Complete Bridal Details Checklist for Your Wedding Photos

September 2, 2024

Your wedding day is one of the most significant and cherished moments of your life, and capturing every detail is essential to telling the complete story of your special day. To ensure that I can photograph all the beautiful nuances of your bridal preparations, a well-planned approach is key. Here’s a complete bridal details checklist for your wedding photos to help you prepare for a flawless session.

Ring in a bridal bouquet on a wedding day

Dress hanging up before the start of a wedding day

1. Dress and Hanger

Your wedding dress is the centerpiece of your bridal look, so let’s make sure it shines in your photos. I’ll photograph your dress in all its glory, and a great hanger is crucial for those stunning shots. Tip: Even if you don’t have a custom hanger, opt for a classy wooden one instead of a plastic or metal hanger. It makes a significant difference in the overall aesthetic of your dress photos.

2. Rings

All three rings—your engagement ring and wedding bands—are essential for detail shots. I love capturing these sparkling pieces alongside other bridal details. Keep all your rings together at the start of the day so I can photograph them before you put them back where they belong.

3. Veil and Hairpieces

Your veil and any hairpieces you plan to wear are vital for capturing the full bridal look. These details add a touch of elegance and can create beautiful, dreamy images.

4. Shoes

Shoes can be both a statement piece and a comfort choice. Whether you’re wearing stunning heels just for a few photos or switching to comfortable flats for the rest of the day, we’ll capture both. I’ve even had brides showcase their gorgeous, albeit uncomfortable, heels in their album. Whatever works best for you!

5. Earrings and Necklace

It’s a good idea to wait until your dress is on before putting on your earrings and necklace. This allows me to get some beautiful shots of you fully dressed with all your jewelry in place.

6. Other Jewelry

Include any additional pieces of jewelry you plan to wear, such as bracelets or rings. These details are important for completing your bridal look.

7. Keepsakes

Personal touches like handkerchiefs, heirloom pins, or something blue add special meaning to your day. Be sure to have these items ready for their moment in the spotlight.

8. Perfume

Your wedding perfume is another detail that can be beautifully captured. It’s a subtle yet personal touch that adds to the story of your day.

9. Invitations and Stationery

Your wedding invitations and any other stationery provide context and set the tone for your wedding. Including these in your detail shots adds a cohesive element to your wedding story.

10. Bouquets

If you’re considering a first look (which I highly recommend for its magical moments!), make sure your bouquet is delivered to your getting-ready location. This way, it will be perfectly positioned for your portrait session.

11. Gifts

Photograph any gifts exchanged between you and your groom or those given to your bridal party. I also love capturing any letters or notes exchanged between you and your partner—they’re personal and meaningful keepsakes.

Planning Your Bridal Prep

I typically photograph the bride and her bridesmaids getting ready for about an hour and a half before the first look. This time allows me to capture all the bridal details beautifully and document the excitement of your preparations. It also gives me a chance to get warmed up and for the bridesmaids to get used to my presence. Although it might be tempting to cut this part short, having at least an hour and a half is crucial for ensuring a relaxed and thorough capture of your bridal details.

Complete Bridal Details Checklist for Your Wedding Photos; Louisville, Kentucky wedding photographer; Michelle Bordenkircher Photography

Every wedding is unique, and not every bride will have all these items from the complete bridal details checklist for wedding photos. However, having these essentials ready will help ensure that your photos reflect the beauty and significance of your day.

Still Looking for Your Wedding Day Photographer?

If you’re excited to have these moments documented with care and creativity, I’d love to be part of your wedding journey. Reach out, and let’s start planning how we’ll capture every beautiful detail of your wedding day. I can’t wait to work with you and help make your wedding memories last a lifetime!