The Bride’s Guide to Preparing Wedding Details for Gorgeous Flat Lay Photos

Let’s talk about one of the prettiest, most Instagram-worthy parts of your wedding day: flat lay photos. You know, those beautifully styled shots of your rings, invitations, flowers, and all the tiny details that make your wedding uniquely you. They might look effortless, but behind every flat lay is a little planning (and a good checklist)!

Your wedding photographer’s goal is to capture your love story from every angle, including the details that make your day so special. This guide will help you prepare those details, so when the big day arrives, you can sit back, sip some champagne, and let the photo magic happen.

Why Flat Lay Photos Matter

Flat lays are more than just pretty pictures—they’re a snapshot of your wedding’s personality. From the elegance of your invitation suite to the sentimental heirlooms that hold decades of memories, these photos capture the vibe of your day in a way that’s both artistic and deeply personal.

Flat lay photos are the first chapter in your wedding story, setting the tone for the rest of your album. And let’s be honest—they also look amazing on Instagram.

What to Include in Your Flat Lay Photos – Bride

Here’s the fun part: gathering all the little details that tell your story. Whether it’s your great-grandmother’s locket or that stunning invitation suite you spent weeks designing, these items create a visual narrative that’s uniquely yours.

Must-Haves for Your Flat Lay:

• Wedding Invitation Suite (Include RSVP cards, envelopes, and wax seals)
• Rings (Engagement ring, wedding bands, and ring box)
• Bouquet
• Shoes
• Jewelry (Earrings, necklaces, bracelets, bling)
• Perfume Bottle

Nice-to-Haves:

• Vows or Love Letters
• Family Heirlooms (Think: vintage handkerchiefs or brooches)
• Meaningful Keepsakes
• Dress Details (Veil, belt, or fabric swatches)

Pro Tip: Toss in some extra blooms or greenery from your florist. They’re perfect for adding depth and dimension to the flat lay!

What to Include in Your Flat Lay Photos – Groom

Now it’s time to highlight the details that showcase your soon-to-be husband’s style and personality. He’s half of this equation, so these flat lay details tell his side of the story and deserve their moment to shine.

Must-Haves for Your Flat Lay:

• Tie or Bowtie
• Cufflinks
• Watch
• Shoes
• Cologne Bottle
• Boutonniere or Loose Flowers (Coordinate with the bride’s bouquet for a cohesive look)

Nice-to-Haves:

• Pocket Square (Folded or laid out)
• Wedding Day Letter (To him or from him, it’s a sweet touch!)
• Family Heirlooms (Think: cufflinks from Dad or a pocket watch from Grandpa)
• Wedding Invitation Suite
• Accessories (Suspenders, belt, or even socks with a fun pattern!)

Pro Tip: Celebrate what makes him him by including a meaningful hobby keepsake. Whether it’s a vinyl record, a fishing lure, or a collectible he loves, it’s a great way to weave his personality into the wedding story.

How to Organize Your Details for the Photographer

Here’s where you make your life (and ours!) a little easier. Gather all your flat lay items in advance and keep them together in a box or bag. On the morning of your wedding, assign a bridesmaid or your wedding planner to hand it over to the photographer.

Checklist for Wedding Morning:

• Pack everything listed above into a small, labeled box.
• Include any special instructions (e.g., “Handle the locket with care,” etc.)
• Add a note with any last-minute items or requests.

Remember, the more organized you are, the more time your photographer can spend creating jaw-dropping photos instead of hunting for your earrings.

When and Where Flat Lay Photos Happen

Flat lays typically happen during the getting ready portion of your wedding day. Your photographer will need a clean, well-lit space to work their magic—natural light is the secret to those dreamy photos.

If your venue has large windows or a neutral-colored surface, that’s ideal. If not, don’t worry! You can always use items like veils, fabric swatches, or other clean, pretty materials you have on hand to create a beautiful backdrop. These simple touches can elevate your flat lay and make the details shine!

Personal Touches Make All the Difference

Want to make your flat lay even more personal? Here are a few creative ideas:

• Incorporate Your Theme: If your wedding has a rustic vibe, include twine or wooden elements. For a modern feel, go with metallic accents or clean lines.
• Add a Pop of Color: Tie in your wedding colors with ribbons or florals.
• Showcase Your Personality: Are you a book lover? Add a page from your favorite novel. A world traveler? Include a tiny globe or map.

These little details make your flat lay feel authentically you.

Common Questions About Flat Lay Photos

1. Do I need to buy anything special for my flat lay?
Nope! Most of what you need is already part of your wedding day. However, if you want to splurge on a cute ring box or custom vow books, go for it—it’s your day to shine!

2. How long do flat lay photos take?
About 20-40 minutes. This is typically the first set of photos taken on your wedding day. Getting these done early in the day,  allows your photographer to focus on capturing you the rest of the time.

3. What if I forget something?
Don’t stress! Your photographer can work with what’s available and still create something beautiful. But if it’s really important, have someone swing by your house to grab it.

Ready to Book Your Wedding Photographer?

If you’re recently engaged or planning your big day, let’s make magic together! Slide into my DMs or pop over to my inbox—I can’t wait to hear all about your vision and help you capture it in the most stunning way possible.

Your wedding day is going to be incredible, and I’d love to be there to tell your story through the lens. Let’s make it happen!