Your invitation suite is the very first glimpse into your celebration, setting the tone for everything to come. Thoughtfully designed and filled with intention, these paper details deserve to be beautifully documented as part of your wedding story.

As a Virginia luxury wedding photographer, I believe that capturing the intricate details of your day—including your invitations, heirlooms, and carefully curated décor—is just as important as photographing the big moments. These small elements help tell the full story of your wedding day with elegance and artistry.

To ensure your details are beautifully styled and preserved, here’s a checklist of essential items to set aside for your photographer.

What to Include in Your Wedding Flat Lay

A well-styled flat lay tells a cohesive story of your wedding day, incorporating meaningful pieces that reflect your love and aesthetic. Here’s what I recommend having ready:

1. Two Full Invitation Suites

Providing your photographer with two complete sets of your wedding invitations allows for a fuller, more layered look in your flat lay. Be sure to include:

• The main invitation card
• RSVP card and envelope
• Wax seals, ribbon, or embellishments
• Postage stamps (vintage or custom stamps add a unique touch)

2. Engagement Ring & Wedding Bands

Your rings are one of the most symbolic details of your wedding day, representing the lifelong commitment you’re making. Be sure to have:

• Your engagement ring
• Both wedding bands (yours and your partner’s)
• A beautiful ring box or dish for styling—velvet, heirloom, or custom monogrammed boxes elevate the look

3. Vow Books & Handwritten Notes

Your vows are one of the most personal elements of your wedding. If you’ve chosen beautiful vow books, be sure to include them. Handwritten love notes exchanged before the ceremony also make for sentimental, meaningful flat lay images.

4. Fabric Swatches & Silk Ribbons

If you have a specific wedding color palette, providing a fabric swatch or silk ribbon that complements your wedding details can add dimension and texture to your flat lay.

5. Heirloom Pieces & Accessories

Incorporating meaningful heirlooms—such as a grandmother’s brooch, vintage earrings, or a special perfume bottle—adds a sentimental touch to your detail photos.

6. Loose Florals & Greenery

Ask your florist to set aside a few loose blooms and greenery for your photographer. These fresh florals help tie your flat lay into the overall aesthetic of your wedding design.

Wedding Reception Details to Photograph

Beyond your invitation suite and accessories, your wedding reception is filled with intentional design elements that deserve to be beautifully documented. Consider setting aside these additional details for your photographer:

• Escort cards or seating chart – Custom calligraphy or unique escort displays add personality to your reception.
• Menus & place cards – These small details showcase your table design and guest experience.
• Personalized cocktail napkins or signage – If you have signature drinks or monogrammed napkins, they make for a great storytelling element.
• Guest favors or welcome bags – If you’ve put thought into gifting your guests something special, capturing it helps preserve the memory.
• Ring boxes & styled trays – A velvet ring box or a decorative tray provides the perfect backdrop for photographing your rings and other keepsakes.

Why Wedding Details Matter

Your wedding details may be small, but they hold so much meaning. From the way your invitations set the tone for your day to the heirloom pieces passed down through generations, these elements deserve to be documented with the same care as every other part of your celebration.

As a Virginia-based luxury wedding photographer, my goal is to preserve your wedding day with timeless images rooted in grace. Flat lays are a beautiful way to tell the story of your wedding details, ensuring that every thoughtfully chosen piece is captured with artistry and intention.

If you’re planning your wedding and want every detail beautifully documented, I’d love to connect. Inquire here to learn more about my approach to wedding photography.