Flat Lays: What is it? What do you need?
You asked the questions & now it’s my turn to answer! Below you’ll find all you’ve ever needed to know about flat lays.
A wedding or bridal flat lay is a photo or series of photos that are carefully constructed / designed by your wedding photographer and sometimes, your wedding planner or designer. They include details from your special day and do not include any people. Flat lays traditionally show a snapshot of your wedding day details and contain things that are important to you or tell the story of your day. These are always artistic and editorial and can be placed in your final wedding album. Most people might think to call this a "detail" photo, but that's not the case. A detail photo can be anything. It can be a place setting, a floral arrangement, the ceremony space etc. So, a wedding flat lay is just that -- a lay flat image of your wedding day details.
This is normally designed and photographed within the first hour of coverage on your wedding day. Having all of your detail items in a shoe box or plastic bin marked "photographer" it does make it easy for us to get started.
Here are some examples of wedding flat lays I have designed over the past few months. Below you will see I have detailed how you can help your photography team capture one for you!
Things to include ;
Wedding stationary: This means the full suite + the save the date. If you are having these addressed or are having a calligrapher address your envelopes you can have one addressed to you two for your flat lay. Things to include : invitation, RSVP card, details card, envelopes + personal vow books.
Florals: Ask your florist for "styling stems" in your floral breakdown. This is so important. If you don’t properly convey this they may not have ordered the extra blooms we will need. Flat lays contain multiple blooms and greenery. Your florist knowing that a head of time is helpful for their orders they place. Also, have your bouquet and boutonniere available for the photography team as well.
Rings/Earrings/Necklace: Make sure you have both sets of rings and your engagement ring available for this. You will want to do one for just your details and a second one of just theirs. It's nice to be able to do a "full flat lay" if time allows that includes both sets of rings with the invitation suite etc.
Veil: Are you wearing a veil? Have that ready and hung near their detail box for the photographer to use as well.
Shoes: Are you wearing fancy shoes? I love to include shoes within a flat lay. I am a shoe lover -- much to my husband's dismay. So, if you sprung for those fancy Jimmy Choo's or Manolo's make sure they are there and ready to be photographed. Did your partner spring for fancy shoes too? Have theirs as well. A his + hers shoe flat lay would be amazing!
Trinkets/Antiques: Don't worry about the decorative trinkets you've see in wedding flat lays. You can put an item or two that's special to you in a box to be photographed with your details. You don't have anything like that? Don't worry. If you have hired me to photograph your wedding I have you covered. I have sourced stuff from all over the globe and most likely have just the right thing. We can certainly schedule some time to review what I have on hand and if you're looking for anything I don't already have we can certainly find it.
Lastly, something for you to consider:
Do you want a flat lay of your partner's details as well? I have done them in the past and they always look so sleek if they have nice details as well. If you do, we would need the following: their watch, cufflinks, cologne, bowtie or regular tie, shoes + any other heirloom they may have.
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If you like what you see on my portfolio page and you’re looking to book a wedding photographer or even an elopement photographer, check me out and let’s get in touch!!
