Wedding Invites: Adding Photos For A Personal Touch

Including a photo in your wedding invites is a great way to personalise your special day and get your guests excited about the celebration to come. Whether you opt for a classic, formal portrait or a fun, candid shot, your chosen photo will add a unique touch to your invitations. In this guide, we'll explore different ways to incorporate photos into your wedding invites, as well as offer tips on choosing the right picture to capture the essence of your celebration.

Choosing the right photo

Consider the Aesthetic

The photo you choose should match the theme and style of your wedding. For instance, if you're having a formal wedding, a formal portrait may be the best choice. If you're having a casual, outdoor wedding, a more relaxed photo in nature could be a good option.

Convey the Right Message

The photo should reflect the tone and mood of the wedding. For example, if you're planning a fun and casual event, a candid shot might be perfect. If you want a more elegant and traditional feel, a classic posed portrait could be more suitable.

Quality is Key

Make sure the photo is high-quality, clear, well-lit, in focus, and has good exposure. It should also prominently feature the couple, avoiding any busy or cluttered compositions.

Think About Composition

Consider the layout of the invitation and choose a photo that complements it. For example, a vertical photo might work better with a portrait-oriented invitation design.

Match Your Colour Scheme

If your photo has a lot of colours, consider whether they complement your wedding colour palette. You may want the photo to be in black and white for a classic, elegant feel, or to match it to your wedding colours for a cohesive look.

Reflect Your Personality

Choose a photo that captures your personality as a couple. If you're fun-loving, opt for a joyful image that showcases your playful side. If you're nature lovers, select a photo that captures you in a natural setting.

Get Creative

If traditional portraits aren't your style, think outside the box. You could use a silhouette, a photo of your hands clasped together, or even a unique shot of the wedding venue or some wildflowers from your floral arrangement.

Remember, the right photo will capture the essence of your relationship and reflect the style and atmosphere of your special day.

Photo editing tips

• Plan your photoshootcareful planning to get the perfect shot. Use your engagement photoshoot as an opportunity to capture images for your invitation, or schedule a dedicated photoshoot if the vibe differs from your engagement photos. Consider the location, wardrobe, and specific shots you want your photographer to capture.
• Get inspired by existing designs: Before your photoshoot, browse through invitation design libraries to understand the type of shots and poses that would work best for your desired invitation style. This will help you and your partner pose in a way that captures the tone of your special day.
• Match your photo to your wedding theme: Schedule your photoshoot after finalising your venue and colour palette. This will allow you to choose a location that complements your theme and select outfits in matching colours and styles. For example, a picture of you both at the beach would be ideal for a destination, beach, or summer wedding.
• Choose pictures that complement your invitation design: Ensure your photo works well with the layout and design of the invitation. For instance, a square or vertical image might suit a particular design better than a landscape photo.
• Ensure text legibility: Placing text over photos can be tricky. Choose a photo with colours that complement the typography style and placement, ensuring the text is easy to read. Fine-line typography may get lost over busy backgrounds, and white or light-coloured lettering may disappear into lighter areas. Consider using a black and white photo for a classic, elegant look.
• Select a photo that reflects your personality: Choose an image that captures your personality and the essence of your relationship. If you're fun-loving, opt for a playful shot. Nature lovers might prefer a picture that showcases their favourite outdoor setting.
• Get creative: Feel free to step outside the box with your photo choice. Consider unique perspectives, such as a shot of your hands clasped together, or showcase something other than a couple portrait, like a favourite location or wildflowers from your floral arrangement.

Printing options

• Online Printing Services: Basic Invite, Minted, and Shutterfly are popular choices for creating photo wedding invitations. These websites offer user-friendly design tools, a wide range of customizable templates, and competitive pricing. They also provide additional stationery items to match your invitations, such as save-the-date cards, RSVP cards, and thank-you notes. Basic Invite and Minted also offer free samples so you can see the quality before placing a final order.
• Print-on-Demand Platforms: Etsy is a vast marketplace where independent sellers offer customizable photo wedding invitation templates. You can find a diverse array of designs, from minimalist to rustic styles, and even animated video invitations. Many sellers provide digital files that you can edit and print yourself, while others offer printed invitations with customizable photos and text.
• Home Printing: If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can design your invitations using software or online tools and then print them at home. Websites like Greetings Island offer free downloadable templates that you can customize and print directly from your home printer. This option gives you greater flexibility in choosing paper types and allows you to print additional items like RSVP cards without incurring extra costs.
• Local Print Shops: Engaging the services of a local print shop is an excellent option if you want to ensure the highest quality for your photo wedding invitations. Print shops often have access to advanced printing technology, producing impressive results that match your expectations. They can guide you in choosing the best paper types and finishes to make your invitations stand out.

Each printing option has its advantages, and your choice will depend on factors such as convenience, customization, and budget. Online printing services and print-on-demand platforms offer a wide range of design options and easy customization, while home printing and local print shops give you more control over the final product.

Creative ways to incorporate photos

Incorporating photos into your wedding invites is a unique way to showcase your love story and add a personal touch. Here are some creative ways to include photos in your wedding invitations:

Cut-out Shapes

Add a creative twist to your invites by using a die-cut machine or scissors to cut your photos into unique shapes, such as hearts or your initials. Attach these shaped photos to your invites for a charming, handcrafted feel.

Overlay Design

For a modern and elegant look, try placing a transparent overlay with your photo on top of the invitation's text or background. This creates a beautiful layered effect that will make your photo stand out.

Polaroid Style

Add a playful touch to your invites by giving your photos a white border and a caption, making them resemble polaroid pictures. This style is perfect for capturing casual and fun moments.

Filmstrip Design

Arrange several small photos in a filmstrip layout, with your wedding details included between each photo. This design is a creative way to showcase multiple photos and tell a story through your invitation.

Collage

Create a visually interesting design by arranging several photos in a collage. This style is perfect for showcasing a variety of memories and moments that reflect your relationship. Play with different photo sizes and orientations for added interest.

Envelope Liner

Surprise your guests with a photo envelope liner. This unexpected touch will make your invitation stand out even before it is opened. Use a scenic landscape or a favourite photo of the two of you to create a memorable first impression.

Including photos in your wedding invites is a wonderful way to share your happiness and excitement with your guests. Whether you choose a classic portrait or a fun, creative design, your invitations will be a cherished keepsake for you and your loved ones.

Photo wedding invitation templates

Including a photo in your wedding invites is a unique and creative way to share your love story with your guests. Whether you choose a formal portrait or a casual candid shot, adding a photo to your invitation will surely make it stand out. Here are some tips and ideas to help you create beautiful and memorable photo wedding invitation templates:

Choosing the Right Photo:

• Consider your wedding theme and style: Select a photo that matches the overall aesthetic of your wedding. For example, if you're having a formal wedding, consider a formal portrait, while a casual outdoor shot would be perfect for a more relaxed celebration.
• Plan your photoshoot: Discuss with your photographer the type of shots you want for your invitations. This could be during your engagement photoshoot or a dedicated session specifically for the invitations. Think about the location, wardrobe, and the type of images that will best capture your personality as a couple.
• Match your photo to your wedding colour palette: Choose outfits for your photoshoot that complement your wedding colour scheme. This will create a cohesive look and feel for your invitations and wedding theme.
• Select a high-quality image: Ensure your photo is clear, well-lit, in focus, and high-resolution. It should also prominently feature the couple, avoiding any busy or cluttered backgrounds.

Creative Ways to Incorporate Photos:

• Cut-out shapes: Get creative and cut your photo into unique shapes, such as hearts or your initials, and attach them to the invitation.
• Overlay: Place a transparent overlay with your photo over the text or background of the invitation for a stylish layered effect.
• Polaroid style: Add a fun twist by giving your photo a white border and a caption, making it look like a polaroid snapshot.
• Filmstrip: Arrange several small photos in a filmstrip style, with your wedding details included between each image.
• Collage: Create a visually interesting design by arranging multiple photos in a collage layout.
• Envelope liner: Surprise your guests by using your photo as an envelope liner, adding a personal touch even before the invitation is opened.

Online Tools and Templates:

• Basic Invite: Offers a user-friendly online editor and a wide range of customizable photo wedding invitation templates. You can easily upload your photos and personalise the design to create a unique invitation.
• Minted: Features a library of photo invitation designs by independent artists, providing inspiration for your photoshoot poses and compositions. Minted also offers custom design services to create a truly personalised invitation.
• Etsy: Provides a variety of photo wedding invitation templates, including minimalist, modern, and rustic styles. Many of these templates are editable, allowing you to easily personalise your invitation with your chosen photo.
• Greetings Island: Offers free photo wedding invitation templates with customisable text. You can download and print your invitations directly from their website or save them for later. They also provide electronic versions via email, SMS, Facebook, and WhatsApp.

Incorporating photos into your wedding invitations adds a special touch that celebrates your love story. By following these ideas and utilising the available online tools and templates, you can design beautiful and memorable photo wedding invitations that will impress your guests.

Frequently asked questions