Wedding Detail Flat lays (And What to Do If You’re Like… “Nah”)
Let’s talk about wedding details for a second — because this is one of those things couples feel weirdly pressured about.
You’ve probably seen the perfectly styled flatlay photos all over Instagram. Rings, invites, florals, shoes, everything laid out just right. Some people LOVE that. Some people truly do not care.
Here’s what I want you to hear loud and clear:
You are not required to do wedding detail flat lays.
But your details do deserve to be captured — in whatever way feels like you. So let’s break this down in a low-pressure, real-life way.
First — What Even Is a Detail Flat lay?
A detail flatlay is just a styled photo of your wedding details, usually taken early in the day before things get busy.
They’re calm. They’re pretty. They tell the story of your day before the chaos starts.
They’re also optional.
Some couples love them. Some couples would rather spend that time drinking coffee and hanging out. Both choices are correct.
If You Do Want Flatlays, Here’s What to Set Aside
If flatlays are your vibe, amazing. You don’t need to overthink it — just set a few things aside so we’re not hunting for rings while you’re getting dressed.
The “Yes, Bring These” Items
Wedding rings (all of them)
Invitation suite (invite + envelope + any inserts)
Vow books or letters
Any heirloom or sentimental pieces (ex. a hanger made out of grandma’s dress)
Bouquet
The “Only If You Want” Items
Jewelry you’re wearing
Perfume or cologne
Shoes
Hair accessories
Loose florals
Other personalized pieces (anything that is special to you both as a couple)
✨ Real talk: This is where you have the smaller details that not everyone sees but it means so much to have it on your wedding day.
If Flatlays Feel Too Formal (You’re Not Alone)
Not everyone wants a perfectly styled moment — and honestly, some of the best detail photos can happen naturally throughout the day.
If flatlays aren’t your thing, here are some super chill alternatives that still capture your details beautifully.
Candid, Less-Formal Detail Options
Rings photographed while you’re holding hands
Jewelry going on instead of laid out
Dress details while you’re getting ready
Shoes kicked off later in the night
Florals being held, moved, tossed, hugged
Signage or invites photographed in the space, not staged
These feel:
More documentary
More emotional
Less “posed for Instagram”
And yes — they still tell the story of your day.
You Can Also Do a Little of Both
A lot of couples end up somewhere in the middle.
Maybe:
A simple flatlay with rings + vows
And everything else captured as it actually happens
There is no rule that says it has to be all or nothing.
✨ Photographer perspective: The goal isn’t trends — it’s memory. Your details matter because they were part of your day, not because they looked good on Pinterest.
What Actually Matters (More Than Flatlays)
Years from now, you’re not going to remember whether your shoes were photographed perfectly.
You will remember:
How the morning felt
The quiet before everything started
The way your hands shook a little
The things you chose intentionally
Detail photos — styled or candid — help tell that story.
Not in a performative way.
In a this-was-our-day way.
Final Thought
Whether you want:
Styled detail flatlays
Totally candid detail moments
Or something in between
You’re not doing it wrong.
My job isn’t to force wedding trends on you — it’s to document your day honestly, in a way that feels like you. And yes, that includes the little details that mattered to you.
No pressure. No checklist guilt. Just your story.
If you’re planning your wedding and want your day documented in a way that feels honest and pressure-free, I’d love to help you figure out what works best for you. You can also check out more tips on my blog Wedding timeline tips from a photographer.
Most asked Questions about flatlays
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Nope. Flatlays are totally optional. Some couples love the calm, styled look, and others prefer their details captured naturally throughout the day. There’s no “right” choice — just what feels most like you.
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If you choose to do flatlays, they’re typically photographed at the very start of the day while things are still quiet. This works best when a few items are set aside ahead of time so no one is scrambling.
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That’s completely okay. Your details can still be documented in more natural, in-the-moment ways — like rings during a hug, jewelry being put on, or florals in motion. Your story doesn’t disappear just because something isn’t staged.
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If it has meaning to you, it’s worth documenting. If it doesn’t, you can skip it. Simple as that. A good photographer will help you prioritize what matters without turning your morning into a checklist.
