Preparing for Your Wedding Day: A Bride’s Guide to Beautiful Details
Your wedding day is more than a celebration it’s the beginning of a legacy. Every little detail you’ve chosen with love deserves to be remembered with the same care and artistry as the big moments. As a wedding photographer, one of my favorite ways to capture these personal touches is through flat lay photography beautifully styled images of the items that tell your story.
To help you feel fully prepared, here’s a guide to what to bring and how to organize your details for the morning of your wedding.
Why Flat Lays Matter
Flat lays are like visual poetry: a curated collection of your wedding details, arranged and photographed with elegance. They preserve the items that may otherwise be overlooked the invitations, heirlooms, jewelry, and textures that set the tone for your day. Together, they create a timeless vignette of your love story.
What to Gather for Your Photographer
Stationery & Paper Goods
Full invitation suite (with envelopes)
Save-the-date card
Programs, menus, or vow books
✨ Tip: Bring two full sets so everything can be styled together without worry.
Wedding Rings
Engagement ring
Wedding bands
✨ Place them in a pretty ring box or dish for elegant presentation.
Jewelry & Accessories
Earrings, necklace, bracelet
Hairpieces, tiara, or veil details
Perfume bottle (bonus if it’s special to you or personalized)
Bridal Attire Details
Shoes
Garter or special keepsake
Dress hanger (choose a pretty one, not plastic — it makes all the difference)
For the Groom
Tie or bowtie
Cufflinks
Boutonnière
Watch
Florals
Loose blooms or greenery from your florist (ask them to set aside a few extra stems for styling)
Personal Touches
Family heirlooms (locket, handkerchief, charm)
Love letters, cards, or gifts exchanged that morning
How to Be Ready the Morning Of
Place all of these items in a “details box” before the wedding day. That way, when I arrive, I can begin styling your flat lays right away, without needing to track down each piece. This gives you more time to relax, sip champagne, and enjoy the excitement of your morning.
Final Thoughts
Your wedding details may be small, but together they create a beautiful narrative of your day. By gathering these items ahead of time, you’ll ensure your photographs tell the complete story from the quiet details to the joyful celebration.
Because when you look back years from now, it won’t just be the big moments you’ll treasure, but also the little ones that made your day uniquely yours.
✨ With Love,
Maddi Megan
