Your wedding day is fast approaching and your head is swimming with last minute details…so much work and time goes into planning out the beautiful nuances and details of your wedding day. Of course your wedding photographer will want to document those details in a way that brings them to life for you for years to come. 

The term “detail shot” can refer to anything from flower arrangements and ring close-ups, to place settings and centerpiece photos, and obviously there’s the detail shot of your beautiful wedding cake, but our favorite detail shots to compose are called “flat lays.”

What is a “Flat Lay?”

If you are unfamiliar with the term, a flat lay is a styled image of a collection of chosen details, traditionally shot on a flat surface from above. A flat lay is carefully curated by your photographer, incorporating any of your personal details, accessories, or any extra styled items associated with other wedding day details.

Why do I need to document my details?

A flat lay is one of the most powerful ways to showcase your wedding’s style, colors and any sentimental value and general vibe of your wedding. Flat lays are a nice way to bring together your details, help define the mood of your wedding day and to help set the story all in one photo.

What should I include?

We have all heard the old saying, “Something old and something new, something borrowed and something blue.” Of course, you don’t have to include something blue, but the main point stands: include things that are meaningful and speak to your relationship with your history, and your spouse. To help your day flow smoothly we have compiled a list of details we recommend that you gather up for your wedding photographer to document while you are getting ready for your big day.

For the Bride

• Wedding stationary – invitation suite (we recommend bringing at least two envelopes for styling purposes), save the dates, menu, wedding program, vow books, etc.
• Rings – if you want to have all your rings photographed, make sure that you have both rings with you. 
• A sentimental ring box
• Jewelry – earrings, necklace, etc.
• Decorations and other items you’re using during your wedding day (your menu, program, and small items that will be used to decorate the reception area)
• Veil
• Shoes
• Bouquet
• Perfume
• Bride and groom gifts
• Floral trimmings (ask the florist for these! They usually have some leftover trimmings that your photographer can use to style with)
• Any other sentimental items (we’ve seen items such as: gifts to your spouse or bridesmaids/groomsmen, old pocket watches, sentimental handkerchiefs, heirloom saucer and mug, etc.)
  
  
  

For the Groom 

• Shoes
• Dress socks
• Tie / Bow Tie
• Cologne
• Suspenders / Belt
• Boutonniere 
• Watch
• Cuff-links
• Vow Book
• Any custom gift – bourbon, shot glasses, pin, etc.
  
  
  

Whatever you bring, we encourage you to GET CREATIVE!
When it comes to your wedding day details, we at Hereafter Photography encourage you to be inspired by these famous words:

“Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is You-er than You.” – Dr. Seuss