Creating Cherished Wedding Photobooks For Your Parents

Creating a wedding photobook for your parents is a heartfelt way of saying thank you for their years of love and support. It's also a chance for them to relive the emotions and moments of your wedding day. But how do you go about making one?

First, you'll want to decide whether to create a replica of your own wedding album or design something new. You might opt for a unique photobook for each set of parents, or you and your spouse could each design an album for your respective parents. You'll also need to choose the type of album you want to assemble, from a traditional wedding photo album to a softcover book or a layflat album.

Next, it's time to select your photos. Go through your wedding snaps and pick out your favourites, bearing in mind that you'll want to tell a story with your images. You'll probably want to include photos from every stage of the day, from getting ready to the send-off, and don't forget those all-important family portraits! Once you've chosen your images, you can start organising them. Group them by people, or go with a chronological order – whatever makes the most sense to you and your partner.

Finally, it's time to assemble your album. You can do this yourself using an online photo album maker, or you might prefer to use a more general online photo album service or a traditional photo album from a craft store. Whichever route you choose, you'll be able to customise your photobook with your chosen images, as well as adding text and other decorative touches.

Choosing the right photos: Select a range of photos that tell the story of your wedding day, from getting ready to the ceremony and reception

When choosing the photos for your wedding photobook, it's important to select a range of photos that tell the story of your wedding day. This includes photos from the getting-ready stage, the ceremony, and the reception. Here are some tips to help you choose the right photos for your photobook:

Getting Ready

Include photos that capture the candid moments and emotions of you, your partner, and your wedding party getting ready for the big day. This could be photos of you both getting ready separately, as well as photos of the wedding dress, suit, jewellery, fragrances, shoes, and other details. If you had a "first look" moment, be sure to add those reaction shots as well.

The Ceremony

The ceremony is the main event, so be sure to include a mix of photos that capture the essence of the occasion. Include photos of your guests arriving, the bride or groom walking down the aisle, reaction shots, exchanging of vows, signing of the marriage certificate, and the first kiss. Don't forget to capture photos of the wedding party, guests doing readings, and the overall atmosphere of the ceremony venue.

The Reception

The reception is a time to celebrate, so include photos that showcase the warmth and love between you, your partner, and your guests. Capture the candid moments, smiles, congratulatory hugs, and champagne toasts. Include some formal group shots of the wedding party, extended family, and close friends. Also, don't forget to get photos of the wedding cake, the speeches, and the first dance.

Remember to choose photos that not only look great but also tell the story of your wedding day. Select photos that showcase the range of emotions, from excitement and anticipation to joy and celebration. By choosing a variety of photos, you can create a narrative that your parents can relive and cherish for years to come.

Album type: Opt for a layflat or flush mount album for a seamless look or a traditional hardcover photo book

When it comes to the type of album you choose for your wedding photobook, there are a few options to consider. Here are some details on the different types of albums available:

Layflat or Flush Mount Album:

• This style of album has pages that lay flat without any gutter or bulge in the center, allowing for seamless panoramic spreads.
• Flush mount albums traditionally have photo prints dry-mounted onto an archival board, forming a rigid backbone for each page.
• The pages of flush mount albums are typically thicker and more rigid than those of other albums, giving the album a high-quality feel.
• Silver Halide or Giclée printing is commonly used in flush mount albums, offering superior print quality compared to digital printing.
• Flush mount albums often feature a rigid core made from materials such as PVC or Polystyrene, adding to their durability.
• This type of album is ideal for displaying panoramic photos and creating a luxurious, seamless look.

Traditional Hardcover Photo Book:

• Classic hardcover photo books are an affordable option that still offers a stylish and elegant way to showcase your wedding photos.
• These albums typically have a linen fabric cover with your favourite photo printed on it, creating a timeless keepsake.
• Hardcover photo books are perfect for gifting to parents, in-laws, or grandparents, offering a contemporary way to relive the wedding day.
• While they may not have the same seamless look as layflat or flush mount albums, hardcover photo books are a more economical choice.
• You can often customise hardcover photo books with different fabrics, colours, and textures to match your parents' tastes or living room aesthetic.

When deciding between a layflat/flush mount album and a traditional hardcover photo book, consider your budget and the desired level of luxury. Layflat and flush mount albums offer a seamless, high-end look, while hardcover photo books provide a more affordable option without compromising on quality.

Customisation: Consider personalising the album with a thank-you message or a dedication to your parents

Adding a thank-you message or a dedication to your parents is a great way to personalise your wedding photobook. This message can be short and sweet or a full-page dedication—it all depends on how you prefer to convey your emotions and what you want to say. You could focus on the love and support they provided in the lead-up to your wedding or use the opportunity to thank them for raising you to be the person you are today.

If you're stuck on what to write, here are some ideas to get you started:

• "Thank you for all your love and support throughout the years. We hope you enjoy reliving the memories of our special day through these photos."
• "We are so grateful to have you by our sides on this special day and always. Thank you for everything."
• "To our wonderful parents, thank you for your endless love, guidance, and support. We hope these photos bring back fond memories of our wedding day."

In addition to a heartfelt message, you can also consider including photos of your parents in the photobook. This could be images of them on your wedding day, such as during the family formal session or their reactions during your vow exchange or reception speeches. They might also appreciate seeing photos of themselves with their friends and family who attended the wedding.

Remember, the key to customisation is to make the photobook reflect your parents' styles and preferences. Think about the type of album they would like, the cover material and colour, and the overall layout and design. By personalising the photobook, you'll create a cherished keepsake that your parents will treasure for years to come.

Album design: Use online tools or software to design the layout, or work with a professional photographer

When it comes to designing your wedding photo book for your parents, you can either use online tools or software, or enlist the help of a professional photographer. Here are some options and tips to help you get started:

Online Tools and Software

If you want to design the album yourself, there are many online tools and software programs available that offer customizable templates and easy-to-use features. Here are some options to consider:

• Flipsnack: This platform offers free, professionally-created photo album layouts that are easily customizable. You can drag and drop photos, resize, crop, and rearrange them as you wish. You can also add text and choose from various fonts and colours. The entire process is quick and simple, and you can download your design as a PDF to print or share online.
• Adobe Bridge: This software provides flexible batch processing for organizing and editing photos. It offers integrated access to your files, allowing you to create new creative projects. You can edit photos in batches, set favourite colour adjustments, add watermarks, and more. The standard edition is free and offers unlimited use.
• FlipHTML5: This is a free photo album software for Windows that helps you bring your DIY photo album ideas to life. You can easily import your pictures and create a photo album with a nice reading interface. It also supports multimedia and animations, and offers a free online publishing service.
• MAGIX Photostory Deluxe: This software includes a powerful built-in graphic editor, perfect text management, and a user-friendly interface. It works with various popular formats and is compatible with RAW files. It offers both automatic and manual retouching options, with a focus on colour and light correction.
• Shutterfly: This software provides a large library of backgrounds, clip art, and templates. It also has an online slideshow maker, allowing you to easily create photo albums, apply styles, add text, stickers, and adjust your photos.
• Bookemon: Bookemon is a publishing house that allows you to create and sell books. It offers easy-to-understand tools, and you can print and sell your books through their store or make them available online.

Working with a Professional Photographer

If you prefer to work with a professional, consider partnering with a photographer who can help you design and create a gorgeous photo album. For example, nPhoto offers custom design templates and has a bespoke design program, nDesigner, that is intuitive and easy to use. Their design tools are straightforward, allowing you to create stunning photo albums without the hassle. They also partner with companies like FUNDY and Smart Albums, providing additional options for professional photographers.

Remember, when designing your photo album, it's important to choose high-quality images that evoke feelings and emotions. Select photos that tell a story and include a mix of close-ups, wide-angle shots, and panoramas to create a dynamic visual experience.

Duplication: Create duplicate albums for each set of parents, with personalised touches for each

Wedding photobooks are a great way to commemorate your special day and make for a heartfelt gift for your parents. When creating duplicate albums for each set of parents, consider the following:

Choose your Software

There are many online platforms and software to help you design your photobook. Blurb, for example, offers a range of options, from browser-based software to more robust desktop software. PikPerfect is another platform that offers design services and customisation options.

Create a Base Album

Start by creating a base album that includes photos you want to be featured in both albums. This can include photos from the beginning of the day, such as getting ready, formal and family portraits, the ceremony, reception, and send-off. You can also include behind-the-scenes and candid shots, such as parents' reactions during the vow exchange or reception speeches.

Duplicate and Personalise

Once you have your base album, simply duplicate it and then personalise each copy with specific photos for each set of parents. For instance, you can include photos of each parent with the happy couple, as well as photos of their respective families and friends. You can also consider choosing different cover images and designs that reflect their individual styles and personalities.

Add a Thank You Message

To make the photobook even more special, consider adding a heartfelt thank-you message at the beginning of the book. This is a wonderful way to express your gratitude for their love and support.

Consider Practicalities

Remember to make backup copies of your wedding photos and store them in multiple places, as photographers usually only keep the images for a certain amount of time. Additionally, consider the type of album you want, such as layflat or flush mount, and the materials used, such as leather, linen, silk, or acrylic. These choices can reflect the theme and style of your wedding.

Creating duplicate wedding photobooks for your parents is a thoughtful way to help them relive the emotions and memories of your wedding day. By following these steps and adding your own creative touches, you can design albums that will be cherished for years to come.

Frequently asked questions