Flat Lay MUST Haves
What is a Wedding Flat Lay?
A wedding flat lay is a carefully arranged photograph of wedding details, typically shot from above, that showcases a collection of items tied to the couple's big day. These items often include things like wedding rings, invitation suites, florals, shoes, perfume, and other sentimental trinkets. Flat lays are an artistic way to capture the essence of the wedding in a single shot, highlighting everything from textures and colors to personal elements and keepsakes.
Flat lays have become a staple in modern wedding photography, and when done well, they can truly elevate the storytelling of a wedding album.
Why Wedding Flat Lays Matter
Wedding flat lays may seem like a small touch, but they serve a big purpose in preserving memories. Here’s why they matter:
Capturing the Story: Flat lays often include personal and meaningful items that reflect the couple’s style and love story. A carefully arranged flat lay can visually narrate the couple’s journey, from heirloom jewelry to handwritten vows.
Highlighting the Details: Weddings are filled with small details—an intricate lace pattern on a dress, the texture of the floral bouquet, or the delicate script on an invitation. Flat lays allow these details to be captured in their full glory, preserving them for years to come.
A Visual Keepsake: Many couples invest time and thought into choosing their wedding details, from the rings to the decor. A flat lay helps showcase these choices and serve as a visual keepsake for the couple to cherish.
Setting the Scene: A well-styled flat lay can set the tone for the wedding. Whether it’s rustic, elegant, vintage, or modern, the colors, textures, and items featured in the flat lay help to evoke the overall aesthetic of the day.
What to Include in a Wedding Flat Lay
When arranging a flat lay, it’s important to choose items that have meaning and tell a cohesive story. Here’s a list of common wedding items to include in a flat lay:
Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands: The stars of the show! Make sure the rings are prominently featured, either alone or alongside other items.
Invitation Suite: Invitations set the tone for the wedding and can reveal the couple's style, whether it’s minimalist, floral, or vintage.
Floral Accents: A few blooms from the bouquet or boutonnière can add a fresh, organic touch to the scene.
Shoes: Wedding shoes, especially if they’re unique or have special significance, add personality to the flat lay.
Perfume Bottle: Many brides choose a signature scent for the day, so capturing the perfume bottle can be a sweet detail.
Jewelry and Other Accessories: Earrings, bracelets, watches, cufflinks, or hairpieces all help personalize the flat lay.
A Piece of Fabric or Lace: A piece of the bride’s wedding dress, veil, or lace napkin can create texture and interest in the shot.
Personal Touches: Small items like a handwritten note, a family heirloom, or a memento (like a vintage coin or a pocket watch) can add a deeply personal touch.
Tips for Creating Stunning Wedding Flat Lays
Choose the Right Background: A neutral background can help the items stand out, but don’t be afraid to experiment with textured fabrics like velvet, linen, or wood. Choose something that complements the items and the overall color scheme of the wedding.
Work with Natural Light: Flat lays are best photographed in soft, natural light. Find a window with diffused light, or if you're outside, wait for golden hour for that warm, romantic glow.
Create Balance: A good flat lay should feel balanced. Distribute items evenly, keeping the composition visually appealing but not too crowded. Consider the rule of thirds or use a circular pattern to guide the viewer’s eye through the image.
Add Texture: Different textures can make a flat lay pop. Lace, velvet, satin, or even the natural texture of a wooden table or a stone surface can add depth and interest to the composition.
Think of Movement: While flat lays are still shots, creating a sense of flow is key. Try arranging items that feel as though they are interacting with each other—perhaps a ribbon draped over a ring or an invitation partially unfolded.
Use Props Sparingly: While it’s tempting to include every little detail, sometimes less is more. The items you choose should have significance to the couple or the wedding day. Avoid overcrowding the composition with too many objects.
Shoot in High Resolution: Flat lays are often printed as keepsakes, so it’s essential to shoot in high resolution to ensure that every detail, from the sparkle of the rings to the texture of the fabric, is crisp and clear.
Get Creative with Angles: While flat lays are traditionally shot directly from above, don’t be afraid to experiment with slightly tilted angles for a more dynamic feel. You can also shoot from a lower angle if you want to capture the depth of the scene.
Flat lays are more than just pretty pictures—they are a reflection of the couple's personal style and the details that will often be overlooked in the hustle and bustle of the wedding day. By slowing down to capture these meaningful moments, wedding photographers help couples relive the magic of their day through carefully crafted, beautiful imagery.
Whether you’re the couple or the photographer, embracing the art of flat lays allows you to tell the story of the wedding day in a way that is both intimate and beautiful. So, next time you’re preparing for a wedding shoot, take the time to curate those perfect flat lay moments—they may just become some of the most cherished photographs of all.
