The Ultimate Wedding Details Checklist

If you’re just starting the wedding planning process, congratulations! It’s such an exciting time in your life – so I sure hope you’ve been celebrating!! As a California wedding and elopement photographer (and recent bride), and having shot at 60+ weddings, I feel comfortable providing guidance on ‘all things weddings’ at this point. It’s such a joy walking along the wedding planning process with my clients. But can I tell you a secret? However, most brides leave finding their wedding flat lay details until the lastttt minute! So I’ve put together the ultimate wedding details checklist to help you avoid any wedding planning stress. Let’s get into it!

I want to start off with a huge disclaimer! This blog is by no means telling you that you HAVE to put a lot of work into your detail photos. I tell my clients all the time, the detail photos can be as intricate or as simple as you want! So if that means pulling out alllll the stops, do it! But if you’re not really feeling it, please don’t feel pressured to do so. If nobody has told you this yet, your wedding (or elopement) is about what you and your partner envision. This blog is just my take on IF you want to have pretty details, these are my tips to set your photographer up for success.

So, What are ‘detail photos’?

Now that that is said, let’s talk about what detail photos are. Detail photos are a tribute to the hours you have spent planning your perfect day. From the venue to the flowers, the dress to the rings, every detail matters. One of my favorite parts of capturing these special moments is the flat lay photos. 

These detail shots are the perfect way to showcase all the beautiful pieces that make up your big day. Not only do they set the mood for your special day in your photo gallery or album (which I strongly suggest you make after you get your photos), but they also provide a visual narrative of all the details that make your wedding unique. From the intricately designed invitations to the personalized wedding favors, these small details add up to create an unforgettable experience. And what better way to capture and cherish these memories than with stunning flat lay photos? These photos help to tell the story of your wedding day, and they’re the perfect addition to any photo album or gallery.

Pro-tips from a photographer

Before I share what to include in your wedding details, I also want to share a pro-tip that I’ve learned over the years as a wedding photographer. Gather allll of your little goodies into a box. You can even put one of your bridesmaids or personal attendants in charge of the box. But the idea is that you will have all your wedding details in one spot to just hand to your photographer. Once your photographer has taken all the photos they need, it’ll be so much easier to get the groom his cufflinks, watch, etc. back. Because the last thing you want while you’re getting your hair done is to have to stop to gather all the things. 

Another useful tip is to give your photographer time in the timeline to shoot these details. I typically have 30 minutes per wedding to be able to come in, collect all the details, arrange them, and get the photos. During this time on the timeline, either my second shooter or I also pop in and out of the bride’s room to capture some final touches on hair/makeup/such.

Keep on scrolling to see my list of objects you can include in your detail photos!!

Wedding Details 

• Veil
• Shoes (both partners)
• ALL rings – Please don’t forget to include your partner’s ring, it’s an easy ‘miss’! You want photos of all the rings, not just yours.
• Cutie lil ring box (the box your rings come in aren’t always photogenic)
• Additional jewelry
  • Bracelet
  • Necklace
  • Earrings
• Watch
• Cufflinks
• Tie clip
• Paper goods (save the date, invitational suite, maps, etc.)
• Vow books
• Floral cuttings (ask your florist!)
• Bouquet
• Perfume
• Cologne
• Tie
• Socks
• Garter

Creative Items

Personally, I think the best flat lay detail photos include personal touches. Whether that be sentimental items from a family member, or little mementos from your relationship as a couple, it can really pull the whole flat lay together.

• Polaroid pictures
• Photo booth strips
• Shells/leaves/rocks from nature around your wedding’s location or venue
• Tickets or small items from your relationship
• Promise ring
• Strips of fabric from your mom or grandma’s dress (or dad’s old shirt)
• Cute/aesthetic books

Whether you include all of the items on the ultimate wedding details checklist, or none of the items, remember to do what feels best for you. Be sure to save this for your own special day! If you’re searching for more wedding planning tips, CLICK HERE! As always, you can keep up with me on Instagram (@lauraminorphotography).