Things Every Couple Should Give Their Wedding Photographer for Flat Lay Photos

One of the first things I photograph on your wedding day isn't the dress, the ceremony, or even the two of you.

It's your wedding details.

These photos help tell the story of your wedding day before it even begins. They're perfect for albums, invitations, thank you cards, and they help capture all the little things you spent months choosing.

The easiest way to make sure nothing gets forgotten is to gather everything into one box before I arrive. While you're getting ready with your wedding party, I'll step away for a few minutes to photograph all of these details before the day gets busy.

Here are my favorite items to include.

Wedding Rings

Your engagement ring and both wedding bands are the stars of every flat lay.

I love photographing them by themselves and incorporating them into creative detail photos throughout the day.

Pro tip: Ask your officiant, best man, or maid of honor to let me borrow the rings for just a few minutes while everyone is getting ready.

Your Wedding Invitation Suite

Don't throw away those extra invitations!

Bring one complete invitation suite, including:

• Invitation

• RSVP card

• Details card

• Envelope

• Wax seal (if applicable)

Your invitation sets the tone for your entire wedding day, and it's always fun seeing those colors and designs carried throughout your gallery.

Shoes

Whether you're wearing heels, boots, sneakers, or cowboy boots, your shoes deserve a few photos.

Wedding shoes often become part of the story because they're one of the first things you picked out for your outfit.

Jewelry

Don't forget the finishing touches.

This might include:

• Earrings

• Necklaces

• Bracelets

• Watches

• Hair pieces

• Anklets

These little details often tie your entire wedding look together.

Perfume and Cologne

Believe it or not, perfume bottles photograph beautifully.

They add elegance, color, and personality to flat lay photos while also reminding you of the scent you wore on one of the biggest days of your life.

If you and your fiancé both have signature scents for the wedding day, bring both.

Veil

A veil isn't just for portraits.

It creates beautiful texture in detail photos and helps frame many of the other items in your flat lay.

Even if you aren't planning on wearing it all day, it's worth including.

Vow Books

If you're writing personal vows, don't forget your vow books.

They're one of the most meaningful details from the entire day, and they often become family keepsakes after the wedding.

Seeing your handwritten words years later can bring back memories that are hard to put into words.

Handwritten Letters

Planning to exchange letters before your first look or ceremony?

Give them to me before you read them.

They're wonderful additions to detail photos and help tell the story of your wedding day from beginning to end.

Tie, Bow Tie, Pocket Square, and Cufflinks

The groom has details too.

Some of my favorite groom flat lays include:

• Tie or bow tie

• Pocket square

• Cufflinks

• Watch

• Belt

• Cologne

• Boutonniere

These items help create balanced detail photos for both sides of the wedding party.

Bouquet and Florals

Once your florist delivers everything, I'll photograph your bouquet, boutonniere, corsages, and other floral details.

Flowers help tie all of the colors together and add beautiful texture to your wedding gallery.

Family Heirlooms

These are often my favorite details to photograph.

If you're wearing Grandma's earrings, using your parents' cake server, carrying a handkerchief, displaying an old wedding photo, or incorporating something borrowed, make sure I know about it.

Those sentimental items deserve to be remembered.

Anything That Tells Your Story

Some of the best flat lays I've photographed included things couples never expected to matter.

Think about anything that represents the two of you.

Some ideas include:

• Custom ring boxes

• Personalized hangers

• Wax seals

• Name tags

• Special socks

• A favorite book

• Sports tickets

• A family Bible

• Anything meaningful to your relationship

If it matters to you, there's a good chance it's worth photographing.

Make a Wedding Detail Box

The easiest way to make sure nothing gets forgotten is to pack everything into one small box before your wedding day.

I recommend including:

• Rings

• Invitation suite

• Shoes

• Jewelry

• Perfume or cologne

• Veil

• Vow books

• Handwritten letters

• Tie or bow tie

• Pocket square

• Cufflinks

• Family heirlooms

• Any meaningful keepsakes

That way, when I arrive, I can begin photographing your details while you're finishing hair, makeup, or getting dressed. It keeps the morning running smoothly and ensures all of the little things you've carefully chosen become part of your final gallery.

It's the Little Things You'll Miss

Your wedding day moves incredibly fast.

Months or even years later, you'll remember the ceremony and the first dance, but you'll also appreciate seeing the invitation you picked out, the perfume you wore, the earrings your grandmother gave you, and the handwritten vows you exchanged.

Those little details are part of your story, too.

They deserve to be photographed just as much as the big moments.

Planning Your Wedding?

If you're looking for a Michigan wedding photographer, I'd love to help capture every part of your wedding day, from the smallest details to the biggest celebrations.

When your wedding day arrives, all you have to do is hand me your detail box. I'll take care of the rest.