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Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions, laughter, and unforgettable moments. But amidst the joyous chaos, there are countless beautiful details that deserve to be captured forever. Enter the flat lay, a trending photography style that showcases these special elements in a visually stunning and creative way.

In this post, we’ll dive into what a flat lay photo is, why flat lays are so important, and what items you should consider including in your wedding flat lays. Plus, we’ll offer tips on how to prepare for these detail shots to ensure nothing gets missed on your big day!

What Exactly is a Flat Lay?

A flat lay photo is a styled, top-down image of various objects that are arranged thoughtfully to create a beautiful visual composition. For weddings, flat lay photos typically feature details like your invitation suite, rings, jewelry, shoes, and other meaningful items that tie your day together. The goal of flat lay photography is to create a cohesive, aesthetically pleasing image that tells a story about your wedding through the objects that hold sentimental value.

These photos are usually taken during the couple is getting ready and are a great way to showcase your wedding’s overall theme and aesthetic. Whether you have a modern, minimalist style or a boho-chic vibe, flat lay photos offer a creative opportunity to encapsulate the essence of your day.

Why Flat Lay Photos Matter

While the ceremony and reception are undoubtedly the heart of your wedding day, the flat lay adds another layer of storytelling to your wedding album. Here’s why they’re a must-have:

Capture the Details:

Flat lays allow you to showcase all the beautiful details you’ve meticulously planned for – the elegant invitation suite, the heirloom jewelry passed down through generations, the personalized wedding vows, your stunning wedding shoes – all in one stunning frame. These photos become a cherished record of your personal style and the special touches that made your day unique.

Set the Stage:

Flat lay photos are often some of the first images captured on your wedding day. They beautifully introduce the theme, color palette, and overall aesthetic of your celebration.

Preserved Memories:

While you may not be able to hold onto every physical object from your wedding day, flat lay photos preserve those memories. They provide a lasting visual record of your wedding details that you can look back on for years to come.

Storytelling Through Details:

Flat lays can be used to tell a story – from the invitation suite to the shoes you’ll wear down the aisle, each item can evoke a specific memory or emotion.

What to Include in Your Wedding Flat Lay Photos:

When planning your flat lay shots, it’s essential to gather items that are meaningful and relevant to your wedding day. Here are some must-have items to consider including:

1. Invitation Suite

Your wedding invitations, RSVP cards, and other stationery pieces should be front and center in your flat lay. They set the tone for your wedding and give guests the first glimpse into your wedding’s theme.

2. Wedding Rings and Jewelry

Your engagement ring, wedding bands, and other meaningful jewelry like earrings or necklaces should be included. These items are a symbol of your love and commitment, making them a key part of your flat lay.

3. Bridal Accessories

From your shoes to your veil, hairpieces, and clutch, don’t forget to include any bridal accessories. These items add a personal touch and elevate the overall look of the flat lay.

4. Bouquet or Florals

If possible, include some of the flowers from your bouquet or the arrangements being used in your ceremony. Florals help tie your flat lay to the wedding’s color palette and add a natural, organic element to the composition.

5. Perfume or Personal Fragrance

Adding your perfume bottle or cologne is a great way to personalize the flat lay even further. It’s a small detail that adds elegance and can evoke memories of your wedding day whenever you see it.

6. Vow Books or Special Notes

Handwritten vow books, love letters, or special notes to each other can also be included. These add a heartfelt and meaningful touch to your flat lay.

7. Heirlooms or Sentimental Pieces

Family heirlooms or any sentimental items, like a handkerchief, locket, or cufflinks, are perfect additions to your flat lay. These unique items add history and significance to your photos.

Pro Tips for Perfect Flat Lay Photos

Gather Everything in Advance

Before your photographer arrives, place all your flat lay items in a box or bag so they’re ready to go. This helps ensure nothing gets forgotten in the excitement. Have it all together and easily accessible when your photographer arrives to save time and ensure all your important details are included.

Coordinate with Your Photographer

Discuss your flat lay vision with your photographer. Share inspiration photos you find online and talk about the specific items you want to include.

Schedule Time

Flat lays take time to set up and capture perfectly. If flat lays are important to you, make sure to schedule time for your photographer to style and shoot these details. Let your photographer know ahead of time, and allow for about 30-45 minutes to capture them.

Work with Your Florist

Coordinate with your florist to have some extra blooms or greenery available for the flat lay photos. Florals can add life and color to the images and tie your wedding’s aesthetic together.

Don’t Forget Reception Flat Lay Photos

While most flat lay photos are taken before the ceremony, don’t miss out on the opportunity to capture beautiful detail shots during your reception! Reception flat lays are a fun way to highlight the personal touches from your celebration, like a slice of cake, custom cocktail napkins, drink stirrers, or even your signature cocktail. These flat lay shots can also include menus, seating cards, and any unique decor elements that show off your personality as a couple. It’s a great way to document the little details that made your reception special and bring your entire wedding day story to life! Make sure to talk with your photographer about carving out time for these reception flat lays to capture all the fun details of your post-ceremony celebration.

Ready to Capture the Details of Your Dream Wedding?

Flat lays are a fantastic way to add a touch of artistry and personalization to your wedding photography. By incorporating these tips and working with your photographer, you can create stunning flat lay photos that tell a beautiful story about your unique wedding day.

Let’s Chat About Your Wedding Photography!

We’re passionate about capturing the emotions, the connections, and of course, the beautiful details that make your wedding day special. Contact us today to discuss crafting a wedding photography experience that reflects your unique love story.