I am often asked by brides, “what items should I bring to be included in my flat-lay?” Now, you may be wondering what a flat-lay is. Simply put, a flat-lay is when I style various meaningful details from your wedding day and photograph them from directly above! They tell part of your story, which is why we pay them special detail.
To prepare for the big day, put all of your special details in a box and bring it with you on your wedding day. Then, I’ll take everything in that box and style it perfectly as a flat-lay! Doing this will ensure that all of those important items stay together and nothing is missed!
Be sure to check out my Pinterest board for flat lay wedding photo inspiration!
Main rule of thumb: include anything that you have put thought into and is special to you and your future spouse! Also include items you want a photo of to remember years down the road.
I recommend keeping at least one full invitation suite aside specifically for the flat lay photos. Make sure there aren’t any wrinkles or smudges on it! We want it to look perfect. I love these custom wedding invitations by the amazing Kate Wiseman Creative.
A very popular item among couples for their flat-lays include your engagement rings and wedding bands! Earrings, necklaces, and bracelets are always a perfect addition to include. Elizabeth Bower makes stunning designer jewelry & accessories for you to wear on your special day. You’re sure to find something you’ll love!
I love to include your wedding day accessories, as this adds a more personal and intimate touch to your photographs. Be sure to bring your shoes, cufflinks, hair pieces, and your veil. Finding the perfect accessories for your wedding day can feel stressful. That’s why I recommend The Bold & Bridal! They are personal stylists that work with you to create individual looks that make up your wedding day. They compile each detail & accessory that goes into your final looks so you don’t have to! Another favorite among brides for comfortable yet stylish shoes is Kate Spade NY. They offer various styles for all brides!
Most florists I have worked with will bring a few spare flowers and greenery to use for the flat lay. Be sure to check in with your florist to make sure this is something they will do! If not, we can certainly improvise! Two florists in particular that I love – Tularosa Flowers and Solstice Bloom, both are amazing at making sure there are some extra flowers for us to make magic with!
Some couples like to buy different perfume or cologne specifically for their wedding day so when they smell that scent, it brings them back to that special day. This is a favorite among many couples. If this is something you’re doing, include it in your box of details!
On my wedding day, I wore Daisy Love by Marc Jacobs. It smells sweet & fresh AND it lasts all day long!
Your wedding details are unlike any other! Some unique details that I have photographed include the guest book, custom napkins, and a charm that was pinned to the bouquet and inside the dress. Including these extra details not only displays you and your lovers personality combined, but also can take you back to how you felt on that special day.
To sum all of this up, a flat lay is a beautiful keepsake that lasts beyond your wedding day. It not only captures the feel of your wedding, but also tells your extraordinary wedding story through photographs and details.
Let’s do it! As your wedding photographer, my main goal is to create memories that make it feel like you are able to relive your wedding day over and over again. If we sound like the perfect fit, fill out my contact form and let’s start planning your special day together!
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