Your wedding day is a whirlwind of love, joy, and excitement. From the moment you start getting ready to the grand finale of your reception, the day moves fast—sometimes a little too fast. As a wedding photographer, one of the most important tips I give to couples is to carve out dedicated time for detail photos at the beginning of the day. It may seem like a small thing, but trust me, it can make a huge difference in how your final gallery looks and how your memories are captured.
What are Detail Photos?
Detail photos are the little things that make your wedding day unique and personal. They include:
The wedding rings
The bridal bouquet
The groom's cufflinks or tie
The invitation suite
Wedding shoes
Any family heirlooms or sentimental items
The dress hanging in its full glory
These photos are often the unsung heroes of a wedding gallery. They help tell the full story of your day, from the big moments down to the smallest, most meaningful touches that reflect your style and personality.
Why Schedule Time for Detail Shots?
Get the Best Lighting
Many couples are eager to jump into the getting-ready shots, but it's easy to overlook how crucial good lighting is for detail photography. The morning light, especially if you're getting ready in a space with large windows or soft natural light, is perfect for showcasing the fine details. If you try to squeeze in detail shots later in the day when you're rushed, you might miss that beautiful light.No Rushing, More Time for Creativity
If you don't set aside time for details at the start, it's easy for them to get pushed aside in favor of more pressing moments, like bridal portraits or candid shots with your wedding party. When you give your photographer time at the beginning, it allows them to be more creative, experiment with different angles, and ensure they capture every detail exactly how you envisioned.Set the Tone for Your Wedding Day
Your details are a reflection of your style and the story you're telling through your wedding. Whether it’s a rustic barn wedding with lace and wood accents or a sleek and modern celebration with metallic tones, the detail shots provide context for the rest of the day’s events. Think of these images as your wedding's "opening credits"—they set the stage for the rest of your celebration.You'll Be Thankful Later
When you look back on your wedding photos years from now, those detail shots will be some of the most meaningful. They're a snapshot of what was important to you in that moment: the thoughtful touches, the handcrafted elements, the special gifts. If you don’t take the time for these photos, you might end up regretting it when you realize you never captured those intricate details that made your day truly yours.
How to Schedule Time for Detail Photos
Now that we’ve covered why detail photos are essential, let's talk about the best way to schedule them. Ideally, detail photos should be done before the ceremony and before you start getting dressed. Here’s a simple timeline that works for most couples:
1. The Morning of the Wedding
If you're getting ready at a hotel, Airbnb, home, or your venue, make sure your photographer has access to all the items they'll need for the detail shots, including:
Rings (both bride and groom’s)
Extra Florals
Shoes
Invitations
Any special keepsakes or heirlooms
Bridal accessories (veil, jewelry, perfume, etc.)
2. The "Getting Ready" Period
After your photographer arrives but before the chaos of getting dressed begins, set aside about 20-30 minutes for detail photos. This gives your photographer time to arrange the items, capture a variety of shots, and ensure that each detail is captured without feeling rushed.
3. Work with Your Planner or Coordinator
If you have a wedding planner or coordinator, ask them to help keep things on track. They can assist with gathering all your details in one spot (including any special family heirlooms or keepsakes), ensuring you don’t waste time hunting for items when your photographer is ready to shoot.
Final Tips
Choose the Right Location: Try to select a clean, tidy spot with plenty of natural light for your detail photos. A table by a window or a well-lit corner of the room works wonders. Usually your photographer will choose this but let them know if you have any ideas!
Keep Everything Together: Have all your details, including the rings, bouquet, and accessories, in one spot when your photographer arrives. This minimizes delays and ensures you’re not hunting for items during a crucial photo op.
Conclusion
Your wedding day will pass in the blink of an eye, and while the bigger moments—like walking down the aisle or your first kiss—will take center stage in your memories, the little details are what will make your wedding day feel truly yours. By setting aside time at the beginning of the day for your photographer to capture these moments, you’ll ensure that every part of your wedding day, big and small, is beautifully preserved.
And when you look back at those images, you'll be grateful that you took the time to remember the little things. So go ahead—schedule those detail shots, and let your wedding day shine in its full, beautiful entirety.
