Have you ever seen those gorgeous wedding flat lays on Pinterest? Wonder how to get your hands on those personalized velvet ring boxes? Or thought about what items you need to bring on your wedding day? How does your photographer turn your details into one of those beautiful images for you to have for yourself? I’ll share 9 ways to get elegant wedding detail photos that you’ll love and cherish forever.

They are one of those things I didn’t even think about when Troy & I got married. We had photos taken of my pretty heels and vintage clutch. Yet didn’t understand why I would later want photos of my invitations, it’s just paper right? I kept a few copies for my scrap book 🤷🏻‍♀️.

How my viewpoint switched and I was able to see the value in the photograph.

I was not able to see the value of a stationary suite photograph at that time. Or understand how much it could mean to us later down the road. As well as help tell the story of our wedding day to others flipping through our album. And bring back a flood of emotions of the whole planning process. The excitement of beginning our new journey together. And remember the way we looked in each other’s eyes when we realized we were going to be husband & wife.

I realized through planning my own wedding how hard it is to find all those wedding details you see online. Then again if we buy those items, would they even mean anything to us? So I’ve collected some of my most loved ideas for adding to your detail photos. These details can give you a personal touch. They add more meaning, loads of interest, beauty, and tell your full story in a editorial way!!

9

Ways to get Elegant

Wedding Detail Photos

It’s ALL in the DETAILS.

1. Include the full stationary suite. This may includes your invitation, reception card, and rsvp + envelope. We ask for two envelopes of varying but coordinating colors. Or two of the same color (we like to have one to photograph the front & back in the same frame). Additional items include your program, a set of bride & grooms place cards, and a few stamps. Any paper details that coordinate and tell your wedding day story should also be included. These details build a larger layout and bring forth a fuller story.

Wedding details can be as simple or intricate as you desire.

2. Add heirlooms such as a locket or opera glasses from Grandmas collection, an antique silver tray of your Moms, vintage ring box, miniature jewelry box, a porcelain or handcrafted ceramic ring dish. Different textures, metals (coordinating with other details of course), & sizes add visual interest to the photo and it’s a great way to add in special pieces from loved ones. Some of these may seem silly but go searching through each of your Grandparents and Parents things and see what small heirlooms you can find that add something to your day that feels personal & true to you.

3. Bring on the subtle touch of romance with a silk ribbon or runner in a coordinating color to your wedding day, maybe the color of your bridesmaid dresses? These look elegant and act as a beautiful way to bring the eye around the photo and tie everything together visually. Subtle elegance is my motto.

4. Vintage stamps (1-3) adds interest and is a unique way to add even more of your personality into your photos.

Here’s how:

• Have custom wedding stamps made. Great for sending your invitations, putting on the rsvp envelopes, and save a few for your photos. You can order your own using Shutterfly.
• Find some stamps from Grandpa’s collection, at an antique store, or on Etsy that match your wedding colors. Here’s a shop I love!! Little Postage House

5. Ask your florist to add a few loose stems of varying flowers that match your bouquet. Sometimes these are called styling bundles. These add a bit of softness, texture, & natural beauty to your layout. Without a doubt, these tie your photos together with your full gallery. Along with telling the larger story of your day. This is one of the easiest and most appealing ways to ele your photos.

6. Using the environment to add style and customization. Say you’re having your wedding on the beach and you could add a shell, some sand, or rocks. I love playing with textures and anything that makes your detail photos more, YOU! Furthermore, if you’re having the wedding at your families lake house. There may be a few trinkets around that could add a nautical touch to your images and enhance your layout. Such as a small sail boat, anchor, or other nautical décor. Brass especially photographs well. Take a look around your space. Your bound to find little treasures, please use items that aren’t destructive to the property and can be put back. Reach out if you would like help coming up with ideas!

7. Ring box | I don’t really need to say much. Ring boxes are elegant & classic, they are a great heirloom to pass down to your children or younger generations. Thirty years from now, your child could display this in their wedding detail photos as well! How sweet is that?! They also can serve as beautiful decoration for your dresser. Or as a place to keep your ring when you shower or swim, for instance. Otherwise, the cat might knock it off into the air vent! Lol.

• purchase the Mrs. Box & have it monogrammed.
• ask your Mother and Grandma or his if they have a ring box that has special meaning.
• go antique shopping and find your own treasure.
• purchase one from Etsy or Amazon.  

8. Wax seals | they are visually appealing, add interest, personalization, and class up any stationary suite. You can add these timeless customizable seals to the the closure of your invitations. And don’t forget to leave a few loose for me to style for your photos.

• purchase a kit and starting crafting them yourself.
• get your hands on premade wax seals in a variety of gorgeous styles.
• use self adhesive wax seals sold with premade or custom designs.

Here’s a few places I’ve used in the past & loved!

• Artisaire
• La Pomme Et La Pipe Press

9. A Post Card from the city your getting married in, a vintage one, or one from where your honeymooning too. These can add a certain sentiment if your having a destination Wedding or have a serious love for your town.

Most importantly, remember this is YOUR DAY and you should celebrate it YOUR WAY! If a single one of these ideas does not resonate with you, don’t bother with it. Bring what does, or keep it simple with only your details. That’s the beauty of your story, it’s done the way you want! It’s my and Troy’s job to document your beautiful wedding day as it unfolds. These are mere suggestions to get the wheels turning.

See how fellow brides used these 9 ways to get elegant wedding detail photos for their wedding day

See these tips put into real weddings or check out more wedding planning resources on our blog just “For Brides.”

Interested in seeing my all time favorite details put together? Head over to Christine & Drew’s Kewaunee Beach Elopement.