Flat lay photos are often some of the first images delivered in your wedding gallery and for good reason. They set the tone for your entire wedding day story. These carefully styled images capture the details you spent months choosing and preserve them in a timeless, editorial way. As a wedding photographer, flat lays are one of my favorite parts of the day. They allow me to slow down, tell your story intentionally, and document the pieces that you may have forgotten about in the moment. If you’re wondering what to include, here’s a photographer-approved guide to flat lay details every bride should have ready on her wedding day!

A flat lay is a thoughtfully styled photograph of your wedding details captured from above. These images usually include items like invitations, rings, florals, accessories, and personal touches. They’re not just “pretty photos”. They help tell the full story of your day and are often featured in wedding albums, blog features, Pinterest, and sometimes even magazines. These are some “must haves” for flat lay photos coming from someone who LOVES to start a wedding day with them.

Invitation Suite

Your invitation suite is the foundation of your flat lay. Bring everything, even if you think it’s repetitive.

Include:

• Main invitation
• RSVP card
• Envelopes (with calligraphy if you have it)
• Save the date
• Wax seals or custom stamps

Wedding Rings (All of Them)

Your rings are one of the most important details of the day.

• Engagement ring
• Wedding bands
• Ring box (don’t worry if you don’t have one. I have a TON on hand!!)

Shoes

Your wedding shoes deserve their moment.

Whether they’re classic heels, sparkly statement shoes, or sentimental flats, they add scale and elegance to flat lays and are often paired beautifully with florals or your invitation suite.

Jewelry & Accessories

Include accessories that complete your look:

• Earrings
• Necklace
• Bracelet
• Hair pins or combs
• Veil (if possible)

These details add sparkle, dimension, and movement to your flat lay images.

Florals

Florals instantly bring flat lays to life and help soften the image to tie your details into your overall color palette.

Ask your florist to provide:

• Loose blooms
• Extra greenery
• Floral clippings

Perfume

Including your perfume bottle adds a personal, lifestyle-inspired touch, and years from now, seeing it in your gallery will instantly take you back to how that day felt.

Personal or Sentimental Items

This is where your flat lay becomes truly unique.

Consider including:

• Vow books
• Love letters or notes
• Heirloom pieces
• A photo of loved ones
• Something borrowed or blue

Nice-to-Have (But Not Required) Details

If you have them, these are beautiful additions:

• Custom hanger
• Styling ribbons
• Invitation wax seals
• Wedding programs
• Menu cards
• Flat lay mats or fabric swatches

Don’t stress if you don’t have everything. We photographers will always have these handy and more.

How to Prepare Your Flat Lay Ahead of Time

To ensure your flat lay photos are stress-free:

• Place all details in a designated box the night before
• Keep everything together in one location
• Let your photographer know where the box is
• Have rings ready and accessible

Trust your photographer’s creative eye. Flat lays are where we combine artistry, storytelling, and design, and no two are ever the same. Happy planning!!