Having essential flat lay wedding details for your photographer prepared can make all the difference. But what even are flat lays?

Wedding flat lays are highlights of your stunning details. From the jewelry you plan to wear to the invitation suite you sent to your guests. We photograph it all. Photographers beautifully lay your special details out to set the perfect tone for your gallery.

The importance of Detail Shots

Not only do these photos set the tone for your gallery, they help start to tell the story of your day. No matter how many details you provide there’s a story to be told with each item. The shoes you are about to wear to walk down the aisle. The jewelry passed down from grandma. Your stunning engagement ring and new wedding bands both you and your partner are about to wear forever. No matter how much or how little you provide it is the best way to start the day.

Flat Lay Wedding Details: The Main Checklist

A question I get a lot regarding these details: what should I have waiting for you when you arrive? Honestly, there is no right answer. BUT I can give you my recommended checklist so that you are as prepared as possible and have everything ready and waiting to be photographed!

The most important part of wedding flat lays are your stunning rings. Yes, rings! I want to see your rings and your partner’s ring(s) for these shots to start creating the story. Make sure they are in a box, nice and safe, so I have some where to put them back when I am done and they don’t get lost!

The next recommended item in your detail bag should be your invitation suite. Some people have en extra one they frame or hold on to for the memories, but let them shine! Providing your entire invitation suite is a beautiful way to document your day from start to finish. And, no matter where you got your invitation suite from, they were hand picked by you! Let’s show them off in a beautiful, curated way. Don’t forget the envelope!

Last of the main checklist is anything you will be wearing the day of the wedding. This includes: jewelry, hair accessories, shoes, garter, etc. We want to capture every single little detail. Some of these may seem silly but this might be the only time some of these items get photographed, let’s make sure they get documented!

The Bonus Checklist

Once you have collected your main items for your detail bag, you can start adding some of the more unique items. Not every wedding is the same, not every bride or groom are the same. You will have different touches to your day then another couple, so let’s showcase that!

As a sentimental gal, my personal favorite of the bonus details are the heirlooms and family keepsakes. I myself had a locket my grandmother gave me on my 13th birthday around my neck. I am SO thankful my photographer got a photo of that, both in the flat lay and on!

Another bonus addition to your detail bag is your vow books and/or notes exchanged between you and your fiancé on the day of. Having documentation of these private and meaningful notes amongst you other wedding details will be a treasure to look back on.

Last bonus item: florals! While I think this should be in the main checklist, I leave it on the bonus one because depending on how your day is structured, getting your florals to your getting ready space may not be possible. If you can have your bouquet or boutonnieres ready for me, I would be so grateful as those colors and greenery always fill out the flat lays so beautifully!

Florals tip: ask your florist for some loose florals for detail shots! They will usually leave me a few of each flower and greenery to fill out these shots!

Pro Tips for Preparing Details

No matter what from this flat lay wedding detail checklist you have for me, I have a few tips to keep things moving so that you aren’t pulled away for too long, if at all!

First thing I suggest is having everything, and I mean everything, in one place and in a box or bag ready to be handed to me upon arrival. This keeps you or a bridesmaid from running around and looking for items in your getting ready space. Label the bag or box too, just incase you need to send me or someone else to find it, it will be easy to locate.

My next tip is to have someone besides yourself in charge of the details. This can be a bridesmaid, maid of honor, mom, or planner. Having someone other than yourself in charge of this can give you the time to focus on getting your hair and makeup finished or relaxing!

Last tip is all about timing. Make sure everyone who needs to know when these photos are taking place have that information. Planners, bridesmaids, florists are the main ones. This ensures there will be zero delays and everything can run smoothly! Typically details can take anywhere between 20-30 minutes, so I make sure to build that into my photo timeline.

Last But Not Least

Details are a great way to start your day and tone for your gallery but they are by no means required. Photographers, especially myself, love these photos and they round our wedding galleries beautifully, so no matter what we will at least try and get a few shots!

Something I wanted to add: I bring a lot of little details myself! Most photographers do. We would never expect you to have the mats or backdrops, ribbons or random knick knacks. I have an extensive collection of items I bring with me to your wedding, and use the ones that fit your day, colors and theme as best as possible. All this does is fill out your details a bit more, especially if you don’t have a ton of items or don’t have your florals present.

Want more tips for your wedding day? Check out my Tips to Plan the Perfect Wedding Photo Timeline!