Everything You Need for Your Wedding Day Detail Shots

Detail shots are a small but very special part of your wedding day! They are simply photographs of some of the smaller details of your wedding day. These are typically one of the first things your wedding photographer will capture when they arrive on your wedding day. Detail shots can include any of the little things that make your wedding day unique and special! Our couples frequently ask us what we like to include in detail shots, so we wanted to share a little breakdown of everything you will need for your wedding day detail shots.

Detail Shots

First, you might wonder why you should have detail shots taken. Simply put, you’ve spent months, maybe even years, planning for your special day, so you have everything planned out to the littlest detail. Just think of the amount of time you spent picking out your invitation suite, wedding rings, flowers, and the perfect perfume for your wedding day. Taking photos of these small but significant items will remind you of all of the effort you put into planning your special day. You’ll also have a permanent record of these little details that you might otherwise forget.

How Does a Photographer Take Detail Photos?

A photographer typically has a list of small items that they style to take detail photos. When they arrive on your wedding day, it’s a good idea to have these items gathered and ready for the photographer. They will find the best location and style the items beautifully for you. Detail photos won’t take too long, so they are typically taken while the wedding party is getting ready and the bride is getting her hair and makeup done. You’ll have all of the items you need back to you in no time. Wondering what items to include for your wedding day detail photos? Here is a list of items we recommend having ready for detail photos:

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What should grooms have ready for detail photos on their wedding day? Here are a few of our favorite ideas:

Boutonniere

Including your boutonniere in detail photos will give them a welcome pop of color and match your wedding colors!

Cologne

Everyone wants to smell great on their wedding day. Remembering the cologne you wore on your wedding day is a fun way to bring back the sights and smells of your big day. (You could also wear the same cologne on future date nights as a fun way to bring back good memories!)

Watch

A classy touch for any groom’s look, a watch can add an air of sophistication. Whether your watch is new for your wedding day or a gift that you wear on special occasions, including your watch in detail photos dresses them up.

Cufflinks

If you’re wearing cufflinks on your wedding day, they can be included in your detail photos to complete the look!

Tie Clip

A tie clip looks great in detail photos right next to your cufflinks and tie!

Glasses or Sunglasses

Glasses or sunglasses can also be included in your detail photos, or you could have a few fun photos taken of you putting on a pair.

Tie

Not only can your tie add your wedding colors to detail photos, but you can also have photos taken as you put it on to capture the movement and little moments of your day!

Shoes

Shoes are another item that are great to include in your detail photos. Some photographers will style shoes with a watch draped over the top, or in the corner of the photo. A lot of photographers will also take photos of the groom as he puts on his shoes.

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Rings

When taking detail photos as the bride gets ready, it looks beautiful to style the engagement ring and wedding bands as a focal point for photos.

Ring Box

You could also choose to include your ring box in the photos! We especially recommend this if you bought a ring box that matches the style of your wedding. Some photographers have ring boxes that they bring to style detail photos.

Dress

We LOVE taking detail photos of the bride’s dress! Part of the dress can be visible in the detail photos with all of the other small items, but we also love to take photos of the dress on its own.

Custom Hanger

If you have a custom hanger for your wedding dress, include it with the detail items!

Bridesmaids Dresses

We also love to style the bridesmaids dresses with the wedding dress for a few shots!

Invitations

You spent lots of time and effort on your invitation suite, so you should have a permanent memory of the beautiful design you sent to invite loved ones to your special day! Your invitations will be a highlight of your detail photos.

Bridal Jewelry

Also include the jewelry that the bride will be wearing. Will she wear a necklace, bracelet, earrings? Include them for added sparkle!

Bridal Belt

If the bride is wearing a belt around her wedding dress, this can be a beautiful detail to show off.

Bouquet

Some florists can provide a few extra flowers for detail photos, or you could simply use the bride’s bouquet in your photos. We love placing the rings amongst the flowers in detail photos.

Headpiece

What will the bride wear in her hair? If there is a headpiece or hair pieces, these beautiful little details really add to the detail photos!

Veil

The veil is another item that can be placed on one side or on the corner of the setup to add texture.

Perfume

As with the cologne, perfume will bring back memories and smells of your wedding. (And you can also save some of your wedding day perfume for date nights!)

Shoes

Oh, we can’t forget about a bride’s shoes! Whether you went all out with an embroidered pair of pumps or you kept it classic and comfortable, include the shoes!

Clutch Bag

If you have a clutch bag for lipstick touch-ups, this can also add a beautiful detail to your photos.

We can’t wait for your wedding day and hope that this list helps you to be prepared for detail photos! If you are still looking for a photographer for your Chicago wedding or elopement, get in touch with us here. We would love to be the ones to capture all of the intricate details of your wedding.