The Wedding Flatlay Guide
From vow books and ribbon, to Polaroids and fruit, this is the ultimate guide on how to pick and prep the items to give your photographer/videographer on the morning of your wedding day.
You have probably seen this style of photography in commercial catalogs like Crate & Barrel, Essie, Target, Ulta, or even in books - but in wedding photography/videography it’s used as a way to document items you are using to get ready for your wedding day, in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Grab a cup of tea, coffee or a martini and let’s chat.
WHAT IS A WEDDING FLATLAY?
A flatlay is all the small details that tell your love story that are laid out in an oh-so-artistic fashion to be photographed or filmed.
It could be as simple as your shoes, jewelry, invitations and vow books, or it can be more intricate and include polaroids, past letters, ticket stubs, postcards, or any tokens from throughout your relationship.
WHEN DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH FLATLAYS?
Most commonly, photographers and videographers photograph/film your flatlay items in the early hours of the wedding.
That way, we have easy access to the items you’ll be wearing (jewelry, shoes, ties, vows) or using (flasks, handkerchiefs, florals, etc).
On wedding days, I usually like to give myself 15-20 minutes to cook up a cute little flatlay moment with whatever items you’d like to include with a background that fits the vibe of your day (rustic vibes = wooden tones, sleek mod = black and white tiled floor, etc).
It also takes a little prodding to see how each item can interact with the space and other objects, and I try to get a few shots that include everything you’ve given me.
WHAT SHOULD BE PHOTOGRAPHED?
rings (heirlooms, wedding bands, engagement ring)
jewelry
vow books/letters/old love letters
flowers (you can ask your florist to put some aside for the flatlay)
invitations/RSVPs/stationary
your shoes for the day
tie/bowtie
cufflinks
perfume/cologne
handkerchiefs/pocket scarves
watch
ADDITIONAL CUTE THINGS TO ADD:
polaroids from throughout your relationship
ribbon
old love letters
both of your favorite books
ticket stubs from concerts or movies you’ve attended
postcards from places you’ve both visited
plant leaves
fruits and veggies (oranges, lemons, radishes, dried fruit)
vintage cups/saucers
tea bags or coffee beans
disco balls
ribbons
flask
DO I HAVE TO INCLUDE ALL THE ITEMS LISTED?
Absolutely not - you can pick and choose what you’d like to be photographed, and it even helps to look up examples of what you’d like featured.
If you find that you don’t really want to have anything photographed or filmed, that’s ok too!
If you’d rather have more documentation of the getting ready process, or just don’t find a need for these photos, tell your photographer and/or videographer.
ok, we kind of like the idea…
HOW TO PREP YOUR FLATLAY ITEMS
If you are planning to have your photographer/videographer do some flatlays, here are some tips to help you out.
Place all the items you want photographed/filmed into a shoe box or packing box. You can do this the morning of or the day before. That way, you aren’y doing a scavenger hunt while the hairstylist is running after you with a curling iron trying to finish your hair (not a true story). This will alleviate stress on the morning of your wedding!
Ask your florist to put aside a few flowers for your photographer to play with. Sometimes we like to take off petals, or remove flowers from the stems so we can see them easier on the image.
Don’t be afraid to include unique items; if you’re really into plants bring a few plant cuttings. If you’re both bookies, bring your favorite books. If you both love Star Wars, bring R2D2 (jk, but maybe a sticker).
Be intentional with the items you choose. Don’t think you have to do what your sister or friend did for their wedding - start with finding 2-5 items you would like photographed, or think sums up your relationship.
THE LATE NIGHT FLATLAY
Perhaps one of my favorite detail elements!
In the morning, we’re photographing the things you’re going to use (shoes! perfume! jewelry! etc!) but then the night hits…
This is to showcase the evening details - your dinner menu, custom napkins, fave desserts, and more little things! I usually plan to do these if I’m finished with dinner early, there’s a lull in the evening, or I want to give folks a break from photography during the dancing portion.
MY FAVORITE THING ABOUT DOING A WEDDING FLATLAY —
Of course, it’s important to remember the bigger parts of a wedding day (like getting married or partying with all your favorite homeskillets), but it’s also nice to remember the smaller details that start off the day. You may have spent money on some of the details, or you may have heirlooms from family members, and I think it’s important to see those details.
Being handed a little box of goodies at the beginning of the day is so exciting - this time helps me center myself and gives me a chance to get the creative juices flowing.
Lastly, my advice: the more personal, unique and detailed the items you pick are, the more memorable the photos turn out.
ABOUT JULIETTE…
Based in Upstate New York, Juliette specializes in weddings, lifestyle and brand photo + film for humans far and wide.
Her interest in the documentation of the human experience has lead her into becoming something of a professional third wheel/hype woman/paparazzi/for her clients.
She’ll probably cry during your ceremony, or tell you how amazing you look at your session or wedding.
When she’s not at a wedding or editing, she’s probably watching Parks and Rec, watering her plants, or hanging out with her cats.
Photo by the marvelous Kate Elaine Photography!
