme can do a long way in showcasing your important details.
• Loose florals—This might be a day-of grab, but it’s an in-advance ask! Check with your florist and request a few loose florals thrown in separate from the traditional structured pieces. That way your photographer can use them in staging the perfect detail shots that encapsulate the day’s design!
  
  

Of course, even if you forget or choose to forego any of these items, the most important thing is to communicate with your wedding photographer. Are you wearing your mother’s ear rings? His great grandfather’s cufflinks? Will the inside of your wedding cake be as fancy as the outside? Will photos or items be used or displayed to honor family and friends who aren’t present? Make sure your photographer knows! These are the meaningful details that make this not just any wedding, but YOUR wedding. They deserve as much care and attention as you put into planning them!