We are used to wedding photos capturing special moments and emotions, as well as the overall feeling of the day. This means moments like the first look, the gown’s design illuminated by sunlight, the ceremony’s emotion, or the famous dance floor moves. However, there is more to the special day—a way to capture all those tiny details, like ring engravings or invitations’ gilded edges, and the best way to do this is with a wedding flat lay.
If this is your first time hearing about flat-lay photos, we are here to help. They are styled arrangements of wedding items beautifully laid out on a flat surface and photographed from above. Photographers create images of items like rings, bridal accessories, flowers, or other decorative elements that tell the story of your epic event. This visual storytelling showcases the thought and care put into every element.
So, what should you include in your overhead wedding photos? We have prepared a guide to help you create a flat lay reflecting your style and the essence of your special day.
How To Create a Personalised Wedding Flat Lay
The purpose of styled wedding arrangements is to create a personalised visual story of the dearest couple’s items. Yes, it may sound simple, but putting them together and taking a photo requires careful thought and planning. There are some general practices that should be followed to create a stunning flat lay.
- Begin by selecting the objects that will be included in the flat-lay photography. These are often items you have spent a lot of time thinking about, like cards, menus, and jewellery. They have sentimental value and depict the story for you as a couple.
- Next, you should select the background. The background for a flat lay can be any material and greatly depends on your preferences as a couple. You can go with a painted surface, patterned fabrics, or wooden floor planks.
- If you want a cohesive and balanced overhead arrangement, select an object that serves as a visual anchor and creates a symmetrical or asymmetrical look. Layer items of different sizes and heights to add depth. Trust us; you will achieve some of the most incredible and spellbinding flat-lay photos.
Flat Lay Items
To choose the best pieces for your overhead wedding arrangements, we have prepared a list of the most breathtaking ones.
Wedding Stationery
The perfect starting point is choosing your special day stationery, from dates and invitations to RSVP cards, menus, and programs. These pieces reflect your theme, wedding colours, typography, and even custom illustrations, setting the tone for the rest of the flat lay.
Therefore, try stacking different pieces to create depth and interest, or go with a single, beautifully laid-out invitation set as the star. Include envelopes with a beautiful lining or a one-of-a-kind wax seal for texture and elegance to your wedding flat lay. To complete the look, consider adding delicate ribbon or fabric swatches to enhance the visual appeal and tie everything together.
Wedding Accessories
When we speak of adornments, we refer to items like bracelets, rings, earrings, shoes, hair accessories, or fragrance bottles. To make your jewellery stand out, use a dish or a velvet ring box in a colour that matches your wedding. Also, a brilliant idea is to use handkerchiefs and jewellery to add a touch of family history. Your grandmother’s necklace, earrings, and watch have sentimental value and add a gorgeous touch to your flat lay, while rings symbolise commitment.
You can also lay out your fragrance bottles, cufflinks, and other personal items to add an intimate element to the layout. This is a great way to provide a peek into your personal style and preferences, making your overhead wedding photos more meaningful. Adding these personal touches will enhance the visual interest and create an affectionate snapshot of your everlasting love story.
Other Personalised Items
And yes, while family heirlooms, your grandmother’s cake topper or necklace are outstanding, think about adding some aspects that highlight your aesthetics. Handwritten love letters you have sent to each other will perfectly match the flat-lay photography. Combine them with a copy of your vows or photos of family members who cannot be presented at your wedding. That way, you will capture your commitment’s personal and emotional aspects.
Floral Arrangements
Floral arrangements and bouquets are the perfect addition to styled wedding arrangements. By including your entire bouquet, you can blend the overall aesthetics of the wedding day into a flat lay. Additionally, you can add small coordinating blooms, petals, or greenery for a natural and organic feel to the whole composition. The flowers are a great way to frame the flat lay and guide the viewer’s eye through the image.
However, choose flowers that complement your wedding colours and style. Dried flowers or wildflowers are great for a boho-themed flat lay. Meanwhile, peonies and roses add a touch of romance to the classic wedding flat lay. But, be wary of the size and number of flowers in order not to overwhelm the other elements.
Conclusion
Lastly, consider adding a copy of a local newspaper with your wedding’s date. It will be a meaningful and stylish element to have on your flat-lay photos. Yes, we all read digital copies of the papers today, but this paper newspaper will add a contemporary effect.
A wedding flat lay is all about capturing those special details that make your day unique and which you have taken time to choose. Therefore, the items you choose should reflect your style and the story. We have given you some ideas, but there are no specific rules you have to follow. So go with whatever fits your personality and brings your unique vision to life to get the most romantic and elegant flat lay.
If you need any help planning your perfect wedding flat lay or want to ensure every detail is captured beautifully, contact us today. As a documentary UK wedding photographer team, we’re here to help you make your big day as memorable and magical as possible!
