Photographer: Jessi Smith Photography

There are so many details that go into planning a bride’s big day. So much work is put into the invitations, jewelry, florals and more and we’re sure you’ll want photos to remember those special details.

Here are 10 tips and items for brides to consider putting aside for their photographer to photograph on their big day. 

Tip #1 – Keep a box of all the small wedding details you’ll want photographed. You can add to the box throughout your engagement or as you find items along the way. 

Tip # 2 – Keep a copy of your invitations!!! Be sure to order an invite to keep for yourself, these always make great focal points for flat lay photos. 

Tip # 3 – Get personal. Incorporate your grandmother’s brooch, your fiancé’s spurs, family branding iron, and thing that is sentimental or special to you. Also incorporating your marriage certificate could be really cool to use for flat lays.

Tip # 4- Use textures & colors – Go to your local Hobby Lobby, find the ribbon isle and go crazy. Find ribbon that matches your color scheme or maybe it’s a texture like velvet or silk that you love.

Tip # 5 – Utilize ring boxes. If you want to use the ring box your man proposed with don’t forget to hold on to it! Also, there are SO many ring boxes on Esty that could compliment or tie in your wedding day. Whether it’s a wooden box, pillow, leather box, whatever you may find, don’t forget to put it aside for your photographer. 
here’s a few of our favorite ring boxes!

Tip # 6 – Jewelry and I’m not talking about just the wedding bands. If you have a beautiful pair of turquoise earrings or maybe it’s a dainty necklace, put it ASIDE! These pieces can fill in little holes and gaps on a flat lay photo. 

Tip #7 – Don’t forget about the guys. Have your fiancé’s boots or shoes cleaned and put to the side. If he has his favorite trophy buckle and belt let’s not forget that either. Maybe incorporate his hat or other accessories such as a watch or if he has a favorite pendant he wears. 

Tip #8 – Perfume bottles. Y’all pack your favorite perfume and cologne, they make such a statement in flat lay/detail photos. Plus, a crisp glass bottle always looks good on camera. 

Tip #9 Florals. Keep your bouquets and boutineer handy because these make great additions to flat lay photos. Maybe ask your florist for some extra greenery or pick some up from your local craft store for your photographer to incorporate. Adding other pieces such as feathers or pampas grass can elevate your photos as well. 

Tip #10 – Communicate with your photographer. Ask them if there is anything, they would like for you to put aside. Sometimes photographers already have pieces they bring in a kit to use for flat lay photos. Don’t ever assume and always ask questions. Help your photographer make your wedding memorable. 

BONUS TIP!
Lastly, make sure you have all of your special items ready for your photographer as soon as they get there. If your photographer has to go looking for your boots or the bouquet or your invitation, they are spending extra time (time you paid for) looking for things that could have already been ready for them!