What To Include In Your Wedding Detail Box

If you’ve ever scrolled past those pretty flat lays and close-ups of rings, invitations, perfume, and heirlooms and thought, “How do we get photos like that?” this is your answer. A wedding detail box is just a small basket or shoebox filled with the little things that tell your story. When we arrive, we can style everything in great light and you can stay present with hair and makeup or time with your people.

Think of it like setting the table before the meal. A few thoughtful items make the whole spread feel intentional and personal.

What a detail box helps us do

Details set the tone of your gallery. We use them to show your colors, textures, and the mood of your day before any portraits appear. Your invitations hint at the venue. Your perfume and tie say something about your style. Your grandmother’s handkerchief, your father’s cufflinks, a wax seal from your invitations. All of it adds layers.

When everything is gathered in one spot, we can work fast. No one is hunting for a ring box or the second earring. You enjoy your morning while we create something artful nearby.

The essentials we always hope to find

Every couple has different priorities, but here are the staples we reach for first, with a few notes on why they matter.

The invitation suite
One full set that’s clean and unbent. Include the main invite, RSVP, details card, envelope, extra envelope liner, and any wax seals or stamps. If you have two sets, even better. We can shoot fronts and backs without moving pieces.

Rings
All three if you’re exchanging them. We’ll return them as soon as we’re done. A pretty ring box or dish helps, but isn’t required.

Personal accessories
For brides or marriers in dresses: earrings, necklace, bracelet, hair pins, veil, shoes, garter, vow book, perfume, a beautiful hanger for the dress.
For grooms or marriers in suits: tie or bow tie, cufflinks, watch, boutonniere, pocket square, vow book, cologne, shoes, belt, tie clip.

Heirlooms and meaningful extras
Handwritten letters, a rosary, a handkerchief, locket photos, dog tag charms, a coin for your shoe, any keepsake that carries family history.

Florals and fabrics
Ask your florist for a few loose blooms and greenery. A ribbon or swatch of your bridesmaid dress fabric ties everything together and softens the flat lay.

Paper day-of items
Programs, menu, place cards, escort cards, custom stamps, matchbooks, cocktail napkins with your monogram, welcome note. Anything printed that shows your brand for the day.

Styling helpers
A ring box, tray, small mirror, or velvet ribbon. If you don’t own any, no stress. We travel with a small styling kit. Your florist’s ribbon and a couple blooms are usually all we need.

Don’t forget the “getting ready” basics

A clean, pretty hanger makes a big difference for dress photos. Steam the dress and veil the night before. Keep the suit jacket on a sturdy hanger, lint-roll it, and empty pockets of receipts and AirPods. If gifts are being exchanged, leave them unopened until we arrive so we can photograph the wrapping and the moment.

Groom’s detail box, too

Detail photos are for both of you. If you’ll be in separate spaces, make a second box for the suit side. Include the tie, cufflinks, watch, boutonniere, shoes, belt, cologne, vow book, and any family pieces. If there’s a special bottle of bourbon or a custom cigar box, that can be a nice touch if it fits your vibe.

When to hand it over

Place the box by a window in the getting-ready room and tell a bridesmaid, sibling, or best friend where it is. When we arrive, we’ll say hello, grab the box, and get to work without interrupting hair and makeup. If rings are in the box, make sure someone knows we have them so there’s no last-minute panic before the ceremony.

A quick note on budget and props

You do not need to buy a trunk of styling pieces. Your story is enough. If you want to add one or two special items, consider a ring box that matches your color palette or a small ceramic tray. Ask your florist for a few extra blooms. That’s all it takes.