Flat lay photos are one of the most popular and important parts of wedding photography. These detailed shots capture the finer aspects of a couple's big day and help tell their story in a beautiful, creative way. As a wedding photographer, having the right flat lay styling kit can make all the difference when it comes to creating stunning detail shots. Here's a list of essentials to include in your kit to ensure you're always ready to capture beautiful flat lays on wedding days.

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The background sets the stage for your flat lay, so having a few versatile options is key. Here are some items to consider:

Fabric Swatches: Soft fabrics like silk, velvet, linen, or cotton work well for adding texture and depth to your flat lays. Choose a neutral palette—cream, ivory, blush, or soft gray—that complements a variety of wedding styles. You can also have a couple of bolder options for more vibrant weddings.

Wooden Boards: A wooden board or two can provide a rustic and timeless backdrop, perfect for a natural, earthy vibe. Consider a distressed wood option for more character.

Paper or Matte Cardstock: Sometimes, simple and clean works best. A large sheet of matte white or textured cardstock is great for a minimalist flat lay that highlights the details.

Background Materials

Props and Styling Pieces

Rings: Wedding rings are a must-have for any flat lay. Always have a small ring box to place the rings in or use a separate ring tray for a more unique touch.

Invitations and Stationery: Wedding invites, save-the-dates, and other paper goods are an essential part of flat lays. These documents often set the tone for the wedding, so make sure to include a few items like the invitation suite, place cards, or programs.

Florals: Fresh flowers add a beautiful, romantic touch to any flat lay. Bring a few blooms from the bridal bouquet or boutonniere, or add some petals to soften the look. If the couple has a particular flower in their bouquet that stands out, try to incorporate that as well.

Jewelry: Any jewelry worn by the bride and groom should be included in the flat lay. This includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and cufflinks. Having small jewelry boxes for earrings or necklaces helps keep them in place.

Ribbon or Twine: A soft, flowing ribbon can add a sense of movement and elegance to your flat lay. Bring a few different colors (like ivory, blush, or gold) to fit with the theme of the wedding.

Perfume Bottles: A touch of fragrance is always a beautiful addition to your flat lays. A simple perfume bottle, especially if it’s the bride’s favorite scent, can add a personal touch to your styling.

Shoes: If space allows, consider including a close-up shot of the bride's shoes. High heels or flats often have intricate designs or sentimental value, making them perfect for flat lay shots.

Lighting Tools

Lighting is crucial for flat lay photography, and having the right tools can help you achieve the perfect shot:

Reflector: A small, collapsible reflector is perfect for bouncing light back onto the flat lay, especially when you're shooting indoors or in low light conditions. This helps avoid harsh shadows and creates a soft, even light.

Natural Light: Whenever possible, take advantage of natural light. Be mindful of the best locations for flat lays that offer good lighting—near large windows or outdoor spaces often work well.

Portable Light Source: If you need to add some artificial light, a small LED light can do wonders for filling in shadows and adding brightness.

Tools for Organization

Keeping everything organized will save you time and make the flat lay styling process much easier. Here are some tools to help:

Styling Mat: A flat, portable mat or travel bag for organizing all your items can be extremely helpful. It keeps everything in one place and prevents the risk of losing small items.

Tweezers: Tweezers are perfect for positioning delicate items like rings, small pieces of jewelry, or petals. Having a pair on hand ensures you can place everything just where you want it without disturbing the composition.

Small Scissors: Handy for trimming ribbons or adjusting flowers or paper items to fit the flat lay layout just right.

Double-Sided Tape or Adhesive Dots: Sometimes items might need a little extra support to stay in place, especially paper goods like invitations. A few pieces of double-sided tape or small adhesive dots can help secure things temporarily during your shoot.

Stay Organized and Prepared

As you start to build your flat lay styling kit, it’s essential to stay organized. Keep everything in a dedicated bag or container so that you can quickly grab what you need on the wedding day. When you arrive at the venue, take a few moments to assess the space and set up your flat lay in an area with great lighting.