When you think about your wedding photos, your mind probably goes to the bigger moments—your first look, the walk down the aisle, sunset portraits, dancing with your parents, etc. Flat lays might not be the first thing that come to mind, but I think they deserve thought and care as well. These quiet, beautiful images tell a more subtle part of your wedding story. They often reflect your personality as a couple and the intentional choices you made to shape such a special day. If you’ve ever wondered what to include in your wedding flat lay, here’s some ideas.

I like to set aside 30-60 minutes to style these details thoughtfully when photographing a wedding. It’s a calm, creative pocket of time where I can focus on the pieces you’ve chosen, and get a sense of what the rest of the day will feel like. However, I can’t spend that time tracking down items from all across the venue or we’ll have no time left to style the items. This is why it’s so helpful when the couple has a box of things set aside and ready for me when I arrive.

What to Include in Your Wedding Flat Lay?

What I love most about flat lays is how much you can really see the care and thought that went into planning the day, especially in the little things. And the truth is, a lot of those things don’t really last. Some might get packed away or lost, and even if you do keep them, where do you store it all without it getting damaged or forgotten? Flat lays are a way to keep those memories alive, visually.

Here are some examples of what other couples have saved for their flat lays:

Stationery | Paper Details

• Wedding invitation
• Full invitation suite
• Save the date
• Menu card
• Ceremony program
• Place card
• Table name tags
• Table number
• Postage stamps
• Custom crest
• Monogram Wax seal
• Handwritten letters
• Thank-you notes exchanged morning-of
• Custom matchbooks
• Custom cocktail napkins
• Signature cocktail recipe card
• Map of wedding location
• Venue sketch
• Vintage postcard of the city

Florals | Greenery

• Florals / Extra loose blooms
• Bouquet (whole + deconstructed)
• Greenery clippings
• Seasonal fruit (figs, pears, citrus)
• Shells (coastal weddings)

Jewelry | Accessories

• Rings (engagement ring, wedding bands, ring box)
• Shoes
• Watch
• Veil
• Cufflinks
• Tie clip
• Brooch
• Something old / new / borrowed / blue
• Lipstick used that day
• Perfume bottle
• Cologne bottle
• Ring dish
• Sunglasses
• Flask

Keepsakes | Decor

• Special keepsakes or meaningful objects
• Cake topper
• Mini liquor bottles
• Champagne bottle
• Disco balls
• Custom cocktail stir sticks
• Cultural symbols (tartan, tea set, coins, etc.)
• Antique books

This was a New Year’s Eve wedding, so the bride brought in disco balls to match the vibe and added them throughout Venue Twenty Two. She chose clean, romantic fonts for the invitations and save-the-dates, keeping things simple but elegant. When it comes to flat lays, you don’t need a ton of items. You can choose a few meaningful pieces you’ll want to remember.

For this one, she included:

• Perfume
• Rings
• Shoes
• The vow books
• Table name tags
• Disco balls

This wedding at the River House Winery was full of personal, creative touches—so if you’re wondering what to include in your wedding flat lay, this is a great example. This flat lay included:

• Hand-painted invitations
• Custom menus and napkins
• Table numbers
• Rings
• Florals
• Invitation

Her florist, Callaway Floral, also set aside a few stems from her bouquet for us to use (photographers really appreciate that!). We also created a simple flat lay with just their vows and rings, showing that a flat lay can include lots of details or keep it minimal, and either way the result is beautiful.

For this flat lay, the couple prepared items from both the bride and groom for their wedding at Aquatopia.

For the bride’s flat lay, she set aside:

• Earrings
• Rings
• Invitation
• Chanel perfume
• Shoes

The groom set aside his:

• Bow tie
• Shoes
• Bleu de Chanel cologne
• Accent jewelry for his suit
• Invitation

More Examples of What to Include in Your Wedding Flat Lay:

If you’re still wondering what to set aside for your photographer, here are some more examples to check out. They range from flat lays filled with lots of wedding day details to simpler arrangements that highlight a few meaningful items like jewelry or florals.

Why They Matter

Flat lays bring your whole wedding narrative to life by highlighting the beauty in the small, thoughtful choices you made. Years from now, when you look back through your album, these details will remind you not only of how your day looked but how it felt.

Pro Tip: Pack your flat lay items in a box or bag and ask someone you trust to hand them off to me on the wedding morning. Also, don’t forget to ask your florist for a few extra stems or buds just for styling!

Planning your wedding? Let’s chat about how we can bring your full story to life.