5 Must-Have Wedding Day Details Couples Often Forget: Advice from a NYC wedding photographer

Your wedding day will go by in the blink of an eye — and while you may have your dream dress, venue, and flowers lined up, it’s often the little details that make the biggest impact (and look incredible in photos!).

As a wedding photographer, I’ve seen couples wish they had prepared certain items ahead of time — not because the day wasn’t beautiful, but because those small, thoughtful touches can make your photos and overall experience even more memorable.

Here are five must-have wedding day details you don’t want to forget.

1. Set aside stationery for flat-lay wedding photos

Your invitations, save-the-dates, and day-of paper goods are works of art — so don’t forget to have them ready for your photographer!

What to include:

• Full invitation suite (invitation, RSVP card, envelope)

• Save-the-date card

• Ceremony programs, menus, vow books

• Wax seals, ribbons, or other special accents

Why it matters: These photos set the tone for your wedding gallery. They make for gorgeous first pages of your album and help tell the complete story of your day.

2. Remember you rings & meaningful accessories

It might seem obvious, but in the whirlwind of getting ready, rings sometimes get left behind at the hotel or in a bag across town.

What to do:

• Designate a “ring keeper” — usually the best man or maid of honor — to have them ready.

• Gather any meaningful accessories (grandmother’s brooch, heirloom cufflinks, special perfume bottle) in one place so they can be photographed together.

Pro tip: Bring a pretty ring box or dish. It elevates your detail shots and adds a personal touch.

3. Save loose florals or styling blooms

You’ve invested in gorgeous flowers for your bouquet — why not let them shine in your detail photos too?

Ask your florist to include a few extra blooms and greenery for your photographer. These can be used to style flat-lays or add softness to photos of your jewelry, invitations, or shoes.

Why it matters: Loose florals tie your entire wedding design together in your photos. They help create that magazine-worthy, cohesive look.

4. Create a thoughtful timeline

One of the most overlooked “details” isn’t physical at all — it’s your wedding day timeline.

Having a realistic, well-padded schedule means you’ll feel relaxed, stay present, and have plenty of time for the photos you care about most.

Key things to build in:

• Time for hair & makeup plus a buffer

• A quiet moment to get dressed without rushing

• Golden hour portraits (usually 45–60 minutes before sunset)

• Transition time between locations if necessary

Bonus: Share your timeline with your bridal party and vendors ahead of time so everyone’s on the same page.

5. The best way to revisit the day: advice from your wedding photographer

Your wedding doesn’t end when the music stops — your memories deserve to live on.

Don’t forget to plan for:

• An heirloom-quality album or photo box

• A safe place to store your vows, toasts, and any sentimental items

• Post-wedding print orders for family and friends

Planning for these keepsakes in advance means you won’t lose track of these special mementos in the post-wedding haze.

Your wedding day is a once-in-a-lifetime celebration, and preparing these often-forgotten details will make it even more special — and your photos even more beautiful.

As your photographer, I love capturing every little piece of your story, from the invitation that started it all to the final dance. If you’re planning your wedding and want to make sure none of these moments are missed, let’s chat about creating a photography plan that covers it all.

Your details deserve to be remembered forever. Dates with JCP Images are filling fast—schedule time to chat and secure JCP Images for your wedding day.