One of my favorite ways to start a wedding day is with photos of your wedding details. As a Reno and Lake Tahoe wedding photographer, this is how I warm up creatively before the day begins to move. I photograph a couple's details in a way that matches and showcases the style of the rest of the wedding, so in some ways the details set the stage for the look of the whole day. I love having time to style the little things that collectively set the scene for everything that follows.

For full weekend events, we will sometimes do these photos the day prior, before rehearsal dinner coverage, working alongside your planner to style the images.

You will have enough to think about as your wedding date gets closer, so I recommend collecting these items in one place as you go through the planning process. This wedding details checklist will help you gather what you need ahead of time, so when the morning arrives, nothing has to be searched for.

for the bride: Items to include for Your Wedding Detail Photos

Here is a list of the details I’ll photograph if they’re available to me. I recommend bringing all of these that are applicable, plus any other special touches that are important to you:


  1. Invitation suite (2 copies of the full suite, if possible)
  2. Dress and veil
  3. Shoes
  4. Jewelry
  5. Perfume
  6. Something old, new, borrowed, blue
  7. ALL 3 rings. Engagement ring plus his and hers wedding bands. We’ll have time to get them to whoever will be holding them afterward.
  8. Bouquet and/or loose florals – many florists are great about including a few loose flowers/greenery for styled detail photos. Don’t assume that they will automatically do this if you don’t ask, though. It’s also important to coordinate that these florals arrive by the designated time that these detail photos will happen.
  9. Vow book
  10. Any extra ribbon, accents, or items of significance that represent the day
  11. Any gifts or notes from one another

 

PRO TIP: With the exception of your dress, veil, and the flowers that your florist will deliver, these items should all fit easily into one box or container. This is the easiest way to collect your detail photo items! That way, you only need to make sure your “ detail box” is with you, versus all these odds and ends. The alternative is a good way for items to be forgotten! Doing this also allows me to start right on time, versus starting the day with a search for each of these items.

White minimalist wedding invitation cards with delicate white flowers and green leaves against a textured rust-colored fabric backdrop.
Wedding invitation flatlay. White roses lay elegantly beside a directions card, creating a soft and romantic wedding detail composition.
A minimalist wedding invitation with flowy text rests against an orange linen fabric, adorned with white flowers.

for the groom: Items to include for Detail Photos

Likewise, for grooms, many of their detail photo items should already be on hand. When the below items are readily available, my second photographer will use these items for some stylized images:


  1. Tie
  2. Cuff links
  3. Watch
  4. Cologne
  5. Shoes and socks
  6. Handkerchief
  7. Belt/suspenders
  8. Boutonniere
  9. Vow book
  10. Any gifts or notes from one another

 

If you haven’t already, begin to collect your wedding day details in a small box — as your date gets closer, you’ll be thankful to have one less thing to remember to do!