Photos are one of the only tangible things that you can touch after the wedding day has come and gone, and most often than not, gone in the blink of an eye.
Photographers curate actual art for you to hold onto after the wedding. The art they create is told through the couple’s love story, family history/ heirlooms, and memories of the day that are near and dear to the heart.
For the photographer to tell the story the way it was meant to be told, it is ever so helpful to provide them with highlights, details, and physical shooting items before the wedding day so they can use their expertise to elevate the story through photojournalism.
I know you are wondering, so what do I actually pack for my photographer to take pictures of?? Below are some thoughtful items to consider packing for your photographer to have on your wedding day so you maximize the memories you look back on once you have blinked your eye.
The “Core” List
- Ring box
- Rings (All three)
- Cologne
- Perfume
- Bride & Groom Shoes
- Bride Dress
- Dress Hanger
- Veil
- Pocket Square
- Bouquet and Bout
- Jewelry (Necklace, Bracelet, Watch, Earings, Pearls, Etc.)
- Full Invitation Suite
- Something Old, Borrowed, & Blue
- Vow Books
Additional Items
- Extra blooms from Florist
- Family Bible
- Roses for the mothers to exchange during ceremony
- Bride and Groom Face Mask because COVID
- Stamps from Invitation Suite
- Cuff links
- Ribbon to match Wedding Aesthetic
- Garter
- Bridal Purse
- Broach
- Hair Pins/Piece Hair Flowers
I know these lists look a little extensive at the first glance for things that you need to be thinking of while you are packing and getting ready for your day. The big plus here is that you are already packing these items to physically get ready and use as the day unfolds, so it truly is not too much on top of that. Remember too, some elements of the photo process are not necessarily planned but instead naturally captured by the photographer’s eye on the big day. This organic approach is part of your photographer’s professional arsenal of creativity and I promise will help take your photos to the next level.
***Pro Tip*** Set aside a small box during the planning journey to collect all items that may come to mind as you are planning and thinking about your big day. This way, you can simply add last-minute touches and securely hand them right over to your photographer on your wedding day.
I promise your photographer takes great pride in taking precious care of the items, so you have nothing to worry about on that front. Plus, having these items readily available allows for your photographer to really get creative with the time they have. They are able to alternate between more of the detail objects for several picture-perfect images without jeopardizing the time and potentially only getting a one and done flat lay shot. Essentially, not making them hunt half an hour for these detail shot items, only benefits the outcome of your photos in the long run.
Detail shots are a beautiful way to kick off the day and set the tone for what is to come in the day. These images have a special way of giving you a sneak peek at the overall aesthetic and story and truly turn out to be some of the most precious keepsakes. I know yours will be stunning!!
