If you have been a bridesmaid recently, you may have seen a photographer such as myself gather a gift bag from the bride (or maid of honor) on the wedding day filled of goodies from invitations, rings, etc.

But, what’s the point of these bridal details, and why are they important? If I become a bride do I need them for my wedding day?

So before I dive in on how to make these unique for you and your wedding day, let’s break down what the lingering question, “What the heck are bridal details?”

Bridal Details… What are they?

Bridal Details are the little details and momentos that have a significant meaning to my bride, the couple, or to the wedding day itself.

To further break this down this can look like a lot of things. No two brides are the same and therefore, I feel bridal details should always be what’s meaningful to my bride. These items can be heirloom pieces that are handed down from a grandmother, mother, or even close friend. I have seen pendants for a bouquet, lockets for a bride, earrings, shoes, gifts from either couple, wedding rings, the option are truly endless.

The absolute and most important thing is that these details are what you love. If there’s something special that you have held onto even from the first date girl, I want to see it.

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Why photograph these?

When you go back to your wedding album, these details further tell your story. As I mentioned, your details will be part of what tell your story and a reminder to the little details that meant so much to you. When I look back and see my grandmothers jewelry and florals, it reminds me of sweet memories of my grandmother even if she wasn’t part of the wedding day due to her passing. It is also a wonderful way to incorporate your wedding day color palette into your album. Details have a way of being the little ribbon that tie it all together. It’s not the heart of the wedding day by any means but it can show many heartfelt items.

It’s all about how you look at the details!

Bridal Shoes: Now my recent brides have won me over with completely decked out bridal boots. As Kaitlyn informed me, “These are my Dollys and I love them!” (Yes, her boots she named after one of my favorites, Dolly Parton) Melissa, had cactus and succulent printed boots and I have some brides that have had extravagant heels. I love ALL SHOES! Whether it is a boot or a heel that you cannot live without, I want to assure to give them their turn in the spotlight.

Now does this mean you absolutely have to have the most beautiful bridal shoes? Nope. If shoes aren’t your thing and you would rather wear the most comfortable house shoes, you do you boo! This is your wedding day. But just know if you have a kick-A pair of shoes. I’m going to be all over it!

Invitations: Now, you likely have spent HOURS selecting the perfect wedding invitations for your day and they correlate to the vibe you want to portray for your wedding. If you didn’t spend hours selecting, you likely spent some one on one quality time preparing them to be mailed out to your family.

Some things to keep in mind with invitations, ensure you include the invitation including the invitation suite (rsvp, map, envelope, etc.) and for BONUS POINTS if you hired a calligrapher see if you could have them send an addressed envelope to you or your photographer for portraits.

Wedding Rings: I know this is kind of an obvious one, but I would be sure to check that all rings are together. The engagement ring and BOTH wedding bands. I can have fun with a ring set for sure!

Jewelry: This can be earrings that you loved off the clearance rack or a special earring from a relative. Make sure to include these along with any other items you will be wearing or even have in your bouquet. Bonus points if you mention the meaning behind these items.

Veil: If you are wearing a veil have this on a hanger ready for your photographer to use it.

Other personal items: Items that YOU just love! A favorite bottle of perfume, a love letter from a first date or from the wedding day, hair piece that has been passed down from family to family, whatever the case may be this is to highlight YOU!

Bonus Round Time

Want to know how to elevate your details?

Bonus Round – How to elevate your details for your photographer? Now, if you are really wanting to up the ante on styling here are a few things that can help.

Extra loose florals from your florist: “Extra florals?”, you may ask. Yes, extra florals from your florist can make your details absolutely amazing like this one below! Inform your florist to keep florals that may have broken at the stem and place them in a baggy in the cooler. Florals will be cut short, so items that could’ve been wasted can be repurposed for your floral details.

If you have succulents, these repot really well. All of these had survive … well for a few months until my goats ate them … but that’s another post for another day.

Velvet box: I often have these that fits most color schemes, however the Mrs. Box offers ring boxes that are custom for brides. Boxes can have monograms to custom wedding crests on the box. Click here to see more: https://themrsbox.com/

Calligraphy: A calligrapher can transform your envelopes into pieces of art. See one below from my friend, Charlotte of CalliRosa. Visit her site here: https://callirosa.com/

A professional calligrapher can truly elevate an invitation suite in so many ways that I didn’t know possible and make it custom to your style and vibe.

I hope each of you enjoyed these tips! If you would love to learn more about something that’s stumping you on your wedding day planning — reach out! I am always open to emails at jessica@underthesunphotography.com or even send me a DM on instgram at @underthesunphotos.

I truly love weddings! From story telling to helping pull all the details together! Until next time…