As wedding photographers, one of the first things we do when arriving on a wedding day is capturing the flat lay—a beautifully curated arrangement of rings, perfumes, vow books, wedding stationery, florals, and other meaningful details. These images set the tone for the day and memorialize the time, effort, and creativity that went into planning each element.

With February approaching, wedding details naturally take on a romantic Valentine’s Day influence, incorporating more pinks, reds, and deep, rich hues. While this color palette may feel bold or intimidating, don’t shy away! Adding these colors into your flat lays can elevate your detail shots, making them feel more dynamic, heartfelt, and unique. Here’s how to embrace and balance these romantic shades effectively.

1. Choose a Cohesive Color Palette

Rather than just throwing in reds and pinks randomly, take a moment to curate a palette that feels intentional. Pairing bold reds with softer blush tones or mixing deep burgundy with muted peach can create a balanced, harmonious look. Consider incorporating metallics like gold or rose gold for an added touch of elegance.

2. Use Textures to Your Advantage

Adding different textures will make your flat lay more visually compelling. Velvet ring boxes, silk ribbons, lace trims, or even dried florals can bring dimension and richness to your details. Mixing matte and shiny surfaces also enhances contrast, making your details pop.

3. Layering for Depth

Instead of laying everything flat on a single surface, try layering. Use vow books or invitations as a base, add a ring box or perfume bottle on top, and tuck in small floral elements around to create dimension. Layering helps guide the viewer’s eye through the image, making it more engaging.

4. Incorporate Fresh Florals

Florals are an easy and natural way to introduce color. Ask the florist for a few extra stems or loose petals from the wedding’s floral arrangements. Using flowers in varying shades of red, pink, and even hints of purple can tie your details together beautifully.

5. Play with Backgrounds

The background can make or break a flat lay. Instead of a plain white surface, experiment with textured fabrics, colored linens, or even vintage trays. A deep red velvet fabric can add romance, while a soft pink linen keeps things delicate and airy.

6. Add Personal Touches

Infuse personality into the flat lay by incorporating meaningful objects—perhaps a handwritten love letter, a vintage locket, or a custom wax seal in a deep ruby shade. These small but significant touches make the details more intimate and memorable.

7. Balance Light and Shadows

Good lighting enhances colors and textures, so be mindful of your light source. Soft, natural light from a window will help maintain the true tones of reds and pinks without them appearing too harsh. Shadows can add drama, but make sure they aren’t overpowering your details.

Final Thoughts

Valentine’s Day-inspired flat lays offer a unique opportunity to infuse bold, romantic colors into wedding details. By embracing rich hues, layering textures, and thoughtfully arranging elements, you can create visually stunning and emotionally resonant detail shots.

So, don’t be afraid of reds and pinks—lean into them! Whether it’s a soft, pastel palette or a deep, moody one, these colors bring a touch of warmth, passion, and individuality to your work. Try it out, and you may just fall in love with the results!

For more wedding photography tips and inspiration, visit VioletCarterPhotography.com.