Creating A Cherished Wedding Album For Your Parents

A parent wedding album is a meaningful way to say thank you to your parents for their love and support during your wedding planning. It is a gift that your parents will treasure for years to come, and they will appreciate the time and thought that has gone into getting it just right. When designing a parent album, you can either create an exact replica of your own wedding album or design a unique one for each set of parents. The latter option allows for a more personalised gift, with a different look and tone that reflects the individual styles and images you think your parents will enjoy most.

When deciding which photos to include, consider a mix of couple/individual portraits and group shots. You can make stacks of photos you definitely want to include, those you don't, and those you're unsure about. Take your time going through the unsure stack, as with a little thought, you'll be able to choose the photos your parents will enjoy seeing most.

It's also a nice touch to add a thank-you message at the beginning of the album to express your gratitude. This can be short and sweet or a full-page message.

Selecting photos: choose a mix of couple/individual portraits and group shots

When selecting photos for a wedding album, it's important to remember that the purpose of the album is to tell the story of the day and create a narrative portrait. This means including a range of images, such as getting-ready images, portraits, family photos, wedding party shots, and group shots.

A good mix of images will ensure the album doesn't feel cluttered. Include documentary images, portraits, details, locations, and group shots. It's also a good idea to focus on the most important images first and then build the album around them. These are likely to include the arrival at the venue, the walk down the aisle, the vows, leaving the ceremony, and main posed photos with the bridal party and close family.

Portraits are an essential part of the album and it's recommended to include them on the first and last pages. These could be just of the couple or a mix of couple portraits and group shots. Couple portraits can be a great way to introduce and conclude the album, serving as a reminder of the love and union being celebrated.

When it comes to group shots, it's best to focus on a small number of images per spread to ensure all faces are clearly visible. For example, 2-4 images per spread is often enough to capture the energy of the group without making the page look too busy. If there is a shot of all the wedding guests, consider using a one-image template across a double-page spread for impact.

In addition to the couple portraits and group shots, it's also worth including individual portraits of the bride and groom. These could be getting-ready shots, such as the bride putting on her dress or the groom adjusting his boutonniere. Including these individual portraits adds a personal touch and captures the emotions of the day.

Customisation: design a unique album for each set of parents

Customising a wedding album for each set of parents is a great way to make them feel extra special and valued. Here are some tips to help you design a unique album for each of them:

Choose your design approach

You can opt for one of two approaches when creating parent albums. The first option is for both you and your spouse to design an album together, which will then be duplicated for each set of parents. This approach ensures consistency and can save time and energy. The second option is for each spouse to design an album for their respective parents. This approach allows for more personalisation and unique designs that cater to each set of parents' tastes.

Select the album size

The size of the album will depend on various factors, such as the number of photos you want to include and the desired level of portability. Common sizes offered by album creators include 8"x8", 10"x10", and 12"x12". The 10"x10" and 8"x8" sizes are often chosen for parent albums.

Consider your parents' preferences

When selecting photos for the album, try to consider your parents' preferences. Include plenty of images of yourself and your spouse, as well as family formal sessions. They might also appreciate shots of their reactions during key moments, such as your vow exchange or reception speeches. Additionally, consider including photos of family members and friends who are closest to them, as these familiar faces will add a personal touch.

Include a variety of images

While it's important to include the usual wedding highlights, such as the first look, ceremony, and couple reception pics, don't be afraid to mix things up. Include a range of images that showcase different aspects of the day, such as "getting ready" photos, family portraits, and candid shots of your parents' friends having fun at the reception. Try to strike a balance between formal and informal images to create a well-rounded album.

Customise the album design and materials

Think about customising the album's design and materials to match your parents' styles and tastes. Consider whether they would prefer a genuine leather cover or a sophisticated linen cover that complements the aesthetic of their living room. You can also add a personal touch by including a thank-you message at the beginning of the album, expressing your gratitude for their love and support.

Size: pick a size, common options include 8x8, 10x10, and 12x12

When it comes to the size of your parent's wedding album, there are a few common options to choose from. The most popular sizes are 8"x8", 10"x10", and 12"x12". These sizes are offered by many album-making services and can be designed with a variety of cover options and customisations.

The 10"x10" and 8"x8" sizes are the most frequently chosen by couples for their parents' albums. These sizes offer a balance between being large enough to showcase the beautiful wedding photos while also being compact enough to easily display on a coffee table or bookshelf.

If you want to include a lot of large, panoramic photos in your album, you might consider opting for the larger 12"x12" size. This size provides ample space for showcasing those breathtaking landscape-oriented photos and can make a bold statement when displayed.

On the other hand, if you're looking for something more compact and easy to handle, the 8"x8" size might be the perfect choice. This size is especially suitable if you plan to include a lot of close-up portraits and smaller group shots. It's also ideal if you want to create a parent album that can be easily carried around or slipped into a purse for proud parents to show off to their friends!

Ultimately, the size you choose depends on your preferences and the types of photos you want to include. You might even decide to create albums in multiple sizes, each with a unique set of photos tailored to your parents' tastes.

Thank you message: add a heartfelt message at the beginning

A parent wedding album is a heartfelt way to thank your parents for their years of love and support. Adding a personalised message at the beginning of the album is a wonderful way to express your gratitude and set the tone for the rest of the album. Here are some ideas for a heartfelt message to your parents:

"Dear Mum and Dad,

Thank you for all the love and support you've given us throughout the years. Our wedding day was made so much more special by having you there, and we will always be grateful for your presence, guidance and wisdom. We hope that you enjoy reliving the memories captured in this album and that it brings you as much joy as it does for us.

With all our love,

[Your names]"

"To our dearest parents,

Thank you for everything you have done for us in the lead up to our wedding day and throughout our lives. We are so thankful for your unwavering support and the love that you have shown us. We hope that this album serves as a reminder of the wonderful memories created on our special day, and we look forward to creating many more memories together as a family.

With love and gratitude,

[Your names]"

"Mum and Dad,

We want to express our deepest gratitude for everything you have done for us. Our wedding day was made even more magical by having you by our side, and we are so thankful for your presence and support. We hope that this album brings you joy and allows you to relive the emotions and moments from our special day. Thank you for being our pillars of strength and for raising us to be the people we are today.

With love,

[Your names]"

"To our wonderful parents,

Thank you for all the love, guidance and support you have given us over the years. Our wedding day was truly magical, and we are so grateful to have had you by our side to share in our joy. We hope that this album serves as a reminder of the happy memories created on that day and that it brings you as much happiness as it does for us. We look forward to creating many more memories together as a family.

With love and appreciation,

[Your names]"

Delivery: decide whether to deliver the album in person or straight to your parents

When it comes to delivering the wedding album to your parents, you have two main options: delivering it in person or sending it straight to them. Here are some considerations for each option:

Delivering the Album in Person

This option allows you to see your parents' reactions as they receive the album, which can be a heartwarming experience for both you and them. It also gives you the opportunity to spend time with your parents and perhaps even look through the album together, reliving the memories of your wedding day. If you have a close relationship with your parents and live relatively close by, this option may be ideal.

However, delivering the album in person may not be feasible if you live far away or have a busy schedule that makes it difficult to find a mutually convenient time to meet. In such cases, you may want to consider the alternative option.

Sending the Album Directly to Your Parents

Choosing to send the album straight to your parents can be a convenient option, especially if they live far away or if your schedule is tight. This method ensures they receive the album promptly without the need for travel or scheduling complications. Additionally, if you're creating a surprise gift, sending it directly to them can help maintain the element of surprise.

On the other hand, by sending the album directly, you miss out on the opportunity to witness their initial reaction to the album and share that experience with them in person.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal circumstances and preferences. Both options have their advantages, and the choice should be based on what feels most comfortable and meaningful for you and your parents.

Frequently asked questions