What to Include in Your Catholic Wedding Flat Lay Photos

2 minute read time because you’ve got a wedding to plan.

Your Catholic Wedding Flat Lay photos are some of the dreamiest photos in your album.

According to Finches and Ferns, the trend actually began in the 80s. Oddly enough, a furniture store janitor started it all. It made its way into wedding photography in the 2000s, for which I am thankful. They are absolutely lovely pieces of art that invite creativity and design into your album.

There are so many options when it comes to flat lays, but read on for my top items to include in a Catholic Wedding Flat Lay.

Catholic Wedding Flat Lay Item #1 – Relic.

First, if you, your family, or your friends have access to a relic, it is a beautiful option. It is a great way to incorporate your devotion to a saint into your Nuptial Mass as well. A wedding I photographed included a St. Thérèse relic that belonged to a friend since they were getting married on her Feast day. One set of the Padrinos (Wedding Godparents) processed into Mass with it and placed it on a small table with roses and the framed certificate of authenticity. See more photos from that wedding here!

Item #2 – Rosary.

Next, a flat lay is even meaningful with a rosary. It is a special way to document family heirloom rosaries, too. One memorable rosary belonged to a bride’s grandmother. Another bride included the rosary she prayed for her future husband with (see photo below!).

Item #3 – Marriage Crucifix.

Thirdly, the marriage crucifix is a crucifix gifted to you or purchased yourself. There are a variety of ways to include it in your day. You can have it blessed and on the altar during Mass, or kiss it first before your first kiss as a married couple.

Item #4 – Catholic Jewelry.

A Miraculous Medal or other religious jewelry are lovely to include in your flat lay. Heirloom jewelry is also a great choice. The earrings below belonged to the bride’s grandmother. I love how the pearl trend was incorporated into this Miraculous Medal chain. Pearls are so classy.

Item #5 – Heirloom Missal and Wedding Rings.

I always include rings in the flat lay, but they take on special significance if they were inherited. See below for the bride’s missal and ring that both belonged to her grandmother. The missal is a great option for weddings celebrated in the Traditional Latin Rite.

Item #6 – Milagro Heart.

The milagro heart is such a lovely addition. I have purchased my own to bring with me to wedding flat lay photos (and even gift it to couples- shh!). It opens as a locket and I have heard of placing slips of paper with prayer intentions inside. This photo below of mine has been one of my favorites in my work with flat lays.

Item #7 – Lasso, Arras, Bible, Nuptial Veil

There are so many beautiful wedding traditions that can be part of your Nuptial Mass. Make sure to slip these items into your box with all your flat lay items so that they can be documented. In the rush of the wedding day morning, it is helpful to have someone assigned to take care of this box and make sure all the items used in Mass get where they need to be.

In conclusion, flat lay photos take on a special significance for us as Catholics. This is because we are documenting sacramentals, objects that help us draw closer to the Lord. With these items, your wedding album will be filled with beautiful photos reflecting not only the love between you and your spouse, but the love Jesus has for us and His Church.

Comment below with items you think are best in a flat lay!