A Guide from Your Luxury Wedding Photographer
When you think of your wedding photos, you probably imagine that magical first look, your walk down the aisle, or the moment you’re announced as newlyweds. But there’s one quiet, beautiful piece of your wedding story that I want to immortalize before all of that: your detail flat lay.
As your photographer, I begin your wedding day by capturing these beautifully curated images of your most meaningful details— your invitation suite, rings, accessories, and personal heirlooms. This moment sets the tone for your entire gallery and becomes the foundation for how your story is visually told.
To help us create a timeless, elegant, and true to you flat lay, here’s everything you need to know (and what to bring with you) to make your flat lay truly stunning.
Back to the basics— what is a flat lay?
A flat lay is a curated arrangement of your wedding details, intentionally styled and photographed from above in an artful, editorial. They oftentimes feature a beautiful or neutral backdrop with natural light. Think of it as the perfect opportunity to capture the essence of your day through the invitations you carefully picked out, glimpses of your wedding colors, rings that symbolize your commitment, family history, and any other pieces that may not necessarily stand out alone— but make your day that much more special.
Carrie’s recommendations on what to bring:
- Full Invitation Suite (Preferably 2 Copies)
- Main invitation, RSVP card, details card, envelopes (with stamps), wax seals or ribbon, if used.
- Rings
- Make sure you have all of your rings in one, safe spot, accessible during flat lay photos. Optional: ring boxes.
- Vow Books
- If you’re writing your own vows, vow books add an incredibly personal touch to your flat lay.
- Florals
- Ask your florist to set aside a few loose blooms or greenery stems to help tie your flat lay into the floral design of your day and soften the overall look.
- Accessories (not all are necessary; these are a few ideas)
- Bridal: Jewelry, hair pieces, perfume bottle, shoes, clutch/handbag, veil/lace, dresses.
- Groom: Cufflinks, bow tie/tie, watch, cologne, shoes, pocket square, boutonnière.
- Heirlooms & Personal Touches
- Handwritten notes, a locket, photos, vintage mirror/perfume, memorial piece.
Packing Your Flat Lay:
I recommend packing all of your flat lay items into one clearly labeled bag/box and securing the items with a trusted person like your planner, maid of honor, or mother, ready to pass off on the morning of your wedding. This ensure things stay organized and in pristine condition while being transported back and forth. This will also help save valuable time on the morning of your wedding and offer peace of mind when traveling with precious items.
How I Style Things as Your Photographer:
While you will bring the meaningful items, I’ll supplement whatever you bring to ensure beautiful photos are the outcome of our shoot! I will be able to create a solid shot, aesthetically arrange all of your items and group different items accordingly for the perfect shot. I’ll take care of creating the perfect background for your items as well, using natural light to highlight each piece. No two flat lays are the same, and it’s my job to capture the unique essence of your wedding day and love story as shone through your flay lay items.
Have questions about what to include or need help sourcing vow books, ring boxes, or styling pieces? I’m always happy to help. Just reach out—your detail photos are about to be next level.
With love and intention,
