What to Pack for Stunning Wedding Detail Flat Lays: A Checklist from a DC Photographer
You’ve spent months designing invitations, choosing signage to welcome guests, and finding the perfect vintage ring box. Maybe you’re even tucking your grandmother’s handkerchief into your bouquet. If these little touches matter to you, they matter to me. Your wedding detail flat lays are one of the ways we honor them in your photos.
Flat lays aren’t just about pretty details. At its core, flay lay photography is about preserving the small, sentimental items you’ve thoughtfully chosen to represent your story. These photographs add richness and editorial context to your wedding gallery—and I love styling them in a way that feels intentional and true to you.
Here’s what you need to know about flat lay wedding photos: what they are, when they’re taken, and how we can style them beautifully.
What is a wedding detail flat lay photo? (And why it matters)
A flat lay is a styled photo that highlights meaningful wedding elements—like your rings, invitation suite, heirlooms, and other small accessories—beautifully arranged and artfully captured.
Flat lays of wedding invitations and personal details became popular with editorial-style wedding blogs, and they’ve evolved ever since. From clean and composed suites to end-of-night messier moments, this style of photo remains a favorite. I love flat lays for the tactile, visual story they tell—connecting your personal style to your wedding day memories. That said, not every couple prioritizes detail photos, and that’s totally okay too.
When are flat lay wedding photos taken?
For most couples, I begin your wedding day by styling and photographing your flat lay details—usually while you're getting ready. It’s a quiet, intentional start to the day that lets me preserve all the meaningful elements you’ve chosen, without missing any real-time moments as everything unfolds.
If you’d rather not worry about gathering everything for the morning-of, I also offer the option to photograph your flat lays in my studio a few days before or after the wedding. This is perfect if you want to focus fully on being present on the day itself, or if you have a more elaborate collection of heirlooms and printed goods that deserve extra time and care.
Just let me know a few weeks in advance, and we’ll plan a time to make it happen.
How I style a wedding detail flat lay
This is the approach I’ve honed to create flat lays that feel deeply personal and intentional—and deliver the polished, editorial look you’ll love:
Styling typically starts with your invitation suite
The most requested flat lays start with the invitation suite. I recommend bringing two full copies of your suite (with envelopes and stamps), so I can style them cleanly and professionally. I’ll often pair them with one or two complementary elements—like a floral clipping, heirloom jewelry, or a small keepsake that reflects your story.
Not excited about using a real address? Let’s have some fun with it. Over the years, I’ve seen couples address their extra envelopes to Taylor Swift and Harry Potter—and for my own wedding in 2022, I addressed my flat lay invitation to the President and First Lady at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.
If you’ve included other meaningful details—like vow books, a fabulous reception dress, or that just-for-the-wedding signature scent—we’ll create additional flat lays so each item has space to shine.
Curated styling kits and elegant backdrops
No need to source every detail on your own. I bring a full styling kit with ring boxes, ribbons, trays, and curated accents to complement your wedding’s aesthetic. I also bring multiple flat lay backdrops that provide a clean, elevated base for your details.
When space and light allow, I love using natural textures on-site—a herringbone wood floor, a marble tabletop, or heirloom furniture—to enhance the story your details tell. If you have a specific look in mind, I’m happy to source something custom that fits your design vision.
Let the blooms shine
Florals bring so much life to flat lays. If your florist can provide a few extra sprigs or loose blooms for styling, that’s ideal. If not, I can coordinate with your vendor team or source floral accents that reflect your color palette—so your detail photos feel beautifully cohesive with the rest of your day.
What to pack for your flat lay photos
Whether you’re wearing a dress, suit, jumpsuit—or something entirely your own—here’s a curated list of meaningful items to consider including in your flat lay and other detail photos. These details—big or small—help tell your story beautifully:
Invitation suite (with envelopes, stamps, and a dummy address if you’d like)
Ceremony program, menu, or other printed pieces
Outfit: dress, suit, jumpsuit, or other ceremonial attire
Accessories: veil, headpiece, tie, cufflinks, pocket square, watch, or jewelry
Statement shoes
Rings: engagement ring and both wedding bands
Signature scent or perfume
Bouquet, boutonniere, or extra blooms (delivered to your getting-ready space if possible)
“Something borrowed” or “something blue”
Personal heirlooms or meaningful objects (think: handwritten notes, family mementos, custom embroidery)
You don’t need everything on this list—just gather the items that feel most like you. I’ll take it from there and style something beautiful.
Want to revisit this later? Save or screenshot this list to keep it handy when you're packing.
Common Questions About Flat Lay Photos
What is a wedding detail flat lay?
It’s a styled photograph featuring items from your wedding day—like your rings, invitation suite, accessories, or heirlooms—intentionally arranged to reflect your style and tell your story.
When are flat lay photos taken?
Usually at the start of the wedding day while you're getting ready, or optionally in my studio before or after the wedding.
What should I include in a flat lay photo?
Bring items that are meaningful to you—paper goods, jewelry, accessories, and anything symbolic. I also bring a full styling kit and backdrops.
What if I don’t have all the items listed?
That’s totally fine. Your flat lay should reflect what matters most to you.
Preserve the details you poured your heart into
These photos aren’t just beautiful—they’re memory-keepers. They tell the story of your thoughtfulness, your traditions, and the little touches that matter.
If you're still looking for a photographer who will honor your vision and help you feel relaxed and celebrated from start to finish, I’d love to connect. Let’s talk through what you’re planning—or browse a few real wedding stories to see how I help couples like you feel seen and supported.
