Anatomy of a flat lay: my ten favorite items to include
As someone who delights in the details, I am a major sucker for a good flat lay photo. For those who don’t know, a flat lay photo is an aerial shot, typically capturing the details or small items included in a design. They’re not specific to weddings only, but have become a staple in the wedding industry for the way they capture the personal touches and details of the day. You can find entire Instagram accounts dedicated to flat lay photos (my kind of accounts to follow!) as well as all kinds of flat lay inspiration on Pinterest and in bridal publications.
When you’re discussing your shot list with your photographer, don’t miss out on the opportunity to put together a beautiful flat lay, because you weren’t completely prepared. (*Pro Tip: I find it helpful to put together a small bin containing all of the items you’d like for your photographer to include, and have that bin ready for your photographer when they get to the venue on the day of the wedding. Detail shots, flat lays included, are one of the first things they will likely photograph. For bonus points, tape an inventory list to the side of the bin. This helps to ensure that everything finds their way back into the bin, and helps with locating items for anyone else who could potentially need them. Think “best man at the alter with no rings” — we don’t want that!)
Here, I’m rounding up the 10 items to gather for your wedding day for the perfect flat lay photo!
Photos by Courtney Leigh Photography
Invitation Suites from left to right — Chirps & Cheers; Model Paper
First, the invitation suite. And really, the whole point of the flat lay photo is to photograph your invitation suite. It will be the focal point of your flat lay photos, capturing the written detail of the day itself. The following items are the ones that add personality and sentimental value to your photo…
Loose blooms for styling. Be sure to request these ahead of time from your florist.
Shoes. My favorite!
Rings. Both his and hers. And a ring box, if you feel so inclined.
Photos by Courtney Leigh Photography
Other jewelry or accessories. Those earrings that tie in perfectly with the florals on the invitations. The bracelet that was a gift from your mother. Anything else that you plan to wear, whether it is sentimental or not, it will become sentimental after this day.
Perfume or cologne. These have become popular items to include. If you’ve chosen a special scent to remember the day by, this would be a sweet thing to include. I’ve also seen where some artists will paint perfume bottles (like you many times see with champagne bottles) to further customize and incorporate your wedding design.
Wax seals and stamp. Have extra wax seals pre-made for this, and be sure to pick the most picture perfect ones.
Ribbon. There’s something about the movement and texture that ribbon can add and create in a photo that really gets me. When it comes to styling ribbon, or even ribbon for bouquets, my go-to is Tono + Co.
Photos by Courtney Leigh Photography
Family heirlooms. A brooch pin. A cake topper from your parent’s nuptials. A grandmother’s ring. You can’t recreate the history found in any of these passed-down treasures, so be sure to capture them!
Any other small pieces of wedding signage, or items that are meaningful to you and tell the story of your day. This could include place cards or escort cards, a ceremony program, favors, etc. It could be polaroid pictures of you, your partner, and your beloved pet. If you’re choosing to exchange letters, they would be perfect items to include. Truly, anything that tugs at your heart strings, further exemplifies your design elements, and are physically small enough, should be included in these photos.
But really, this shot along with all of the other photos that will make up your wedding gallery should be true to you! Don’t be afraid to think outside the box, and if it holds meaning — capture it!
… & I want to see all of your beautiful flat lay shots. Tag me “@lncweddings” so I can go swoon over it!
-LNC