While planning my own Central PA wedding, I put so much thought into every detail. From the jewelry and rings to the flowers, every piece felt meaningful. I knew I wanted those small details, the little touches that made the day personal, to be captured in our photos.
Some of my favorite wedding images ended up being the detail photos. The rings resting perfectly in the dusty blue ring box, the my vintage purse, the jewelry, the florals. Those quiet moments captured at the beginning of the day help tell the full story of our wedding.
Photographers often begin the day by photographing what’s known as a wedding flat lay or details shot. These styled photo highlight the small elements of the day arranged together in a beautiful composition.
If you're wondering what to include, here are some of the most common items couples gather for their wedding detail photos along with a few extra pieces that help create those beautiful flat lay images.
Firefly Brides participates in the Amazon Associates program and may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through links on this page, at no additional cost to you.
Photo by EB & Co Photography
Essential Wedding Detail Items
- Wedding rings
- Ring box
- Shoes
- Bridal Jewelry
- Perfume
- Lipstick
- Hair accessories
Photo by Brianna Wilbur Photography
Paper Goods & Stationery Details
- Invitation suite
- Vintage stamps
- Vow books
- Matches
- Saved love notes
Photo by Gray Bird Photography
Groom Details
- Cuff links
- Tie clip
- Cologne
- Tie/Bow tie
- Shoes
- Pocket square
Photo by Krista Lae Creative
Styling Pieces That Elevate Flat Lays
- Ribbon
- Hand mirror
- Decorative dish
- Fan
- Signage with ornate frame
Photo by EB & Co Photography
Natural Elements
- Florals (Be sure to ask your florist if they have extra florals you can use for your details shot)
- Dried flowers
- Citrus
- Greenery
- Shells
Photo by Krista Lae Creative
Personal + Sentimental Details
- Handkerchief
- Purse
- Family heirlooms
Pro Tip: Prepare a Wedding Detail Box
Before your photographer arrives, gather your items into one small box or bag. This allows your photographer to begin styling and photographing your wedding details right away while you focus o getting ready for your big day.
A little preparation ahead of time can make a huge difference in how polished and intentional your detail photos look.
Final Thoughts
Wedding detail photos may seem small, but they capture the pieces that make your wedding day uniquely yours. From heirlooms to invitation suites to styling elements, these items help tell the full story of your celebration.
Taking a few minutes to gather these details ahead of time ensures your photographer can create beautiful, editorial flat lay images you'll treasure for years.
