The Flat Lay
A flat lay is a spread that highlights the stylistic choices you made about how your wedding would feel. In a wedding album, it works almost as an index; a snapshot of how your wedding day looked.
Think of what your inspiration was leading up to your wedding: the colors, the vibes, the designs that drew you to your choices. Lean into those choices here.
More is not more. I want to focus on paper goods, but wanted to share how supporting elements can help.
The Basics: What to Bring
Paper goods
Two full sets, unused: invitation, envelopes, RSVP card, any insert, and a stamp that was never used/cancelled. You can also include menus, place cards, programs, anything you chose to have designed. If the guests are getting fans later, include one or two. Worst case, I have more to work with, even if I keep the spread minimal.
Rings
All three (we can ask for yours) in a box of your choice.
Flowers
Ask your florist for a box of cuttings for the flat lay. They’ll give you a handful of loose stems, ideally before I arrive. Not a second bouquet: a few of what is already being made.
Optional Items
Worn
Anything you’re wearing that you love. Shoes, jewelry, cufflinks, watch, etc. Tie and handkerchiefs. Perfume and cologne, in the bottle. Veil, comb, hairpiece.
Written
Vow books or letters you wrote each other.
Inherited
What’s your “something old?” Your grandmother’s bracelet, a rosary, a handkerchief that has been at four weddings.
Fabric
A spool or bit of of ribbon or fabric cut from your dress during a hem. You can also include a larger piece of fabric if you have a background preference, but it’s not necessary.
Something that goes with your vibe
If you are having a disco wedding, maybe include confetti. A farm wedding, maybe a pear or two, ready to be cut up. Victorian inspired dress? Maybe the flat lay can nod to the elegance by including figs.
It does not have to be more stuff: just something complementary and small-scale. If you are not sure what to include, but want a more elaborate flat lay, let me know!
The night before
Make sure everything is in one box. Everything out of its packaging: rings out of pouches, shoes out of tissue, paper out of sleeves. The suits and dresses steamed and on hangers you want photographed. Make sure there’s one other person who knows where this box is.
Timing
Block off Forty-five minutes, at the start of the day for a more elaborate setup.
For something more minimal, make sure we have 20 minutes set aside during getting ready to set this up.
What I bring
A styling mat, the light, blocks put under papers for balance, and a background in graphic design. You do not need to do anything but put the box together and have it ready for me
The reception flat lay
Optional, but this is such a lovely way to capture the party in one photo. If you have Polaroid cameras and a cute vintage cake or if you are changing into a different pair of shoes, ask us to create a reception flat lay that happens during the dance party.
We’ll find menus with somebody’s handwriting on them. Matchbooks. A slice of cake.
Let us know in advance you want us to find time for this.
Set aside one clean menu and one clean place card at the start of the night. and I will find the rest.
