How to Help Your Wedding Photographer Capture Stunning Flat Lays

If you’ve ever swooned over those perfectly styled flat-lay photos on Instagram or Pinterest, you’re not alone. These artful images showcase wedding details—like your stationery, rings, and accessories—and are a beautiful way to capture the essence of your big day. To ensure you get a flat lay photo that you’ll treasure forever, a little planning can go a long way. Here’s everything you need to know to help your photographer create a stunning shot.

Flat lays are the perfect way to showcase the artistry of a wedding day—like this dreamy arrangement of bridal details and stationary. Photo captured by Philip Small of Small Story Wedding Films.

1. Designate a "Stationery Hero"

Assign someone you trust (a member of the bridal party or a family member) to be the "Stationery Hero." This person will be responsible for collecting all the important details and handing them over to your photographer on the wedding day. They’ll help ensure nothing is left behind, and your photographer can focus on styling the shot without hunting for items.

Bringing the essence of the wedding day to life through carefully curated details. Flat lay styling at its finest! Photo captured by Philip Small of Small Story Wedding Films.

2. Gather the Key Items for Your Lay Flat

Here’s a checklist of items you might want to include in your flat lay:

Stationery

• Invitation suite (including the invitation, RSVP card, and any additional inserts)

• Save the Date card

• Envelopes with calligraphy or printed addresses

• Wax seals, ribbons, or belly bands used in the suite

Rings and Jewelry

• Engagement ring and wedding bands

• Bridal earrings, necklace, or bracelet

• Groom’s cufflinks or tie clip

Florals

• Loose blooms or greenery from your florist (ask for extras when you order your bouquet)

• Boutonnière

Personal Accessories

• Bride’s shoes

• Hair accessories (veil, comb, or tiara)

• Perfume bottle

Meaningful Extras

• Family heirlooms (like a locket or vintage handkerchief)

• Small mementos that represent your relationship (like travel souvenirs or meaningful charms)

Decor Elements

• Ribbons or fabric swatches that match your color scheme

• Decorative trays or boxes for styling (ask your photographer if they bring any props)

• Coins, stamps, or other small accents

Coastal elegance meets wedding day charm 🌊✨ This seaside-inspired flat lay features dreamy hues of blue, white, and sandy tan, with a delicate seashell necklace stealing the show. Perfect for a beach-loving bride! Photo captured by Philip Small of Small Story Wedding Films.

3. Invest in a Professional Stationer

Hiring a professional stationer ensures your invitation suite and other paper goods are beautifully designed and of the highest quality. Custom or semi-custom stationery adds an elevated touch to your flat lay and ties your wedding theme together seamlessly. Plus, professional stationers often include thoughtful details like wax seals or custom illustrations that make your flat lay even more stunning.

Review their portfolio to ensure their designs align with your wedding aesthetic. Read client testimonials for insights on their reliability and professionalism. If you work with us, we can recommend an awesome stationer. The stationer we’ve worked with the most is Raquel from Happy Tears Papeleria. She uses high quality materials and has an impeccable attention to detail.

Whimsy and romance come to life in this vibrant flat lay 🌸✨ With hairpins, soft pink invitations, and light green envelopes, the delicate yellow butterflies add a touch of magic to the scene. A perfect blend of elegance and playfulness! Photo captured by Philip Small of Small Story Wedding Films.

4. Coordinate with Your Stationer and Florist

Your stationer and florist are key players in creating a cohesive and beautiful flat lay. When ordering your stationery, ask for an extra suite (with envelopes and all inserts) to use specifically for photos. Similarly, let your florist know you’d like loose blooms and greenery for styling—most florists are happy to provide a few extras for this purpose.

If you’re in the tri-state area, I highly recommend a few incredible florists I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Jennifer from House of Bernal in New York combines artistry and elegance in every design. Alyssa from Bliss by Alyss in New Jersey specializes in vibrant, stunning floral creations. Butterfly Hill Blooms in Connecticut creates breathtaking arrangements with a soft, romantic touch. These talented professionals not only design beautiful florals but are also generous and easy to work with, making them ideal for your wedding day. No matter where you’re located, just be sure to communicate with both your stationer and your florist.

Photo captured by Philip Small of Small Story Wedding Films.

5. Communicate with Your Photographer

Make sure your photographer knows how important the lay flat photo is to you. Share your vision and preferences ahead of time, and let them know that your Stationery Hero will have all the items ready to go. If you’ve seen specific flat lays you love, share those examples for inspiration. You can also share this post with them!

When life gives you lemons, add flowers and ribbons 🍋🌸 This bright and cheerful flat lay showcases elegant blue and white stationery paired with real lemons and fresh florals for a naturally stunning wedding vibe. Photo captured by Philip Small of Small Story Wedding Films.

6. Timing is Everything

Ensure the flat lay items are gathered and ready before the photographer starts shooting. Many photographers prefer to capture detail shots early in the day, while the light is soft and natural. Having everything organized and in one place will help the process run smoothly.

Zesty elegance meets timeless romance 🍋💙 This vibrant flat lay combines soft blue envelopes, crisp white and blue invitations, real lemons, and fresh florals, tied together with delicate ribbons for the perfect touch of charm. Photo captured by Philip Small of Small Story Wedding Films.

7. Be Open to Creativity

Trust your photographer to style the flat lay in a way that reflects your wedding theme and aesthetic. They may add unexpected elements or experiment with angles to create a unique composition. Providing a variety of items to work with gives them more creative freedom to craft a beautiful shot.

A touch of the ocean captured in every detail 🌊✨ This seaside flat lay highlights calming blues, sandy tans, and crisp whites. Perfect for a breezy coastal wedding vibe.

Photo captured by Philip Small of Small Story Wedding Films.

Final Thoughts

A thoughtfully styled flat lay is more than just a beautiful photo—it’s a way to preserve the intricate details and personal touches that make your wedding day one of a kind. With the right preparation and collaboration with your photographer, florist, and stationer, these images can perfectly capture the story of your day.

If you’re dreaming of wedding photos and video that beautifully showcase every detail—big and small—we’d love to bring your vision to life. Explore more of our work or contact us today to start planning your perfect wedding photography experience!