Guidelines for a smooth start
Your photographer will most likely start their day with wedding detail shots. It allows the creativity to be exercised, gets the wedding party used to someone running around with a camera and creates the perfect transition in wedding albums if you’re including engagement photos. If possible, provide the photographer with at least one hour to work on detail shots. A second photographer is recommended to get the most coverage of the morning.
These details typically include the wedding gown, veil/hairpiece, shoes, jewelry, garter, all 3 rings (wedding bands, engagement), and flower arrangements. Additional items you should include will be listed at the bottom of this page.
What can I do for the photographer?
I’m so glad you brought this up! I recommend you gather all the items you want to use for photographs and put it in a container for the Person of Honor/Best Person to be in charge of a few days before the wedding day (checklist below). This way, you can ensure nothing is forgotten and your photographer can have more props at their disposal!
Ensure all clothing is freshly steamed and free of wrinkles the night before. Bring wooden hangers for the suit and dress, as well as extras for the wedding party if you want to capture them lined up in the master suite. If you bring plastic hangers, expect a shameful nod from your photographer at minimum. Remember, whatever you bring is what we have to use! I’ll come with some small accessories like antique stamps and keys, but vintage metal trays, porcelain jewelry dishes and extra ribbon or fabric is a welcome addition.
Typically hotel rooms will have a window and a table. Try to keep the area in front of the window clear so the photographer can stage all your items and use the available natural light. Ask the florist to deliver your bouquets, boutonnieres and any other floral arrangements that you need before your photographer arrives. This will ensure that they are at their peak freshness for wedding detail shots. Also ask your florist for a few extra blooms an stems for stylized detail shots. This is a common request so don’t feel awkward asking them! We’re here for YOU!
Feminine Checklist
- Dress and veil
- Invitation suite (2 copies of full suite if possible)
- Shoes
- Jewelry
- Perfume
- Something old, new, borrowed, blue
- All 3 rings (your photo team can get them to whoever will be holding them afterward)
- Ring boxes and jewelry dishes
- Bouquet and loose florals (ask your florist for the additional greenery for detailed shots and ensure they’ll be ready for the photographer)
- Vow book
- Extra ribbon or accents
- Items of significance
- Guest welcome bags or favors
- Gifts or notes from one another
Masculine Checklist
- Suit
- Tie or bowtie
- Cuff links
- Watch
- Cologne
- Shoes and socks
- Handkerchief
- Belt or suspenders
- Invitation suite (2 copies of full suite if possible)
- Boutonniere
- Vow book
- Extra ribbon or accents
- Items of significance
- Guest welcome bags or favors
- Gifts or notes from one another
