11 Things to Include in Your Wedding Day Details Box
A Thoughtful Guide to Help You Prepare for Gorgeous Flat Lay Photos
As a luxury wedding photographer in Utah, one of the first things I do when I arrive on a wedding day is photograph the meaningful details you've thoughtfully chosen to represent your love story. These images, flat lays and vignettes of your invitation suite, accessories, heirlooms, and more, help set the tone for your entire gallery and preserve the little touches that make your day uniquely yours.
To make this process smooth and stress free, I recommend gathering everything into one wedding details box. It doesn’t have to be fancy, a shoebox, tote, or packing cube will do, as long as everything is in one spot, ready to be styled and photographed.
Here’s what to include:
1. Two Full Invitation Suites
Include the main invitation, RSVP card, details insert, and envelope. Having at least two complete sets allows me to photograph different angles and styles without disrupting the layout. These paper goods beautifully reflect your design choices and deserve their own spotlight.
2. Day Of Paper Goods
Menus, place cards, ceremony programs, or even escort cards can all help tell the story of your wedding design. If something will be printed or placed on a table, chances are it deserves a moment in your detail photos. I’ll capture these paper elements both as styled flat lays and as they naturally appear throughout your wedding day.
3. Engagement Ring and Both Wedding Bands
Place all three rings in a secure container or ring box. These are some of the most photographed items on a wedding day, and I take care to style them in a way that highlights their shape, sparkle, and significance. Before the big day, plan to have your engagement ring professionally cleaned so it sparkles in every photo. It’s a simple step that makes a noticeable difference, especially in close up shots of your rings and flat lay images.
4. Ring Boxes, Dishes, or Styling Trays
I bring a full styling kit tailored to your color palette and wedding vibe, but personal items like monogrammed ring boxes or heirloom dishes add beautiful texture and personality to your images.
5. Jewelry and Accessories for Both Partners
Cufflinks, tie clips, watches, earrings, necklaces, hair accessories, these little pieces complete your look and deserve to be documented. If I’m starting with one partner, be sure to place all items for both of you in that getting ready space so nothing is missed.
6. Shoes
Both partners’ shoes help tell the full story of your style. Whether you chose velvet heels or custom leather boots, they’re part of your day and deserve a polished flat lay moment.
7. Vow Books
Personalized or handwritten vow books not only photograph beautifully, they become a timeless keepsake. If you’re exchanging vows privately or during the ceremony, include them in your details box beforehand.
8. Perfume or Cologne
A signature scent is part of how you’ll remember the day. Elegant bottles or custom labeled fragrances are especially lovely in photos and elevate your gallery with editorial flair.
9. Loose Floral or Greenery
Ask your florist to set aside a few extra blooms or snippets of greenery in a bucket with your other details. These are perfect for softening a flat lay and tying your color story together.
10. Ribbon, Wax Seals, or Extra Textures
If you’ve used velvet ribbon, wax seals, or linen accents in your décor or invitations, include any leftover pieces. These make beautiful layering elements in flat lays. I’ll bring a few complementary pieces as well to create a cohesive look.
11. Something Borrowed or Sentimental Keepsakes
These might be heirloom brooches, handkerchiefs, charms, love letters, or any object with personal meaning. They help tell your story, and those personal touches are exactly what I love to document as a luxury wedding photographer in Utah.
A Note for Your Planner or Photographer (Optional)
If any items have special meaning or need extra care, including a note or small tag can be so helpful. While I always treat your details with the utmost attention, this added context ensures nothing gets overlooked and every meaningful piece makes it safely to the big day.
A Quick Tip for Stress Free Detail Photos
Gathering everything into a single box or bag and placing it in the suite where I’ll start photographing makes a world of difference. Whether I’m beginning with you or your partner, having all the items ready to go helps me make the most of our time and ensures nothing gets missed.
If you’re working with a planner or florist, I’m always happy to collaborate on styling, sometimes it’s as simple as requesting a few extra blooms or asking about your color story. Other times, the planner creates a fully designed flat lay, and I photograph it with care and intention. Either way, teamwork always results in stunning, thoughtful images.
Download the Checklist
Want to make sure nothing gets left behind? I’ve created a free printable checklist to help you prep your details box with ease.
Click here to download your Wedding Day Details Checklist
Whether you’re planning a mountaintop elopement or a ballroom celebration, I want every part of your story to be told beautifully. As a luxury wedding photographer in Utah, it’s a joy to capture the thoughtful details that make your day truly yours.