Flat-Lays: What Detail Items You Should Give to Your Photographer

Dreaming of those gorgeous, magazine-worthy flatlay photos for your wedding day? Flatlays are a beautiful way to capture the small, meaningful details of your big day. These carefully styled images showcase your wedding invitations, rings, heirlooms, and other special touches that tell your love story. To ensure your photographer can create the perfect flatlay, it’s essential to prepare a details box in advance. Here’s everything you need to include!

Here's a beautiful example of a wedding day flat-lay. It includes the wedding invitation, a rehearsal dinner invitation, an RSVP card, an envelope, all three rings, wax seals, extra loose florals, and the Bride's shoes.

What to Pack in Your Wedding Details Box

1. Wedding Stationery
Gather all the key pieces of your wedding stationery, including:

Invitations
Save-the-dates
RSVP cards
Menus
Envelopes (bonus points for calligraphy!)

An example of a colorful wedding day flat-lay including their whole invitation suite, save the date, accessories, rings, and extra florals.

2. Rings – All Three of Them!
Your engagement ring and both wedding bands should be included to create a complete and elegant flatlay. Also consider brings a ring box or dish – I carry some of these, but your photographer may not!

All three rings: The engagement ring, the Bride's wedding band, and the Groom's wedding band.

3. Loose Florals
Ask your florist for a few extra blooms or greenery to add a fresh, romantic touch to your flatlay photos.

4. Vow Books or Handwritten Letters
Including your vow books or a handwritten love letter adds a sentimental and personal element to your details.

A great example of detail photos including vow books. This detail photo includes both vow books, all three rings, the Bride's shoes, and extra florals.

5. Wedding Day Jewelry
Pack any jewelry you plan to wear, such as earrings, necklaces, bracelets, or cufflinks.

6. Elegant Accessories & Luxe Accents
Consider adding wax seals, ribbons, or any decorative items that enhance the aesthetic of your flatlay. Many photographers carry styling details (I have some!), but it’s always great to have your own personalized pieces.

This flat-lay includes more than just the basics. In addition to the invitation, save the date, and rings, there's also heirloom jewelry, a perfume bottle, a bouquet locket/charm, the pen for their guest book, the Bride's hair piece, and the Bride's shoes.

7. Shoes & Veil
These bridal accessories can add texture and elegance to your flatlay composition.

A beautiful example of a shoe detail photo.

8. Meaningful Heirlooms
If you have a special keepsake from a loved one—like a watch, tie, handkerchief, or something from your parents’ or grandparents’ wedding—this is the perfect place to include it.

9. Perfume or Lipstick Bottles
A beautifully designed perfume, cologne, or lipstick bottle can add personality and color to your flatlay.

The purse and jewelry in this flat-lay are meaningful heirlooms that the Bride and Groom included in their flat-lay.

10. Sentimental Items
Anything else that holds sentimental value—such as small gifts, photos, or mementos from your relationship—can make your flatlay even more unique and meaningful.

This couple included items special to their relationship and their wedding day in this flat-lay. The customized hot sauce bottle and evil eye bead were given to all their guests as a thank you gift.

Why Wedding Day Flatlays Matter

Flatlays are more than just pretty pictures—they help tell the story of your wedding day by capturing the little details that often get overlooked. These images become timeless keepsakes, preserving the essence of your wedding style and personality.

By preparing your details box ahead of time, you’ll help your photographer create intentional and beautifully styled flatlays without having to rush to track everything down. Whether you’re getting married in Columbus, Ohio, or beyond, these detail shots will be a stunning addition to your wedding album!

Looking for a wedding photographer in Columbus, Ohio, who specializes in capturing the details and emotions of your big day? Let’s chat about your dream wedding photos!