You’ve booked your venue, secured your vendors, picked the perfect date… and now you’re packing for the big day. But what exactly should you bring with you? If you’re getting married in Fort Worth, Saginaw, Hurst, Euless, Bedford, or anywhere in the DFW area, don’t stress. I’ve got you covered!

As a DFW wedding photographer, I’ve learned that having the right details ready makes your morning smoother and ensures you get every beautiful photo you’ve been dreaming of. Here are the essentials I always recommend my brides bring:

1. Your Shoes
Bring the shoes you’ll wear for the ceremony and any pair you want for the reception. If you’re planning to swap into comfy shoes (highly recommend), pack those too!

2. Your Invitation Suite
Your photographer will use this for flat lay photos. You know, those pretty styled detail shots with everything arranged together. (Like the one above!) Invitations add a personal touch to these photos and help tell the story of your wedding day.

3. The Rings
Sounds obvious, but they’re easy to forget in the rush of the morning. Bring the engagement ring, wedding bands, and a box or dish for them. Even the original box works perfectly.

4. Wedding Outfits
Make sure your dress, veil, shoes, and all bridal accessories make it to the venue. Same goes for the groom. His suit, shoes, tie, and anything else he needs for getting ready.

5. Accessories
Necklace, bracelet, earrings, hairpiece, whatever you’re wearing, pack it ahead of time. Sentimental pieces especially deserve a spot in your photos.

6. Any DIY Items
If you created custom hangers, love letters, signage, or special day of pieces, set them aside early so nothing gets left behind.

7. Bonus Items for Elevated Flat Lays
Want your detail photos to have that beautiful, personalized touch? Pack:
• A pretty perfume or cologne bottle
• Vow books
• Ribbon, heirlooms, or meaningful keepsakes
These pieces help your detail photos feel unique to you.

Organizing Everything: The Box Method
I always encourage my couples to pack everything in easy-to-identify boxes. Sorting things ahead of time makes your morning stress-free and helps anyone (family, wedding party, or your photographers) grab what they need without bugging you.

Here’s a simple system:
• Detail Box: rings, invitations, accessories, shoes, vow books, perfume
• Getting Ready Box: DIY items, letters, hangers
• Reception Box: anything meant for the reception setup

The simpler you make things, the more you get to just relax and enjoy your morning.
There are tons of things you could bring, but these seven essentials will set you up for a beautiful, calm, and well-photographed wedding day.

Need help deciding what to include in your flat lays or want a personalized checklist? I’d love to help!