How to Prepare Your Wedding Details for Beautiful Flatlay Photography
Over the past decade of photographing weddings, I’ve learned that some of the most timeless and elegant images in a gallery come from the small details. Your invitation suite, rings, heirloom jewelry, and thoughtful accessories are more than just objects — they’re storytelling pieces that reflect your unique style and bring your wedding vision to life.
Yet, capturing these details beautifully doesn’t just happen by chance. Flatlay photography — the styled arrangements of your wedding details — requires preparation, intentional curation, and a bit of planning ahead. Without it, important items may be forgotten or rushed, and the opportunity for magazine-worthy images can slip away.
After photographing hundreds of weddings, I’ve refined a process that ensures your detail photos are cohesive, elevated, and effortless. The tips below will help you gather, organize, and prepare your details so they’re captured in the most beautiful and intentional way possible.
1. Gather All of Your Details in Advance
The best way to begin your wedding morning stress-free is to have all of your details gathered and ready in one place before I arrive. This includes your full invitation suite (with envelopes and inserts), rings, shoes, jewelry, veil, perfume, and any other meaningful accessories. Place them in a box or pouch so nothing is misplaced, and I can begin styling right away.
2. Include Your Full Invitation Suite
Your stationery is one of the most important storytelling elements of your wedding. Be sure to set aside a pristine copy of your invitation suite, including the envelope, wax seals, vellum, or any custom pieces. If you worked with a stationer, ask them for an extra set specifically for photography — it makes all the difference in creating elevated flatlays that showcase your paper goods.
3. Don’t Forget the Groom’s Details
While brides often think through their accessories carefully, groom’s details can be overlooked. Consider setting aside items like cufflinks, a tie, boutonnière, watch, shoes, cologne, or even the groom’s vows. These pieces not only balance the storytelling but also create a sense of cohesion when paired with bridal details in your gallery.
4. Add Meaningful Personal Touches
Flatlays are most compelling when they’re personal. Think about heirloom jewelry, vintage handkerchiefs, monogrammed keepsakes, or a special bottle of champagne. These items elevate your images and make them uniquely yours. If you have cultural or family traditions represented in small objects, they can be a beautiful addition as well.
5. Trust Your Photographer’s Styling Tools
As a photographer, I arrive with my own styling kit — items like ring boxes, ribbon, trays, and styling mats that complement your color palette. These tools help create polished, editorial-style images. When paired with your personal details, they ensure your flatlays feel cohesive and luxurious, without being overly styled or artificial.
6. Keep Rings and Florals Accessible
Two details that elevate every flatlay: fresh florals and rings. Ask your florist to provide a few extra loose blooms and greenery specifically for styling. Have all rings (engagement + bands) ready with the rest of your details. These small touches add dimension, texture, and a soft, romantic feel to your images.
7. Allow Time for Styling
Flatlays are not rushed — they’re artfully composed. Build in a bit of time on your wedding morning for me to photograph your details without feeling hurried. While I style and capture them, you can enjoy a relaxed, calm start to your day knowing that everything is being documented beautifully.
Closing Thought
Your wedding details tell the story of your day in a way that is elegant, personal, and timeless. With a little preparation and intentionality, your flatlay images can look as if they belong in the pages of a magazine — effortless, cohesive, and utterly you.
