Creating Wedding Slide Shows: A Guide To The Perfect Presentation

A wedding slideshow is a great way to showcase the love story of the couple and is a fun way to connect with guests. It can be played during the rehearsal dinner or reception, or as a background video during the cocktail hour. The length of the slideshow can vary, but it is recommended to be around 5-10 minutes to keep guests engaged. A wedding slideshow can be created using various software and tools such as iPhoto, Smilebox, Animoto, Adobe Spark, Slidely, Movavi, Canva, iMovie, PowerPoint, and Adobe Express. These tools offer customizable templates, music, colours, text, and animation to create a unique and memorable slideshow. The process typically involves selecting photos and videos, adding music, and finalizing the slideshow for display.

Choosing a theme

One option is to match the theme of your slideshow to your wedding theme. For example, if you're having a Star Wars-themed wedding, you could create a Star Wars-inspired slideshow to complement it. This approach can help to create a cohesive experience for your guests and reinforce your chosen aesthetic.

Alternatively, you can choose a theme that reflects your journey as a couple. Some popular options include:

• Past, Present, and Future: This theme allows you to include childhood photos and videos, romantic photos from your first encounters, and even photos from your travels or summer memories. It provides a well-rounded perspective of your individual and shared experiences.
• Travel-Centric: If you're a couple that loves to travel or is having a destination wedding, this theme is perfect. Include photos and videos from your previous travels, both as a couple and with family and friends. It's a great way to showcase your adventures together.
• Romantic Milestones: Focus on key milestones in your relationship, such as your first date, anniversaries, and the proposal. This theme is all about celebrating the significant moments that brought you to this point in your journey.

When choosing a theme, consider the story you want to tell. Do you want to showcase your individual personalities, your shared experiences, or the love and support of your friends and family? The theme you select will help guide your choice of photos, videos, and music, creating a cohesive and engaging slideshow that your guests will enjoy.

Selecting software

There are many software options to choose from when creating a wedding slideshow, and the right one for you will depend on your personal preferences and the features you want to include. If you're looking for a free option, you can try online tools like Smilebox, Animoto, Adobe Spark, Slidely, Movavi, or Canva. These tools offer customizable templates, drag-and-drop functionality, and the ability to add music, text, and animations to your slideshow.

If you have a Mac, iPhoto is another great option as it likely came pre-loaded on your machine. It allows you to create slideshows, add music, and arrange photos in your preferred order. Similarly, Keynote and PowerPoint are free options that you may already have on your computer and know how to use. Just be sure to avoid business-oriented layouts so your slideshow doesn't look like a work presentation.

For Windows 10 users, Animotica is a good choice as it supports pictures and video clips, as well as photo backgrounds, text overlays, and stickers. If you're looking for a more polished and professional slideshow, you can also hire a graphic designer or audiovisual professional to help you create your slideshow using software like iMovie.

When selecting software, consider the length of your slideshow, the number of photos and videos you want to include, and whether you want to add music, text, or animations. Be sure to choose software that is easy to use and has the features you need to create your dream wedding slideshow.

Picking photos and videos

First, consider the overall theme of your slideshow. This will help guide your photo and video choices. For example, if you choose a "past, present, and future" theme, you'll want to include photos and videos from different phases of your life, such as childhood, single life, and life as a couple. Include key milestones, such as your first date, anniversaries, and the proposal. Don't forget to add some fun and candid moments too!

Next, think about the people who will be attending your wedding. Your close friends and family will likely want to see themselves in the slideshow, so be sure to include photos and videos with them. Go through your Facebook albums, Instagram feed, and printed photos to find a good variety of images. Ask your friends and family to share any photos they have of you too. If you're short on photos, don't worry—you can always repeat images, and no one will mind!

When selecting photos and videos, pay attention to their quality. Choose high-resolution images that will look good on a large screen and be visible from a distance. If you're using video clips, keep them on the shorter side to maintain the flow of the slideshow.

Finally, don't forget to consider the length of your slideshow. As a general rule, it's best to keep it around 5 minutes or less, which equates to about 60 photos. This will ensure your guests stay engaged and don't lose interest.

Remember, your wedding slideshow is a chance to showcase your unique story as a couple. So, take your time, be creative, and have fun with it!

Adding music

When choosing music, opt for songs that are significant to you as a couple. This could be a favourite song that you both love to dance to, or a song that played when you first met or during your first date. These songs will add a special and unique touch to your slideshow. You can also choose popular wedding slideshow songs or fun wedding songs that complement the images typically found in wedding slideshows.

Keep in mind the tone of your slideshow when selecting music. If you have a bright and fun slideshow with a lot of humour and pictures of friends, choose happy and upbeat music. On the other hand, if your slideshow focuses primarily on the romance between you and your partner, then slower and more romantic songs would be a better fit.

To maintain the energy of the slideshow, consider using only a portion of each song, such as the chorus. This will also allow you to include a greater variety of songs. Additionally, ensure that your music is properly blended and transitions seamlessly from one song to the next. This will enhance the flow of your slideshow and improve the overall effect.

If you are unsure about which songs to choose, there are wedding slideshow makers that offer suggestions or pre-selected songs that you can use. These tools often have a wide range of music formats and compatibility, so you can easily add your favourite songs to your slideshow.

Displaying the slideshow

Displaying your wedding slideshow is the moment you've been waiting for! You've put in the work, and now it's time to share your creation with your loved ones. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth presentation:

Equipment

First, ensure you have all the necessary equipment. This includes a laptop or tablet with the slideshow file, a projector, and a screen or pale-coloured wall to project onto. Don't forget the correct cables to connect your devices, such as HDMI, VGA, or DVI. A power cord is also essential, and external speakers if your slideshow includes music.

Testing

It's always a good idea to test your setup in advance. Contact your venue manager, as they will likely be able to help you with this and provide any missing equipment. Your DJ or band should also be able to assist with technical aspects.

Timing

There are a few options for when to display your slideshow. You can set aside a specific time during the rehearsal dinner or reception for guests to watch it together. Alternatively, you can play it in the background during the cocktail hour or reception, allowing guests to view it at their leisure. If you opt for this approach, ensure the volume is low enough that it doesn't interfere with conversation or other entertainment.

Screen Size

Whether you need a projector depends on the screen size. If you want to display your slideshow on a large movie-style screen, a projector is ideal. Otherwise, a big-screen television will often suffice.

After the Wedding

Your slideshow doesn't have to be a one-time event. Consider sharing it on social media or your wedding website for those who couldn't attend the wedding or want to relive the memories. You can also display it at a family gathering or brunch the day after the wedding.

Frequently asked questions