Wedding Flat Lay Details


Recently, I was talking with one of my brides, and she asked me what details should be included in her flat lays. I realized that other couples might have the same question, so I wanted to share some insights!


For those who aren't familiar, a wedding flat lay is when I gather specific items from a couple to photograph. It's a wonderful opportunity to capture special items that might not typically make it into other photos, such as invitations or heirloom pieces.

Wedding invitations with black and white cards surrounded by white roses on a wooden surface in dramatic lighting.

Bonus: this helps me kick off your day with some creativity!

A flat lay can feature details from both partners—it's not just for the bride! Here are some items couples often include in their wedding flat lays:

  • Invitations (including multiple if double-sided) with envelopes, especially if they have fun designs, calligraphy, or decorative stamps
  • Shoes or fun socks
  • Vow books
  • All three rings
  • Jewelry like earrings or a bracelet
  • Cufflinks
  • Perfume and cologne
  • Gifted liquor or wedding party gifts
  • Lipstick of the day
  • Heirloom pieces like a hair clip
  • Borrowed or blue items
  • Personalized items such as cocktail napkins, drink stirrers, or guest favors
  • Tokens representing the location, like sea shells
  • BLOOMS! Be sure to ask your florist for some extra blooms to bring that pop of color
Black and white photograph of two books, jewelry, and white roses casting dramatic shadows on a wood surface.
Wedding rings and vow cards reading 'His', 'Her', and 'Vows' arranged on a beige textured surface.
Wedding invitation with dark acrylic design displayed alongside white anemone flower, red velvet ribbon, and floral accents.
A sparkling diamond engagement ring photographed in soft focus with warm brown tones in the background.
A decorative dried golden fan-shaped leaf rests on a textured surface alongside paper cards and dried flowers.
Wedding accessories including a fan-shaped book page, white tulle fabric, and vintage-style jewelry on a textured surface.
Wedding invitation details displayed with decorative ribbon, ornamental hexagon holders and vintage scissors on textured surface.
Wedding stationery with light gray envelopes, magnolia leaves and delicate floral illustrations on beige paper.
Wedding invitation with calligraphy names in burgundy and gold tones alongside perfume bottles and evergreen sprigs.
A glass perfume bottle labeled 'I DO' with a rose gold cap sits on a dark surface against a light gray background.
Wedding accessories including rings, invitations, perfume bottle and white flowers arranged on a wooden surface with dramatic shadows.
Hand-drawn map with a red heart marker, rings, and craft supplies arranged on wooden surface with a date notation.
Gold ornate vintage frame displays hexagonal wedding rings on textured vintage paper background.
Delicate blush pink roses and white flowers in a romantic wedding bouquet with soft tulle veil.
Wedding rings and vow cards arranged on woven basket with blush pink fabric, capturing an elegant bridal detail.
A rustic wooden box with 'MR MRS' text holds two wedding rings on burlap, topped with a white rose and eucalyptus bouquet.
Black leather dress shoes and small leather wallet displayed on rustic wooden floorboards.
Elegant wedding invitation suite with gold calligraphy on white paper, burgundy envelope, and white bridal shoes.
Silver jewelry pieces including rings and earrings arranged on a dark brown vintage tray with ornate edges.
Wedding rings displayed next to a white heart-shaped embroidered patch with 'Something Blue' text on a beige background.

Just to clarify, none of this is mandatory! You don’t need to have these photos. However, if you’d like them, it’s a good idea to gather everything you want to include into a box or bag so everything is neatly organized for the shot. Also, a heads-up—setting up these photos usually takes about 15-30 minutes, so be sure to allocate enough time in your schedule for this!

I like to place the veil on top of the details to add a bit of lace or sheer texture. If there are any interesting patterns from the day that are large enough to serve as a backdrop—like a tiled floor, a decorative tablecloth, or a textured sofa—I might use those instead! It’s so enjoyable to experiment with all the little details to truly capture the wedding’s theme and the couple’s unique personality!