You have probably seen this style of photography in commercial catalogs like Crate & Barrel, Essie, Target, Ulta, or even in books - but in wedding photography/videography it’s used as a way to document items you are using to get ready for your wedding day, in an aesthetically pleasing way.
Grab a cup of tea, coffee or a martini and let’s chat.
WHAT IS A FLATLAY?
Basically, a flatlay is all the small details that tell your love story that are laid out in an oh-so-artistic fashion to be photographed or filmed. It could be as simple as your shoes, jewelry, invitations and vow books, or it can be more intricate and include polaroids, past letters, ticket stubs, postcards, or any tokens from throughout your relationship.
WHEN DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH FLATLAYS?
Most commonly, photographers and videographers photograph/film your flatlay items in the early hours of the wedding while everyone is getting ready. That way, we have easy access to the items you’ll be wearing (jewelry, shoes, ties, vows) or using (flasks, handkerchiefs, florals, etc).
On wedding days, I usually like to give myself 15-20 minutes to cook up a cute little flatlay moment with whatever items you’d like to include with a background that fits the vibe of your day (rustic vibes = wooden tones, sleek mod = black and white tiled floor or a white background). It also takes a little prodding to see how each item can interact with the space and other objects, and I try to get a few shots that include everything you’ve given me.
WHAT SHOULD BE PHOTOGRAPHED?
Flatlays can be anything! But if you’re really stumped here are some ideas:
rings
jewelry
vow books/letters
flowers
invitations/RSVPs
flasks
shoes
tie/bowtie
cufflinks
perfume/cologne
hair accessories
ribbons
handkerchiefs/pocket scarves
garder
bouquet (if you have it)
watches
ADDITIONAL CUTE THINGS TO ADD:
fruit
dried fruit
polaroids
plants
cups/saucers
postcards
old love letters
tea bags
ticket stubs
favorite books
disco balls
HOW TO PREP YOUR FLATLAY ITEMS
If you are planning to have your photographer/videographer do some flatlays, here are some tips to help you out —
Place all the items you want photographed/filmed into a box the morning of or the day before so you don’t have to hunt them down while the hairstylist is running after you with a curling iron trying to finish your hair (not a true story, thankfully). It can be a shoe box, packing box, or even a bag (as long as nothing gets damaged). This will alleviate stress on the morning of your wedding, and allow you to relax and take in the day.
For florals, ask your florist to put aside a few flowers for your photographer/videographer to play with. Sometimes we like to take off petals, or remove flowers from the stems so we can see them easier on the image.
Be intentional with the items you choose, and don’t be afraid to put unique items; if you’re really into plants bring a few plant cuttings. If you’re both bookies, bring your favorite books. If you both love Star Wars, bring R2D2 (jk, but maybe a sticker or something cute).
Have fun with it, and don’t take it too seriously.
Don’t think you have to do what your sister or uncle did for their wedding - take 10-20 minutes to look over some of your mementos as a couple and start with finding 2-5 items you would like photographed, or think sums up your relationship.
DO I HAVE TO INCLUDE ALL THE ITEMS LISTED?
Absolutely not - you can pick and choose what you’d like to be photographed, and it even helps to look up examples of what you’d like featured.
If you find that you don’t really want to have anything photographed or filmed, that’s ok too! If you’d rather have more documentation of the getting ready process, or just don’t find a need for these photos, tell your photographer and/or videographer.
BUT, HERE’S WHY YOU SHOULD HAVE A WEDDING FLATLAY —
Of course, it’s important to remember the bigger parts of a wedding day (like getting married or partying with all your favorite homeskillets), but it’s also nice to remember the smaller details that start off the day.
Being handed a little box of goodies at the beginning of the day is so exciting - it’s one of the first things we style, and puts us into the mindset of what the overall vibe and aesthetic the wedding day will be. It’s also just another way to help tell your story of how you got to where you are now.
Lastly, my advice: the more personal, unique and detailed the items you pick are, the more memorable the photos turn out.
ABOUT JULIETTE…
Based in Upstate New York, Juliette specializes in weddings, lifestyle and brand photo + film for humans far and wide.
Her interest in the documentation of the human experience has lead her into becoming something of a professional third wheel/hype woman/paparazzi/for her clients.
She’ll probably cry during your ceremony, or tell you how amazing you look at your session or wedding.
When she’s not at a wedding or editing, she’s probably watching Parks and Rec, watering her plants, or hanging out with her cats.