Flat Lays: The First Photos of Your Wedding Day
When you think of wedding photography, your mind probably jumps to emotional first looks, romantic portraits, or that packed dance floor at the end of the night. But before all of that happens, there’s one small but important detail that kicks off your wedding story: flat lay photos.
What Are Flat Lays?
Flat lays are carefully styled photos of your wedding details—things like your save the dates, invites, rings, jewelry, shoes, perfume, and other personal touches—arranged beautifully on a flat surface. They set the stage for your gallery (and film, if you’ve hired a videographer too!) and help tell the story of your day from the very beginning.
Think of them as the opening chapter of your wedding album: the “small things” that, when photographed thoughtfully, become part of the bigger story of your love.
Why We Start With Flat Lays
After saying a warm hello to the bride and groom, flat lays are usually the first thing we photograph and film on a wedding day. Why?
- They Set the Tone: Capturing your details right away helps establish the style and color palette of your day. These images work beautifully as the opening pages of your wedding album or highlight film.
- They’re Untouched: Early in the day, your rings are polished, your invitations are crisp, and your shoes haven’t seen a dance floor yet. Photographing them first means everything is in their best condition.
- They Give Us a Creative Warm-Up: Flat lays allow your photographer and videographer to ease into the day by playing with light, composition, and styling. By the time we move to portraits, we’re already in full creative flow.
What to Bring for Flat Lays
To make your detail photos look polished and personal, we recommend setting aside a “detail box” for us to grab when we arrive. This keeps everything organized and ensures nothing gets forgotten in the hustle of the morning.
Here are some items to include:
- Stationery Details: Save the dates and invites (with envelope, RSVP card, or programs).
- Rings: Engagement ring and wedding bands (bonus if you have a pretty ring box).
- Jewelry & Accessories: Earrings, necklace, cufflinks, watch, tie, boutonniere, veil.
- Shoes: Both the bride’s and groom’s if possible.
- Perfume/Cologne: Beautiful bottles photograph so well.
- Florals: Ask your florist to set aside a few extra blooms or greenery for styling.
- Keepsakes: A handkerchief, vow books, or any sentimental item that represents your story.
✨ Pro Tip: If your wedding has a color theme, gemstone tones, or a unique style (like modern minimalism or vintage romance), let us know! We’ll incorporate those colors and textures into your flat lay design so everything ties together beautifully.
Why Flat Lays Matter
Flat lays may seem like a small part of your day, but they serve as the perfect introduction to your wedding story. They highlight the details you’ve thoughtfully chosen, create consistency throughout your album and film, and—let’s be honest—look stunning on Instagram too.
By starting with flat lays, we set the stage for the rest of your celebration, ensuring every chapter of your story is beautifully told.
