Close up of wedding earrings styled by South Carolina wedding photographers.

Flat Lay Wedding Photography: What to Bring & How to Style Your Details

Weddings

When it comes to wedding photography, the big moments often take center stage — the vows, the first look, the kiss. But if you’re planning a wedding, you know those little details are incredibly important to you! The perfume you chose months ago, the heirloom bracelet from your grandmother, the way your invitation suite perfectly reflects the vision of your day — these are the details that help tell the full story. I document these treasured items with flat lay wedding photography.

Flat lay wedding photography is styled detail photos taken early in the wedding day, often while you’re getting ready. They’re a chance to showcase the personalized elements you’ve so thoughtfully chosen — and they deserve just as much intention as the rest of your day.

What Is Flat Lay Wedding Photography?

Flat lay wedding photography involves carefully arranging your wedding details — like your rings, stationery, and florals — on a styling mat or background and photographing them from above. These images set the tone for your gallery and make beautiful additions to your album or prints.

They’re not just pretty — they’re personal. Each piece tells part of your story.

Beautiful wedding florals at a south Carolina wedding. These details photographed by carters creative

What to Bring for Your Flat Lay Wedding Photos:

Here’s a simple checklist of items to gather before the big day:

  • All three rings: engagement ring + both wedding bands
  • Full invitation suite: including details card, RSVP card, envelopes, and any custom stamps
  • Fabric or ribbon: a swatch from your linens, bouquet wrap, or custom silk ribbon
  • Vow books, love letters, or written notes
  • Personal heirlooms: like a locket, brooch, or something borrowed
  • Perfume bottle or signature scent
  • Florals: Ask your florist for a few extra loose blooms and greenery for styling

💍 Pro Tip: If you have your own ring box, bring it! We love heirloom styles like The Mrs. Box for a timeless, elevated look.

Need ribbon? These soft, frayed chiffon ribbons on Amazon work beautifully for a romantic flat lay.


Flat lay detail of bridal earrings sentimental details from the bride

What I Bring to Every Wedding to Style Flat Lay Images:

If you’re missing a few things — don’t worry! I come prepared.

At The Carters Creative, our goal is to keep things stress-free and document your story without increasing your workload. On your wedding day, I bring a full styling kit to your wedding, including neutral ring boxes, soft ribbons, and clean, flat lay mats in light, natural tones. These pieces are meant to complement your details without overwhelming them. I want the focus to stay on your story — not props that don’t reflect your style.

With years of experience photographing weddings and styling flat lay wedding photography, I know how to work quickly and intentionally — often in tight timelines and busy getting-ready spaces. Whether I’m working on a hardwood floor, a hotel table, or a window ledge, I create images that feel polished, elegant, and timeless. I love sharing these images on my Instagram and your will find some great inspiration there! 

Flat lays are not just pretty filler images — they’re a chance to show the intention, creativity, and heart you’ve poured into your day.

Flat lay wedding photo with "just married" purse for bride in South Carolina wedding


Wedding rings styled with neutral velvet ring box and textured linen image taken by south Carolina wedding photographers

Why Flat Lay Photos Matter:

The day goes fast. You might not remember every tiny piece. But your photos will hold every thought and intention you put into your wedding day. 

Flat lay wedding photography preserves the choices you made with so much care — the wax seal you obsessed over, the bouquet colors you perfected, the small charm you added to your bouquet in honor of someone you love.

It’s these pieces that help tell your story from start to finish.

They may not be the loudest part of your wedding day, but they’ll speak volumes in your gallery.

Final Thoughts:

Flat lay wedding photography is more than a trend — it’s a way to capture the personal, meaningful pieces that make your day yours. With a little preparation (and a photographer who knows how to style them well), your details will be documented beautifully, with elegance and care.

When all is said and done, those little details can mean just as much as the big moments. 

If you’re ready to book a SC wedding photographer who values all the details; reach out. We would love to hear from you!

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