The Ultimate Checklist for Picture-Perfect Memories
Your wedding is filled with beautiful moments you’ll want to remember forever. As your photographer, I’m here to capture every detail, big and small, to tell your love story. To help me do that, a little preparation on your part can go as long way! Here’s a simple checklist of items to pack for your photographer to ensure we don’t miss a thing.
1. Your Wedding Details
These small yet significant items help set the tone for your wedding story:
- Invitations and Save-the-Dates: Include one full set to showcase your wedding stationary. If you’re local to the Rochester, NY area, we absolutely love stationary vendors such as Posey Letter Press and Julia Murphy Design Co., both do beautiful custom stationary that elevates any wedding flat lay photograph.
- Rings: Engagement rings, wedding bands, and any ring boxes you’re using. (P.S. it’s okay if you don’t have ring boxes, I have a ton of different colors in my own styling kit!).
- Jewelry: Earrings, necklaces, cufflinks, or other meaningful accessories.
- Shoes: Both yours and your partner’s shoes, especially if they have unique or sentimental designs.
- Perfume or Cologne: A beautiful bottle adds an elegant touch to flat-lay photos.
- Veil, Hairpieces, or Boutonnières: Include these statement accessories for stunning detail shots.
2. Personal Touches
Personal elements make your photos even more meaningful:
- Something Old, New, Borrowed, and Blue: Capture the tradition in style.
- Heirlooms: Think lockets, family handkerchiefs, or other sentimental items.
- Letters or Gifts: If you’re exchanging vows, notes, or gifts with your partner before the ceremony, have them ready for a heartfelt photo opportunity (a great opportunity to utilize the vow books that come in every welcome package!).
3. Extras for Your Getting Ready Moments
The “getting ready” shots are just as special as the ceremony, so make these moments picture-perfect:
- Matching Robes or Pajamas: If you’re coordinating outfits with your bridal party, include these for cohesive, fun photos.
- Hanger for Your Dress or Suit: A personalized or wooden hanger elevates the presentation of your attire.
- Touch-Up Essentials: Lipstick, powder, or a small mirror for candid touch-up shots.
4. Floral Details
Flowers add so much life and color to your photos. Be sure to set aside:
- Bouquet and Boutonnières: Have your florist deliver them to your getting ready location.
- Loose Flowers and Greenery: These can be used for styling and elevating flat-lay shots with your other details.
5. A Thoughtful Sechedule
While not a physical item, having a well-organized timeline is essential for ensuring we capture everything. Share your schedule with me in advance, and make sure to build in some buffer time for unexpected delays. All of my wedding packages include wedding timeline planning to ensure we utilize your coverage in most efficient way. However, our favorite Upstate New York wedding planner (day of coordination, partial plan, and full design planning), Plan With Posh, does an excellent job preparing timelines and making sure you get the most out of your wedding day!
How to Pack It All
- Organize in a Box or Bag: Place everything in one easily accessible container.
- Label Items: Use sticky notes or small tags to identify who each item belongs to (especially for gifts or accessories).
- Designate a Helper: Assign someone from your wedding party to make sure the box gets to the right place on your wedding day.
With these items packed and ready to go, I can create the timeless, detail-rich photos you’ll treasure for a lifetime. If you have questions about what to include or need help with your timeline, don’t hesitate to reach out. My goal is to make your wedding day as stress-free as possible!
