Creating A Wedding Photo Wall: A Guide To Capturing Memories

Wedding photography is a significant investment, with costs accounting for 8-10% of the average wedding budget, so it's no surprise that couples want to display their photos in the best way possible. Creating a wedding photo wall is a fantastic way to celebrate and relive the joy of your special day. However, it can be a daunting task, from choosing the right photos and frames to deciding on the layout and design. To help you get started, Kelly Karwoski-Reykdal, a Lifestyle Design Mentor, recommends beginning with your favourite wedding picture of you and your partner as the centrepiece, and then working outwards with family and wedding party photos, adding in details that best tell the story of your day.

Choosing the photos

A good starting point is to choose your favourite wedding picture of you and your partner. This is the heart of your photo wall, where the story begins. From there, you can work outwards, adding in photos of family and the wedding party. You can then include details from the day—the photos that showcase the little moments and memories that made your wedding unique. These might include photos of your rings, the venue, your bouquet, and other meaningful details.

When deciding on the number of photos to include, remember that odd numbers are usually more visually appealing. For example, if you have three photos with people, you could mix it up with two images of meaningful details, giving you a total of five photos.

If you're struggling to decide between a few photos, you can always print a few extras and swap them around. Keep them behind your other photos in the same frame, so you can easily change them up and keep your photo wall feeling fresh.

Finally, consider mixing colour photos with black and white images. This will add dimension to your photo wall and create a more dynamic display.

Picking the wall

Firstly, consider the space you want to fill. Is it above a bed, over a table, or down a hallway? The size of the space and the number of frames it can accommodate will determine the size of your prints or canvases. For instance, a large, open wall can handle a greater number of photos and larger frames, whereas a more confined space, like a hallway, may be better suited to a single row of smaller frames.

Secondly, think about the style of your photos and the surrounding decor. If you're opting for a formal look with bold black-and-white photos, a classic gallery wall in a living room or dining room could be a great choice. On the other hand, if you're leaning towards colourful prints, a more casual space like a family room or breakfast nook might be a better fit.

Additionally, decide whether you want your wedding photos to be in a public space or a more intimate area of your home. A public space, such as the living room, could be a great way to showcase your special day to guests, whereas a more private space, like the bedroom, might be more suitable for a smaller, more personal display.

Finally, when picking the wall, consider the lighting in the space. Natural light can really make your photos pop, so choosing a wall near a window can enhance the overall look of your display.

Remember, the key is to choose a wall that not only fits your display but also complements the style and theme of your photos, creating a cohesive and visually appealing wedding photo wall.

Framing

Lifestyle Design Mentor, Kelly Karwoski-Reykdal, recommends that the key to a successful photo wall collage is making it look organised, but not over-styled. This can be an intimidating process, so it's important to start with one frame that you like. From there, you can decide if you want to stick with a single style or mix in a few different styles. If you want a crisp, clean look, go with the same colour frame. For an eclectic style, bring in two additional styles, remembering that odd numbers are best.

When it comes to the size of your frames, first consider the space where you want to hang your wedding photos. Then, choose frames that fit that space well. Whether you're hanging your collage above a bed, over a table, or down a hallway, take the time to plan how many frames you'll need to fill the space proportionately.

Another tip is to frame your photos with a border inside the frame. If you prefer canvas prints, tape paper up on the wall first to see what arrangement looks best before ordering your canvas sizes.

If you want to include actual items from your wedding, such as your first dance lyrics, wedding invitation, or programme, consider framing them or displaying them on a table or shelf within the room. Floating shelves can be used, but they make curating a photo display more challenging.

To keep your photo wall from looking messy, here are some additional tips:

• Hang your photos so that the centre of each piece of art is about 57 inches off the ground.
• Purchase frames with a mat or border to maintain a gallery look.
• Print your photos in a matte finish rather than glossy.
• Centre the collage over the chosen space, whether it's a wall, couch, or table.
• Leave an even amount of wall space between pictures.
• Use wire to hang items instead of the hooks on the back of the frame to avoid a crooked display.
• Map out the arrangement on the floor below the space before hanging to visualise the final look.

Printing

When it comes to printing your photos for your wedding photo wall, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, decide on the size of the prints. This will depend on the space you have available and the number of photos you want to display. If you're creating a collage, you'll need to choose frames that fit the space and then print your photos accordingly. For a more eclectic look, mix and match different frame styles and sizes, but remember to keep it symmetrical. If you're going for a more uniform look, choose one frame style and size for all your photos.

Another thing to consider is the finish of your prints. A matte finish is recommended over a glossy finish to give your photo wall a more professional and polished look. If you're printing in colour, you might want to include some black-and-white photos to add dimension and interest to your display. You can also mix and match colour and black-and-white photos to suit the style of the room. For example, bold black-and-white photos work well in a formal room, while a family room is a great space to showcase full-colour prints.

When it comes to the number of photos to print, remember that odd numbers are your friend. Start with your favourite wedding photo of you and your partner, and then work outwards with family and wedding party photos. You can add in details from the day, such as photos of your rings, the venue, or your bouquet. If you're unsure, it's always a good idea to print a few extra photos so you can swap them out and keep your photo wall fresh and full of memories.

Finally, don't forget to consider the surrounding space and style of your home when planning your prints. You want your photo wall to complement the existing décor and style of the room.

Hanging

Start by choosing the wall you want to display your photos on. Consider the size of the wall and the number of photos you plan to hang. This will help you determine the appropriate size and arrangement of your photo collage.

Before you begin hanging, it's essential to plan the layout of your photo wall. You can do this by arranging the frames on the floor in front of the wall. Play around with different arrangements until you find one that creates a symmetrical and aesthetically pleasing design. Keep in mind that odd numbers tend to be more visually appealing, so aim for an odd number of frames if possible.

Once you've decided on the layout, it's time to start hanging. A crucial tip to remember is that the centre of your collage should be at eye level, which is typically around 57 inches off the ground. This will ensure your photo wall is easily viewable and doesn't look too high or too low.

When hanging your frames, it's recommended to use wire instead of the hooks attached to the back of the frame. This is because frames often have hooks that aren't parallel, causing your pictures to look crooked. Using wire will help ensure your photo wall looks straight and neat.

Another tip to avoid a messy look is to leave an even amount of wall space between each picture. This creates a sense of balance and intentionality in your display. Additionally, try to centre the collage over the chosen space, whether it's centred on a wall, above a piece of furniture, or behind a table.

Finally, always map out the arrangement on the floor below the space before you start hanging. This will help you visualise the final result and make any necessary adjustments. Creating a photo wall for your wedding can be a fun project, and by following these hanging instructions, you'll be able to achieve a polished and professional look.

Frequently asked questions