What should be included in your flat lay shots?


The good news is, there are no rules! Your wedding day is exactly that- yours. So, that means, you can make it whatever you want it to be. However, I have done a wedding or fifty, and more often than not, brides ask me what should be included. I've decided to create a full list of items ranging from the obvious to maybe the not so obvious. I hope this list inspires you and helps you stay organized so you can be in the moment on your wedding day.


Rings

This is one of the more obvious and most important. Show off your rock girl! Your photographer may have some filler props included in his/her arsenal, but it doesn't hurt to purchase a ring box or anything that can help make your ring stand out in the images. Trinket trays are also a beautiful and elegant way to achieve this and it's likely you already have it!


Invitations

Invites are a great way to personalize your flat lay shots. If you purchased specific envelopes, RSVP cards, detail cards, or wax seals be sure to include those as well. It will make your pictures look more elevated and luxurious!


Flowers

Whether you have a bouquet or extra flowers, be sure to set this aside for your photographer as well. There is so much a photographer can do with them and it's a great way to incorporate your wedding colors in your flay lay images.


Perfume & Jewelry

I'm pairing these two together because they go hand in hand when getting ready. Every bride has a wedding day scent and it's likely you will have other jewelry aside from your engagement ring. Whether it's earrings, a necklace, or a bracelet, you should definitely include all of these in your flay lay shots.


Shoes

Another obvious, but I'm biased because it's one of the things I look forward to seeing most. Bridal shoes can be a fun way to let your personality shine through. Sometimes there are multiple pairs depending on outfit changes and you should include them both!

Veil

This might come as a surprise, but if you are wearing a veil at any point during the day, wait for your photographer to snag some pictures with it before you put it on. It can create pure magic for flay lay images.


Heirlooms

Something old. Something new. Something borrowed. Something blue. If there is anything sentimental from generations past that you want in your wedding gallery, this could be a great moment to showcase those items. Handkerchief, watch, jewelry, brooch, pins, vintage photos, etc.


Dress Hanger

Again, this is a great way to personalize your images and capture details you may otherwise forget about!


Vows or Love Letters

Vow books or a letter to your soon to be spouse make for dreamy and romantic flat lays. It doesn't have to be anything fancy, but the sentiment is something you'll cherish for years to come.


Other ideas:

  • Garter
  • Hair accessories
  • Antique mirror or comb


A list for the Groom:

  • Shoes
  • Boutonniere
  • Tie/Bow tie
  • Cufflinks
  • Cologne
  • Suspenders or belt
  • Socks
  • Watch
  • Heirlooms
  • Flask


Pro Tips:

  • Be sure to have all of this in one place and ready for your photographer. It's likely this is one of the first things your photographer will capture upon arrival and depending on your timeline there may not be a lot of time to spend on them.
  • If you don't want to use your bouquet, don't be afraid to ask your florist to set aside a few extra flowers for your photographer to use as a prop.
  • Sometimes less is more. This is just a compiled list to make your life easier. If it doesn't make sense for you, then don't include it. Remember that your wedding gallery is meant to tell your love story that is uniquely yours. Only include the items that represent the overall vibes of your day.


Happy wedding planning!

xoxo,

Taylor