Wedding Packing List for Brides & Grooms: Photography Edition

As your big day inches closer, let's talk about turning those wedding photos from "nice" to "OMG, I’m OBSESSED" 📸✨ As your go-to Seattle wedding photographer, I've got some insider tips on how to sprinkle some extra magic into your special day.

Picture this: your gorgeous invitation suite, paired with your wedding rings and that meaningful family heirloom - all these details that make up a love story that is uniquely yours. They're not just accessories; they're the secret sauce that adds depth and personality to your wedding photos.

On the morning of your wedding day, as you’re getting ready, make sure you have the following items set aside and ready for your photographers arrival. Together, we'll create images that'll make your heart skip a beat every time you look at them. 💖

Many of these items will (or should) be present already, but a few items on this list take a little extra planning in order to include them in your wedding day detail photos. Here's my hit list of must-have details that I'll be snapping up whenever I can get my hands on them. Bring along anything from this list that fits your vibe, and feel free to add your own special touches too:

Wedding packing list for the brides

1. Dress and veil

2. Invitation suite (2 copies of the full suite, if possible) matching loose stamps are a bonus! 

3. Shoes

4. Jewelry

5. Perfume

6. Something old, new, borrowed, blue

7. ALL 3 rings and a gorgeous box to keep them in – if all 3 are with you, your photo team will be able to photograph the full set. We’ll have time to get them to whoever will be holding them afterward.

8. Bouquet and/or loose florals – many florists are great about including a few loose flowers/greenery for styled detail photos. Don’t assume that they will automatically do this if you don’t ask, though. It’s also important to coordinate that these florals arrive by the designated time that these detail photos will happen.

9. Vow book

10. Any extra ribbon, accents, or items of significance that represent the day

11. Guest Welcome Bags or Favors

12. Any gifts or notes from one another

Wedding packing list for the groom

1. Suit

2. Tie

3. Cuff links

4. Watch

5. Cologne

6. Shoes and socks

7. Handkerchief

8. Belt/suspenders

9. Invitation suite (2 copies of the full suite, if possible)

10. Boutonniere

11. Vow book

12. Any extra ribbon, accents, or items of significance that represent the day

13. Guest Welcome Bags or Favors

14. Any gifts or notes from one another

PRO TIP 1: Start packing your details now. That bride tote bag you splurged on shortly after getting engaged? It’s the perfect spot to start stashing all your wedding day details. This is the easiest way to collect your detail photo items! That way, you only need to make sure your ‘details tote’ is with you, versus all these odds and ends. With the exception of your dress, veil, and the flowers that your florist will deliver, these items should all fit neatly and can be hung with your dress in your getting ready suite. Doing this also allows your photo team to start right on time, versus needing to begin the day with a search for each of these items.

PRO TIP 2: If you are hand writing your vows in a special vow book, don’t wait until the morning on your wedding. There’s a surprising amount of hubbub going on during a wedding morning and you wont want to miss a moment of the celebration.

Ready for wedding photos you’ll be obsessed with?