What Items Should I Include in a Flat Lay?

One of the main reasons I recommend having your photographer come at least 45 min early to your wedding is so they can capture all those important details. This includes wide shots of the venue, centerpieces, floral arrangements, candids of your bridal party and family, and all those teeny tiny details that mean the most to you. A flat lay is one of the ways I capture some of these intricate details that might otherwise go unnoticed. They are things that your guests probably won’t even think about, but they are important to you. So let’s talk about what sort of things you should set aside for a flat lay.

The basics.

Jewelry! This includes watches, earrings, bracelets, and of course the RINGS! Make sure you have your AND your finace’s ring! You can also include your bouquet, wedding invites, vow books, hair clips, shoes, tie, garter, veil, and perfume. If you don’t have vow books, you could write love letters to each other! I also recommend asking your florist for some loose florals that we can use.

Items that are personal to you.

Jenna and Jacob included the movie tickets from their first date in their flat lay. I’ve also had couples include a film camera and polaroids of their time dating. You can include any sort of items that are significant in your relationship!

How to prepare for your flat lay.

I recommend having a box close by so as you gather these items in preparation for your wedding, you can just put them in the box. This way, you won’t forget anything and it will all be together, making detail shots a breeze on your wedding day!

The best time for me to arrange and take pictures of a flat lay is during the getting ready photos. While you’re getting the final touches of your makeup done, I will take your box of details and arrange them and capture all the sentimental value that they have for you. You don’t need to worry about arranging your items for me! Just have them all collected in your box and I will take care of the rest (: I also have a few items I bring along if we need them, such as ribbon and a ring box.

And boom there you have it! A Pinterest-worthy flat lay, a stress-free morning, and documentation of all your little important details.

If you haven’t included getting ready coverage in your wedding package yet, it’s not too late! Send me an email and I’ll add it on! If your schedule is pretty packed and you’re worried we won’t have time for flat lays, you can add on a second shooter who can capture these details while I capture the other events going on. Click here for more details about second shooters.

And if you haven’t booked with me yet, inquire here!