Wedding detail photos are an absolute must during your big day. Not only do they help preserve some of the most important memories, but they are also some of my absolute favourite photos to take.
As a wedding photographer in Sydney, I wanted to put together a guide covering everything there is to know about detailed wedding photos, from what to bring to what they are.
Keep reading to learn more about wedding detail photos; by the end, I’m sure you’ll be excited to receive yours after your wedding day!
What Are Wedding Details Photos?
If you’ve found this article looking for more information on these photos, these are detailed photos of your day. Think detailed pictures of the wedding venue, your rings, outfits, and trinkets that mean a lot to you both, or even your wedding invitations, and save the dates.
Why Take Detail Wedding Photos?
Detail photos of weddings are some of my absolute favourite to take because they might not seem super memorable in the moment, but over time, they become some of the most important photos in a collection.
That’s because your memories may start to fade over the years. You won’t remember the exact twinkle of the chandelier at your venue, the style of your Save the Dates, or even how your dress shimmered under the lights.
These intimate photos showcase these moments so you can remember them for years and show them off to friends and family. They create a complete picture of the day!
When are Wedding Details Taken?
Detail photos are often taken right when the photographer gets to the venue before everyone starts getting ready. Some pictures of the space might be taken right before the ceremony in some downtime.
Items to Bring for Wedding Detail Photos
So now that you know the details about these types of photos, let’s dive into what items or props to bring to make sure you get the most out of them.
Rings
First things first: rings! Rings are always one of the best detail photo items. If you have a nice box for the ring, you can bring those, too, as they can add to photos. However, some photographers will also have different boxes they can bring to help you find one that matches your wedding colour scheme.
Perfume
If you have a perfume or cologne that’s your signature scent, bring that for your detail photos, too. These can add a nice personal touch to your photos and be a fun nod to what you each wore on your wedding day for years to come. Perfume is often deeply tied to memory, so showing it off in a detailed shot can help preserve precisely how your day felt and smelled.
Jewelry
Besides rings, other jewelry also works perfectly in these types of photos. Necklaces, bracelets, etc., can add an extra dimension and work as great pieces to fill the space while still staying on the theme in the detailed pictures. Jewelry is often an item with a lot of sentimental value, adding much meaning.
Shoes
Whatever shoes you plan on wearing for your wedding day will also be a great item to bring. Whether it’s heels, tuxedo shoes, or matching customised Converse, these pair incredibly with other items on this list in a detail photo. Plus, it’s nice to photograph these before they get dirty throughout the day.
Veil
Remember to bring your veil, too. Veils work beautifully for details because they often contain intricate designs, whether embroidery or jewels, that may easily get lost in more zoomed-out shots. Veils are also made of beautiful fabric that can add great texture to any detail photos and enhance the look of other detailed items.
Flower Clippings from Your Florist
If you can get flower clippings from your florist, definitely do. These clippings help to add some extra colour to detail images, and similar to jewelry, they can help to fill empty space in a non-overwhelming way and elevate the overall composition of more traditional, flat-lay detail shots. This slight, thoughtful touch also helps your detail photos feel curated and intentional, showing off your wedding’s style.
Wedding Invitations
Most detailed wedding photos you’ve seen are likely images that show off either wedding invites or save the dates. That’s because these sentimental items help to show the full story of your day, starting with one of the very first things that kicked it all off. If you hired a custom stationer, these items are most likely beautifully designed with elements like custom monograms and perfectly chosen fonts.
Vow Books
Do you and your partner have vow books? Bring those, too! Vow books are great for details because they meaningfully highlight promises and emotions at the heart of your day, adding a heartfelt and personal touch.
Whether custom-designed or handwritten, vow books add an intimate and unique element that reflects your personalities. They can help to add a sentimental and intentional layer to your keepsake photos.
Accessories
Any other accessories besides jewelry, shoes, or signature scent bottles can also help to show off your style and story. These could include hairpieces (clips, combs, etc.), a clutch or small bag, cufflinks, watches, ties, or even an embroidered handkerchief for the special occasion. These all show off more about the both of you.
Even heirlooms like lockets or charms can add some nice personal meanings and nods to family ties.
Anything Significant to You
Lastly, if you’re reading this article and you’re like, “Hm, this other item I have could really work well in one of these shots…” then by all means, bring it! Items like the first-ever handwritten love letter from your partner or even a meaningful Polaroid showing off a special date night in your relationship can add sentiment and tell the authentic story of your love. These details help to celebrate what makes your love unique.
Now You Know How to Plan for Wedding Detail Pictures!
I hope this article has shown you how incorporating thoughtfully chosen details into your wedding photos is worth it. Each item, from your veil to your vow books, adds a touch to your gallery that’s uniquely yours. These small yet significant touches preserve the memories of your celebration.
If you’re still looking for a photographer to help share the beauty of your love story (including all the details!), I’d love for you to reach out. Click here to learn more and here to contact me.
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