We’ve all seen those beautiful photographs of all of the wedding day details laid out perfectly, right? As a photographer, I’m going to tell you that sometimes, those simple shots of the details are the most stressful part of the day. Picture this: it’s the morning of your wedding, I show up to get started with your wedding day photos. I personally like to start with the detail shots because I need things from both the bride and the groom. But when I get there, the rings are nowhere to be found – they are with the best man who is at the church getting ready and relaxing with the guys and your soon-to-be-hubby. Oh, and you forgot your invitation suite back at your parent’s house on the kitchen table as you were heading out the door. Now, your day as the bride is off to an “off” start as you are frantically figuring out how to get these items so that you can have pictures done of everything.

Just writing this, I can feel myself becoming a little anxious just thinking of this scenario because it has happened! And I don’t want you to ever be in this scenario. When I prepare to shoot a wedding, I make sure my couples understand exactly what I am going to be needing from them to ensure they have the best day ever – as cheesy as that may sound, it’s true. I want to make sure that you have nothing to worry about other than being present as you go throughout your wedding day. 

In order to make sure you have a stress free wedding day, communication is key. Your wedding photographer should communicate with you what items you need to have ready for them, but in the event that you want to be extra prepared… I’ve made a list of items that you should have ready for your photographer to ensure you have a seamless day.

1. Rings – for both partners. To help with organization, put a sticky note near the rings or on the ring box that says where the rings need to go after the detail shots are done. Someone is going to need to get the rings to the best man – figure that out now.
2. Ring Box – if you don’t have a ring box, don’t sweat it. I personally bring my own. Definitely something to communicate with your photographer if it’s important to you (or make sure to bring your own). 
3. Jewelry – assuming that anything you are wearing on your wedding day means something to you, it’s best to snag a picture of it.
   • Rings (if either of you wear rings other than the wedding rings)
   • Earrings
   • Bracelets
   • Necklace
   • Watch
4. Beauty Products – while some of your beauty products could be included in the “getting ready” portion of your day that I capture, having these details lined up look stunning in photographs. You’ll look back in years to come and remember what that perfume smelled like or what that perfect-shade-of-pink looked like. 
   • Cologne
   • Perfume
   • Lipstick
5. Invitation Suite
6. What You’re Wearing
   • Bride:
     • Veil
     • Shoes
     • Garter
     • Dress (make sure to bring a nice hanger and not the plastic one your dress comes on in your garment bag…trust me)
   • Groom:
     • Shoes
     • Cufflinks
     • Watch
     • Pocket square or handkerchief 
     • Socks
     • Tie

Now that you know what to include for your photographer (and for yourself) for your detail shots, I suggest having a shoe box or something similar to have everything all together. Having someone responsible for this box is a lifesaver and a huge relief for you to know that everything you’ll possibly need for these shots will be in this box. 

You’ve seen my “must have” list… What would you include in yours? Leave your ideas below!