As a wedding photographer, one of my favorite moments of the day is capturing the beautiful, intricate details that make your wedding unique. Bridal detail photos are more than just pretty shots; they set the tone for the day and highlight the special touches you’ve carefully chosen for your big day. To make sure we capture these moments perfectly, it’s important to have a few key items ready before the ceremony begins.

Here’s a list of the top 5 things to have ready for your bridal detail photos so we can make the most of that special time:

1. Bridal Jewelry: Earrings, Necklace, Bracelet, and Ring

Your wedding jewelry is a big part of your bridal look, and it’s essential to have it all ready for your photos. This includes your engagement ring, wedding band, earrings, bracelet, and any other special pieces you’ve chosen. Make sure these are set aside in a safe spot, whether that’s a jewelry box or a special dish—somewhere easy for me to find when it’s time to start shooting.

Tip: If possible, bring your engagement ring and wedding band to your bridal prep location earlier in the day so we can photograph them separately before your ceremony. It’s also great to have any heirloom jewelry or meaningful pieces that tie into your family’s history or culture.

2. Your Wedding Dress and Veil

Your dress is, of course, the focal point of your bridal look, and capturing its intricate details is key. It’s helpful to have your dress hanging in a place with good light, like a well-lit window or a clean, uncluttered area. If you have a veil, be sure it’s ready too! I love photographing the veil, whether it’s artfully draped or fluttering in the wind.

Tip: Consider having a dress hanger that complements your wedding style. A simple wooden hanger, or one with your name engraved on it, will add an extra special touch to your detail shots.

3. Shoes

Your wedding shoes often get overlooked, but they’re an important part of your overall bridal look. They’re also something you’ll want to remember! Whether you’re wearing classic heels, elegant flats, or something more fun and unique, be sure to have them ready for photos. Shoes are often placed with the dress for a few beautiful shots, or sometimes we like to incorporate them with the rings or other jewelry.

Tip: If you’re wearing new shoes, it’s a good idea to wear them for a bit before the wedding day to avoid any discomfort. This will also help if we want to photograph them while they’re “broken in.”

4. Bridal Perfume

Perfume is another sentimental detail that can add a lovely touch to your wedding day photos. Whether it’s the scent that you wear every day or a special fragrance you’ve chosen for your big day, having your perfume bottle available is a great way to add an extra personal element to the images. Perfume photos also pair nicely with the rest of your details.

Tip: Bring your perfume to the prep space early on, so we can capture it before you start getting dressed. It’s one of those small details that can trigger lasting memories when you look back at your photos!

5. Something Blue (or Special Items)

Many brides like to incorporate something blue, or other sentimental items, into their wedding day for good luck or as a meaningful tradition. This might be a piece of jewelry, a vintage handkerchief, or even a family heirloom. Having these items ready for photos allows us to capture their significance in a way that tells your personal love story.

Tip: If you’re unsure what to include, consider small items that have special meaning to you and your partner, or items from your family, such as a grandmother’s ring, a locket, or your mother’s veil.

Bonus Tip: A Bridal Detail Photo Prep Kit

Before the big day, gather all your detail items in one place (or a cute box or bag) so you don’t have to scramble looking for them when it’s time for photos. Having everything together makes things run smoothly, and it helps me create those beautiful, cohesive shots that capture the essence of your wedding day.

Final Thoughts

Your wedding day is full of fleeting moments, but the details last forever in your photos. By having these key items ready and organized, you’ll ensure that we can capture the most important aspects of your bridal look. From your rings to your shoes, each element tells a story of who you are and what this day means to you.

I can’t wait to document all of these beautiful moments and help you relive your wedding day for years to come through these timeless images.