Wedding day flat lay photos: the trend we never want to see go.
Flat lay is a unique style of photography that takes keystone objects and creates a collage, a memory board of sorts, to look back on for years to come.
In simplest terms, you're laying items on a flat surface, then photographing them from an overhead perspective, giving a bird's eye view.
At second glance, though, you're creating a story. A story that combines many special pieces to create a collective moment, a day, a feeling. This photo should take a bride back to the joy she feels in that dressing room, surrounded by the most meaningful women in her life. It should take a groom to the nerves he feels while waiting on his bride at the altar, and the moment he sees her round the corner, laying his eyes on her for the first time.
Your flat lay photo should include certain key elements, but can also easily be made your own by including special mementos genuine to your story and partner.
Wedding Stationary
One element that is foundational is stationary. You'll want to set aside at least one stationary suite to use in your flat lay. This should include your save-the-date, invitation & envelope, either blank or addressed to you & your spouse.
Wedding Rings
You'll want to include your engagement rings and wedding bands, usually displayed with a ring box or dish. If you don't have your own piece to display in, don't fret. Chat with your photographer, and they can likely provide something to accommodate your style or wedding aesthetic. This is also an instance in which you could include a family heirloom that may be special to you.
Floral & Greenery
You can use single flowers, strands of greenery, or your bouquet for your flat lay. This is entirely your preference, and the preference of your photographer. If you choose to use single flowers, ask your florist to include a few extras with your delivery. You can also use boutonnieres, or even individual petals! If you're not into using florals, you can absolutely forgo them and include items that go with your wedding season vibe such as fresh fruit, beautiful desserts, leaves, mixed drinks, get creative!
Ribbons
Think of ribbons as a filler or a texture to give extra dimension to your flat lay photo. This is not your typical gift wrap ribbon, you'll want to choose a high-quality ribbon such as silk, velvet, or a textured fabric that provides a luxurious look or essence to the shot as a whole. This is often the perfect finishing touch and will simultaneously fill in any blank space.
Shoes & Accessories
Traditionally, the brides shoes are used in a flat lay. Accessories could include items such as earrings, bracelets, cocktail rings, cufflinks, or ties. Another unique item to use is your perfume or cologne bottle. Think of how special it would be when you're both older to be able to look back on the scents you both wore on your wedding day. Scents have a way of taking us back to a moment, so this is a favorite.
Extra Additions
Vintage stamps, antique hand mirrors, strings of pearls or jewels, embroidered handkerchiefs, family heirlooms that are special to you or your spouse.
Keep in mind, this photo is an extension of your color palate. You've put an enormous amount of time into the details and how you want your day remembered. This photo should summarize that. Also, be as creative as you wish! Even if you feel it's random, if it fits the aesthetic, by all means you should bring it!
Curating these photos is not an afterthought that you'll want to take lightly. To avoid scrambling on your special day to help your photographer create an aesthetic you like, it is worth choosing beforehand which specific items you prefer to include. Make it yours. It is also a wonderful idea to place all of these items in a box so that you can forget about it once you're at the venue, and your photographer can easily get to work as they arrive, assembling independently without having to take you away from the environment you should be enjoying and soaking in for a lifetime ahead.
Let me help you curate your flat lay display as we plan together for your day.
-Ashley
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