“My guide to what now?” – You, exactly one second ago.
And you’re not alone! Photographers, especially ones who specialize in weddings toss the term “flat lay” around all the time, but what are they even? Simply put, a flat lay is a carefully thought out spread of some of the tiny details that, when brought together, tell the story of a day. They are a beautiful way to capture sentimental pieces and preserve them in a keepsake for wedding albums or wall art.
But because many brides are unfamiliar with flat lays, they often come unprepared and key items get missed.
Here are my top seven tips to ensure your photographer can create the perfect flat lay photos on your wedding day.
- Ask about a styling kit
Some photographers arrive on your wedding day ready to go with a styling kit of their own. This allows brides to splurge a little on special details without worrying about the basics. For example, we come to each wedding with styling boards, ribbons, ring boxes, vintage stamps, gold and silver hangers, styling scissors, wax seals and stamps, styling trays and dishes in all sorts of sizes. These little treats allow us to beautifully display your details and fill out the images. - Ask your florist for some extras
A perfect way to personalize your wedding flat lays is to request a few extra blooms and greenery to be delivered on the morning of your wedding specifically for photos. Just tell your experienced florist what they are for and they will know exactly what you need.
- Pack the essentials in advance
The night before your wedding is going to be all kinds of busy and you’ll be feeling all kinds of things. So it’s definitely not the time to be packing up your flat lay items. We recommend putting everything together at least a week in advance to make sure you don’t forget a thing.
- …and pack them with care!
Because these photos often take us up close and personal with your wedding details, you want to make sure they don’t get scuffed, crinkled or crunched. Wrap anything breakable in tissue paper or bubble wrap, and store all paper products between pieces of cardboard. That way, your finest details will look their finest! - Bring an extra wedding invitation suite
While we take most flat lay images the morning of the wedding, sometimes we like to take invitation suites home to play with after the wedding day! Depending on the styling and personality of the suite, there may be other locations or items we want to try using in images…and who hates extra photos in a gallery!?
- Double check your packing list
Don’t forget a thing by double (maybe even triple) checking this packing list brainstorm for your flatlay:
– Invitation suite (including saves the date, invitation, RSVP card, details card, menu card and envelopes)
– Something old, new, borrowed and blue
– Wedding rings
– Bouquets
– Gown
– Tux
– Tie
– Personalized hangers
– Perfume/cologne
– Shoes (for the bride and groom)
– Jewelry
– Vow books
– Postage stamps
– Place cards
– Veil
– Boutonniere (wrapped in ribbon so floral tape doesn’t show)
– Family heirlooms
– Hair pieces
– Cufflinks
– Celebratory items like cigars
- Think unique
And last but not least, bring a little of your own personality into your flat lay by including an item or two that is uniquely you! We’ve seen pieces of sheet music from the ceremony or first dance, dried butterflies for outdoor weddings or the cake cutting knife from a grandparents’ wedding. And don’t hesitate to ask your photographer for advice!
Vendors:
Wedding Invitation Suite: PaperOcelot Studios
Engagement Rings & Wedding Bands: Stor Jewelry Co.
Styling: Styled With Love Weddings
Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes from Fairy Dreams Bridal Boutique
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