Amidst the flurry of getting dolled up, the butterflies of anticipation, and the excitement of greeting guests, certain details can easily slip through the cracks if not prepared in advance. One such detail? The wedding flat lay. This artful arrangement is more than just a collection of items; it’s a snapshot of your love story, a visual poetry that captures the essence of your special day. So, how do we ensure this beautiful tradition isn’t lost in the hustle and bustle? Let’s weave through the preparations needed to ensure your photographer can create a stunning flat lay without rushing or compromising on creativity.
INSIDER TIP: Did you know that your photographer could take up to an hour attempting to capture the perfect wedding flat lay? Gathering all the bits and bobs, finding a spot with good lighting and arranging them to look visually pleasing can take up more time than we imagine. Preparing these items ahead of time not only saves you from last-minute stress but also helps free up some extra time for your photographer to take other important shots.
What to Prepare: A Checklist
To make things easier, here’s a refined checklist of items for your flat lay, along with a few tips on how to prepare them:
Wedding Invitations & Stationery: Keep a complete set aside, including any RSVP cards, envelopes, and other special stationery you’ve used. These often get overlooked in the post-wedding cleanup.
The Rings: Place your engagement ring, wedding bands, and any other special jewelry you’ll wear in a designated box. Inform someone you trust (like your maid of honor or best man) to hand them over to the photographer.
Floral Elements: Talk to your florist in advance about setting aside a few extra blooms or leaves from your bouquet for the flat lay. This ensures the flowers are fresh and match your wedding theme.
Fabric Swatches: If you’re incorporating special fabrics in your attire, like songket or lace, save small pieces or request them from your tailor for the flat lay. Alternatively, adding a fabric swatch of your main colour in the wedding palette adds a soft romantic touch to the photo arrangement.
Personal Accessories: Gather any accessories you’ll be wearing the you’d like to include in the flat lay ahead of time, such as cufflinks, earrings, or hairpins. Place them in a kit so they’re easily accessible.
Vows or Love Letters: If you’ve written personal vows or love letters, have them ready in a beautiful envelope or on special paper that complements your wedding theme.
Cultural or Religious Items: Perhaps you’d like to include any small, significant items that represent your culture or faith. Set these aside too.
Heirlooms or Keepsakes: If including family heirlooms, ensure they are cleaned, if necessary, and placed with the rest of the items.
Miscellaneous Details: Any additional elements that tell your story, like a particular decoration or a small model of something meaningful to you both, should also be set aside.
Tips for Smooth Execution:
Designate a Flat Lay Kit: Collect all these items in one box or bag a few days before the wedding. Label it clearly as the “Flat Lay Kit” and hand it over to your photographer or wedding planner the day before or the morning of the wedding.
Brief Your Photographer: Let your photographer know about any specific arrangements or items you envision in your flat lay. Sharing inspiration photos or ideas beforehand can also be incredibly helpful.
Assign a Helper: Choose a responsible bridesmaid, family member, or friend to be the point of contact for the photographer. This person can ensure all items are returned to their rightful place after the shoot.
Preparing these items ahead of time not only ensures a smoother, less hectic wedding day but also allows your photographer to craft a flat lay that beautifully encapsulates the essence and emotion of your celebration. So, amidst the whirlwind of your big day, take comfort in knowing that these precious details are set aside, ready to tell the story of your love through the lens of your photographer.