Wedding detail shots showcase the color and aesthetics of the wedding that you’ve so carefully planned. To make sure that you get these stunning shots for your wedding, here are a few examples and tips!

Wedding detail shots examples

Wondering what to expect from wedding detail shots? It depends on your wedding style, but the following are common detail shots:

• Styled flatlay images with your invitation suite and wedding rings
• Photos of your wedding dress carefully hung in the bridal suite
• Wedding bands in antique ring boxes
• The bride’s jewelry nestled in the wedding bouquet
• The groom’s accessories lying next to a handwritten note

Place wedding details in a box for your photographer

Place all of the details you’d like photographed in a box or bag near your wedding gown. This makes it easy for your photographer to capture every single detail at the start of the day while you’re getting ready.

Here are some of the things I love photographing for my couples!

• All 3 weddings rings — the bride’s engagement rig and wedding band, and the groom’s ring!
• Complete invitation suite — save the date, wedding invitation, envelope and any other ribbons or materials the suite was mailed in
• Flowers
• Bride’s wedding shoes
• Veil
• Ring boxes
• Accessories from the couple — the bride’s necklace and earrings, and the groom’s cufflinks and tie
• Personal family heirlooms
• Handwritten notes

Create a packing list for your wedding day

To take shots like this, you’ll need to pack a few things for your wedding day, in addition to what’s in your suitcase for the wedding night.

Use the list above to make sure you’ve packed everything for those gorgeous detail shots. You can find a comprehensive packing list here.

Deliver your flowers to the bridal suite

Flowers beautifully complement wedding details and add a level of texture that can’t be matched. If possible, ask your florist to deliver flowers to the bridal suite at the beginning of the day. Your photographer can then use the bouquet or even flower petals to dress up the detail shots.

If that’s not possible, share your color scheme with the photographer. (When I have time, I like to bring flowers to work with if there won’t be any available.) Another way to help out your photographer is to send a photo of the invitation beforehand!

Let your photographer take detail shots first

The rest of the day will be focused on you, but detail shots can take some time to be properly styled. After your wedding, when you open your wedding album for the first time, these photos will be the first that you see. As a result, it’s important to put a decent amount of time and thought into them.

Use vintage pieces

I’m guilty of shopping specifically for vintage pieces that I can use in detail shots. There’s something idyllic about the juxtaposition of a romantic, aged antique piece with your fresh flowers and handcrafted invitation suite.

If this isn’t something your photographer does, consider going antique shopping. You might find a gorgeous hand mirror or antique ring box that will perfectly match your wedding aesthetic.

Set aside at least 30 minutes for detail shots

Detail shots can take a lot of time, but the preparation certainly speeds things up. If you want flawless detail shots, your photographer will need at least 30 minutes to style and photograph your details. They may need to go outside for better lighting too, so don’t be surprised if your photographer bounces back and forth.

Detail photos are one of the few moments on a wedding day that can be completely staged. When given the proper amount of time and detail, your photographer can produce some of the most artistic photographs with dreamy textures and colors.

Have questions about detail shots? Get in touch here.