Creating A Timeless Wedding Album: Size And Style Guide

Wedding albums are a great way to keep your precious memories safe and organised. While there are no set rules on how to create the perfect wedding album, there are a few things to consider when deciding on the size of your album.

First, think about your budget. Wedding albums can cost anywhere from $150 to $1000, depending on the quality, size, page count, and cover material. If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider a smaller album size and a lower page count.

Second, the size of your wedding album should correlate with the length of your wedding and the number of photos you want to include. If you had an intimate wedding, a smaller album with around 20-30 pages might be enough. On the other hand, if you had a multi-day celebration or multiple events, you'll likely need a larger album with more pages to accommodate all your photos.

Third, consider the orientation of your photos. If you have mostly landscape photos, a landscape-oriented album (such as 10 x 8 inches or 14 x 11 inches) might be a better choice. If you have mostly portrait photos, go for a square or portrait-oriented album (such as 8 x 8 inches, 10 x 10 inches, or 12 x 12 inches).

Finally, think about how you want to display your album. A smaller album (around 8 x 8 inches) is easier to handle and can be displayed on a bookshelf or coffee table without taking up too much space. Larger albums may not fit on standard bookshelves, so consider where you plan to store and showcase your album.

Remember, your wedding album is a personal keepsake, so choose a size that fits your needs and preferences. You can always seek the help of a professional album designer if you need guidance.

Album size

Wedding albums come in a variety of sizes, with the most popular options being 8 x 8 inches, 10 x 10 inches, 12 x 12 inches, and 14 x 11 inches. The size of your album will depend on several factors, such as your budget, the number of photos you plan to include, and your personal style preferences.

If you're looking for a small, budget-friendly option that's easy to handle and display, a 10 x 10-inch album may be a good choice. However, keep in mind that the photos will appear smaller in this size. For a larger option that can accommodate more photos, consider a 16 x 12-inch album. This size is great for showcasing your photos in a larger scale, but it is more bulky and may be harder to handle.

A standard option that offers a balance between size and photo display is the 12 x 12-inch album. This size allows for creativity in photo layouts and can fit up to six images per layout. However, it may not fit easily on all bookshelves.

If you have many landscape photos or want to include double-page spreads, a landscape-oriented album in the sizes 10 x 8 inches or 14 x 11 inches may be ideal. These sizes are also great for showcasing locations and panoramas.

When choosing a wedding album size, it's important to consider the number of photos you plan to include. On average, a wedding album has between 20 to 40 pages, with 2 to 5 photographs per page. You can estimate the number of spreads or double pages you'll need based on the number of photos you select.

In addition to the size and number of pages, you can also customize your wedding album by selecting the cover material, paper type, layout, and extra features such as a presentation box or replica albums for parents or guests.

Album orientation

The orientation of your wedding album will depend on the types of photos you have. If your photographer took a lot of landscape shots, you might want to choose a landscape-oriented album to match. Conversely, if you have mostly portrait photos, a portrait-oriented album may be the best choice. Square albums are a good option if you have a similar number of portrait and landscape photos, as they can easily accommodate a mix of layouts and orientations.

Landscape albums tend to be a more classic option and are great for showcasing locations and larger photos. On the other hand, portrait-oriented albums have a more professional look and feel, making them ideal for graduation albums or yearbooks.

If you're creating a parent album, a smaller square album (6x6 inches) or a landscape or portrait album (5x7 or 6x8 inches) is typical.

When it comes to the number of photos per page, it's recommended to include no more than five photos to preserve their quality. You can, of course, create a collage page with more photos, but these will be smaller.

• Pick your absolute favourite photos—the ones that evoke emotion and that you won't mind seeing over and over again.
• Let the photos take centre stage by keeping the design clean and simple.
• Match your wedding's theme and colour scheme.
• Arrange your photos chronologically, starting with photos of you and your spouse getting ready or at the ceremony.
• Include more than just photos, such as a wedding invitation, save-the-date card, or menu.
• Choose a sturdy album cover and paper to ensure your album lasts a lifetime.

Album Sizes

The size of your wedding album will depend on various factors, including your budget, the number of photos you want to include, and your personal style.

• 8x8 inches: This is the most popular small-size album and is ideal for displaying on a bookshelf or coffee table.
• 10x10 inches: This size allows for four pictures per layout and is a good option if you want something a bit bigger than 8x8 inches but not too large.
• 12x12 inches: This size can fit up to six images per layout and is great for couples who want to include more photos without adding too many pages.
• 10x8 inches: This is a popular smaller option for landscape-oriented albums and is ideal if you have many landscape photos or want to include double-page spreads.
• 14x11 inches: This is the most popular large landscape album size and is suitable for couples with multi-day weddings or multiple celebrations.

Paper Types

There are three main types of paper used in professional wedding albums: Lustre, Velvet, and Fine Art.

• Lustre Photographic Paper: This is the most common type, producing vibrant prints with a semi-matte finish and a slight sheen when light is reflected. It's also the most cost-effective option.
• Velvet Photographic Paper: This paper also produces vibrant prints but with a more matte finish and a silky smooth feel, making it a more luxurious option.
• Fine Art Paper: This paper has a very textured finish and produces a matte-type print, giving your album a more "arty" look and feel. It is the most expensive option.

Number of photos

The number of photos you should include in your wedding album depends on several factors, including the size of your album, the length of your wedding, and your personal preferences.

Wedding albums typically start with a minimum of 20 to 30 pages, with the option to add more pages at an additional cost. On average, a wedding album has between 20 and 40 pages, with 2 to 5 photos per page. Some albums can fit up to six images per layout. If you have a small, intimate wedding, you may not need as many photos or pages in your album. However, if you have a destination wedding or a multi-day celebration, you may need a larger album with more pages to accommodate all the shots you want to include.

It is recommended to include a mix of different types of photos in your album, such as getting-ready shots, first-look photos, family group shots, portraits, candid reception photos, and details of the venue and decorations. You can also include photos that showcase the emotions of the day, such as candid shots of you and your partner, family, and friends.

When selecting photos for your album, it is important to be selective and only choose your absolute favourite images. You should also consider the orientation of your photos when designing the layout of your album. Landscape and square albums are great for a mix of portrait and landscape photos, while portrait albums are ideal for showcasing portraits and unique angles.

Additionally, you can include other mementos and details in your album, such as wedding invitations, save-the-dates, menus, or fabric or flowers from your wedding.

Paper type

Finish

The finish of the paper can vary, with the three main options being lustre, velvet, and fine art. Lustre paper has a semi-matte finish, creating a slight sheen when light is reflected. Velvet paper has a more matte look and a silky smooth feel, while fine art paper has a very textured finish and a matte print.

Cost

The cost of the paper will also vary depending on the type you choose. Lustre paper is usually the most cost-effective option, while velvet paper comes with a premium, and fine art paper is typically the priciest.

Print Quality

The paper type will also affect the quality of the prints. Lustre and velvet papers produce vibrant prints, while fine art paper results in a more muted look. If you want your wedding album to have vibrant colours, glossy paper is a good option. However, it gets dirty easily with fingerprints. If you're looking for a more muted effect, matte paper is a better choice, and it's also more resistant to fingerprints.

Durability

You'll also want to consider the durability of the paper. Matte paper, for example, is more resistant to fingerprints than glossy paper. If you want your wedding album to last for years, go for a more durable option.

Thickness

The thickness of the paper will affect the overall bulk of the album. Fine art paper, for instance, is thicker than lustre or velvet paper. If you're concerned about the weight and storage of your wedding album, opt for thinner paper.

When choosing the paper type for your wedding album, it's important to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve, your budget, and the level of durability you require.

Cover design

The cover of your wedding album is the first thing you and others will see, so it's important to choose a design that reflects your personal style and the theme of your wedding. Here are some tips and ideas for designing a beautiful and meaningful cover:

• Material Options: Leather (real or faux), silk, linen, canvas, and suede are some popular options for cover materials. You can also choose a photo cover, which is less common but can be a unique way to showcase your favourite wedding photo.
• Colour Choices: Consider choosing a cover colour that complements your wedding colour scheme, venue, or location. For example, if you had a traditional wedding in a country manor, a neutral shade like ivory or cream would be elegant. On the other hand, if your wedding was filled with vibrant colours, you might opt for a bolder shade. Natural shades and tones are also a great choice, especially if you had an outdoor wedding.
• Personalisation: You can personalise your cover with text, such as your names, wedding date, or a meaningful quote. Some couples even include a wedding monogram or logo for a truly unique touch.
• Printing and Engraving: There are several methods for adding text or designs to your cover, including UV printing, laser engraving, and text stamping. Each method offers a different look, from bold and vibrant to subtle and elegant.
• Simplicity: While there are many options for personalising your cover, sometimes less is more. Consider keeping it simple with just your initials or a small photo, especially if you want a minimalist look.
• Matching with Stationery: If you want your wedding paraphernalia to complement each other, try to find a cover design that matches your wedding stationery, such as invitations or save-the-date cards.
• Pre-made Themes: Many printing services offer pre-made themes that include assorted styles and designs. This can be a great way to find a cohesive look for your album without starting from scratch.
• Custom Designs: If you have graphic design skills and want to create something truly unique, you can design your own cover from scratch. This option allows you to add personal touches and match your wedding theme perfectly.

Remember, your wedding album cover should reflect your personality and style. Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box. With so many options available, you can create a cover that is both beautiful and meaningful.

Frequently asked questions