Everything You’ll Want Ready on the Morning of Your Wedding
Your wedding day is full of big, emotional moments, but it’s the little details that help tell your full story. From your invitation suite to the scent of your perfume, each item you’ve chosen has meaning. As your photographer, I want to make sure those thoughtful pieces are documented beautifully.
To help you feel prepared (and avoid scrambling day-of), here’s a complete Photographer’s Detail Checklist so you know exactly what to have ready when I arrive on the morning of your wedding.
Why Details Matter
Detail photos set the tone for your entire gallery. They’re often the first images you’ll see in your album, and they capture the essence of your aesthetic and the intentional choices you made.
I treat every flatlay and close-up with care — styling your items in a way that feels editorial and timeless, so your details look as elevated as the rest of your day.
The Ultimate Photographer’s Detail Checklist
Set these items aside in a box or bag the night before, so they’re ready when I arrive.
For the Bride:
- Dress (on a wooden or custom hanger)
- Veil or hairpieces
- Shoes
- Jewelry (earrings, necklace, bracelet)
- Engagement ring and both wedding bands
- Perfume bottle (bonus if it’s pretty or sentimental)
- Invitation suite (multiple copies, including envelopes, stamps, and inserts)
- Vow book
- Any heirlooms (grandmother’s brooch, family ring, etc.)
- Something old, new, borrowed, blue
For the Groom:
- Suit or tux (on a quality hanger)
- Shoes
- Tie or bowtie
- Cufflinks
- Watch
- Boutonnière
- Cologne bottle
- Vow book or letter to bride
Extra Styling Items (if available):
- Ribbon or fabric swatches (to complement your wedding colors)
- Loose florals or greenery (ask your florist for extra clippings)
- Wax seals or monogram stamps
- Ring box (velvet or heirloom box always photographs beautifully)
- Your wedding day program or menu
- A personal touch (a letter, gift, or handwritten note)
Pro Tip: Have your florist deliver a few loose blooms with the bouquet so I can include fresh florals in your detail shots. It elevates every photo and ties your gallery together beautifully.
When Should These Be Ready?
I typically begin the day by photographing details while you’re getting hair and makeup done. Having everything prepped in one spot helps keep the morning relaxed and organized.
Place everything in a box or on a tray near a window with good light. I’ll style and photograph each item with intention, using backgrounds and textures that reflect your overall wedding aesthetic.
Bonus: Create a Detail Box
Use a small keepsake box or pouch to gather your items the night before. Include a printed version of this checklist, so nothing gets forgotten in the rush of the morning.
Your wedding details deserve just as much love as your portraits and ceremony moments. I approach each part of your day with intention, care, and a creative eye, so your story is told in full, from the delicate details to the big celebrations.
If you’re looking for a wedding photographer who plans ahead and helps you feel confident every step of the way, I’d love to chat with you.
Visit KingsleyJames.com or send me a message on Instagram @KingsleyJamesStudios to start your wedding journey.