What to Include in your Wedding Details Shot List

As a wedding photographer, one of my favorite parts of the day is photographing your wedding details.

Those meaningful items that tell the story of your style, your love, and your day. These photos set the tone of your wedding album, and they’re a beautiful way to capture all the little things you carefully chose or created.

Whether you're planning a full wedding or an intimate elopement, here’s an easy guide to what to include in your wedding day detail photos, plus some pro tips for making the most of them.

What Are Wedding Detail Photos?

Wedding detail photos are styled images of the meaningful items you’ve included in your day—your invitation suite, rings, accessories, and more. These are often captured during the getting-ready portion of your timeline and help tell the story of your wedding in a visually cohesive way.

What to Include in Your Wedding Day Flat Lay or Detail Shots

Here’s a checklist of what to gather in advance for your photographer:

For the Couple

• Wedding Rings (all three: engagement ring + both bands)

• Ring Box (bonus if it matches your color palette!)

• Vow Books

• Perfume/Cologne (your wedding day scent is memory-triggering magic)

• Watch, Tie, Cufflinks, Socks (for the groom/partner)

• Hair Accessories / Jewelry (for the bride/partner)

• Shoes

• Custom Hanger (for the dress or suit)

• Clutch or Purse

• Any Personal Touches (heirloom items, something borrowed or blue)

Paper Goods

• Full Invitation Set (invite, RSVP card, envelope, details card)

• Save the Date

• Calligraphy Name Cards or Menus

• Stamps or Wax Seals (if used)

• Printed Ceremony Programs

Florals & Extras

• Loose Florals or Greenery
  Ask your florist for a few extra blooms and greens to style with your details.

• Bouquet & Boutonnière
  These can be styled alongside your accessories or shoes.

• Fabric or Styling Boards
  If you have a color theme or special fabric (like silk or velvet), bring a swatch for layering.

• Ring Dishes, Trays, or Mirrors
  These add interest and texture to your flat lays.

Pro Tips for Better Detail Photos

1. Pack a Detail Box
   Place all your items in one clearly labeled box or tote so I can easily grab it when I arrive. If possible, assign someone (planner, MOH, best man) to make sure it's ready and waiting.

2. Keep Paper Goods Flat
   Avoid folding or bending invitations. If you're mailing one to your photographer ahead of time, place it in a rigid mailer.

3. Schedule Time for Details
   I typically spend 30–45 minutes on detail photos at the beginning of the day. Make sure this is included in your wedding photography timeline.

4. Add a Personal Touch
   Think about anything meaningful like a family heirloom, handwritten letter, or your dog’s collar tag. These items make the photos truly unique to your love story.

5. Get a Night time detail shot

   getting a flat lay shot during your reception is the perfect way yo sum up the party and tell the story of the dancefloor in one picture

Why Detail Photos Matter

You may not spend hours thinking about your earrings or your envelope liner but those little choices are part of your story. Years from now, your flat lay photos will bring back memories of the energy, excitement, and personality of your wedding day.

As your photographer, I want to capture not just what your day looked like but how it felt.

Final Thoughts

If you’re getting ready for your wedding or elopement, take a few minutes to gather the items on this list and set them aside in a safe place. Trust me your future self will thank you when you flip through your album and see those carefully curated, thoughtfully styled detail photos.

Still unsure what to include? I always send my couples a personalized detail photo checklist before the big day. And if you’re still searching for a Colorado wedding photographer who values the story behind the details.

I’d love to chat.

📸 Let’s connect and create something beautiful together