When I show up to a wedding, I like to photograph the details first thing. The bride is usually still getting her hair and makeup done, so she isn’t ready for photos yet! The first reason I like to get details taken care of right away, is because they’re all just sitting there. The jewelry isn’t on the bride, the dress is still hanging up, and the shoes don’t have feet in them 😉 It’s a super easy thing to knock out right away. Another reason, is because then I don’t have to keep reminding myself throughout the day. I don’t think “I still need to grab so-and-so’s ring for a photo” and risk forgetting altogether! I already know all the details are accounted for, and all I have to do is capture the day as it unfolds!

So without further ado, here are the 5 details to have ready for your photographer on the wedding day!

1. Engagement Ring and Wedding Bands

Perhaps the most important details — the wedding rings! Have your engagement ring, wedding band, and your husband’s ring all ready! Ring boxes are optional, as I bring my own pretty ones to style your rings with! It’s also a good idea to get your rings cleaned a few days before the wedding so that they really sparkle and shine!

2. The Wedding Dress

You spent hours and hours searching for the perfect dress, so of course you want it well documented! Make sure it is all steamed and pressed, and ready for it’s spotlight! I always recommend my brides to have either a custom hanger or a plain colored hanger instead of the plastic one it comes with. It looks so much nicer!

3. Your Invitation

I love when couples bring me their whole suite to style (invitation, envelopes, inserts, etc), but I can easily make just the invitation shine. It is so fun to remember the details of your invitation – the ceremony time and location. If your florist has little bits of flowers, greenery, or ribbon left over, that always looks amazing!

4. All the Accessories

Shoes, jewelry, garter, veil, hair brooch, bouquet, boutonniere, perfume, etc. Have them all ready to go! Anything you’ll be wearing on your wedding day!

5. Sentimental Items

A lot of times my brides have little trinkets that mean a lot to them. These are things that I normally wouldn’t think of, like a special locket around your bouquet or a special stitched message inside of your groom’s jacket. I have seen so many unique things throughout my years photographing weddings, so be sure to tell me if you have a special detail! If it is important to you, then I definitely want to photograph it!

Once you have all your details gathered, put everything together in a box and have it set out by your dress when I arrive. It is so much easier than having the earrings in one place, the rings with the groom, and the shoes buried somewhere in a closet. Put everything together and the details will be photographed in no time, and I can get back to documenting all the fun getting ready shots! I hope you enjoyed these tips, and that it will ensure your wedding day is calm and collected from the start!

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