Creating A Wooden Wedding Album: A Diy Guide

A wedding album is a great way to preserve your precious wedding memories. While traditional photo albums feature photos placed in plastic sleeves, modern couples are increasingly opting for DIY wedding photo books that allow for more customisation. You can make your own wooden wedding album from scratch or buy one from a platform like Etsy, which offers unique and handmade options from sellers worldwide.

If you're looking for a wooden wedding album, you can choose from different types of wood, such as beech, cherry, or natural wood. You can also personalise the album with engravings and select from various paper types, including kraft, black, crystal white, and watercolour cardboard.

Creating a wooden wedding album involves curating your favourite photos, designing the layout, and adding personal touches. You can include a mix of candid and posed shots, detail shots, and portraits. Additionally, consider the narrative flow by arranging photos chronologically or thematically.

Remember, the key to a meaningful wedding album is curating and designing it to reflect your unique style and the sentiment of your special day.

Choosing a wooden cover

Type of Wood

Firstly, decide on the type of wood you would like for your album cover. Some popular options include beech, cherry, natural wood, and black wood. You can also choose between different finishes, such as a natural finish that highlights the unique grain of the wood or a painted finish in your choice of colour.

Engravings

Consider adding a personal touch to your wooden cover with engravings. You can engrave your names, the date of your wedding, or a meaningful quote. Some companies even offer laser engraving for a precise and polished look. You can also opt for a carved design, such as flowers or other decorative elements.

Size

Wooden wedding albums come in various sizes, so choose one that fits your needs. Common options include A4, A5, and A6. If you plan to include many photos and mementos, a larger size might be best. However, if you prefer a more compact album or have a smaller number of photos, a smaller size may be more suitable.

Customization

Many wooden wedding albums offer customization options beyond engravings. For example, you can choose the type of paper used for the pages, select a colour scheme that matches your wedding theme, or add extra pages for more photos. You may also be able to include "extra" sets of paper, such as cardboard or kraft paper, for a unique touch.

Binding

Consider the binding of your wooden wedding album. Some albums have a binder-style binding, which allows for easy addition of pages. Others may have a more traditional book-style binding. Think about how many photos you plan to include and whether you might want to add more in the future.

Protection

Finally, consider how you will protect your wooden wedding album. Some albums come with a keepsake box or sleeve, which can help protect it from dust and damage. You may also want to look into treatments or coatings that can be applied to the wood to enhance its durability and protect it from the elements.

Selecting paper type

Selecting the right paper type is crucial for a wooden wedding album. The paper you choose should complement the wooden cover and bring your photos to life. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the paper type for your wooden wedding album:

Paper Thickness

The thickness of the paper will impact the overall look and feel of your album. Thicker paper, often described as cardstock or cardboard, can give a more premium and luxurious feel to your album. On the other hand, thinner paper can create a more delicate and elegant appearance. Consider how you want your final product to look and feel when choosing the thickness of your paper.

Paper Finish

The finish of the paper refers to its coating and texture. Common finishes include matte, satin, and gloss. A matte finish provides a soft and understated look, while a satin finish offers a subtle sheen. If you want your photos to really pop, consider a gloss finish, which gives a shiny and vibrant appearance. Think about the atmosphere you want to create with your album and choose a finish that aligns with it.

Paper Colour

The colour of the paper can either enhance or detract from your photos. Neutral colours such as white, off-white, cream, or light grey are often recommended as they provide a classic and elegant backdrop for your images. However, if you want to make a statement, consider a coloured paper that complements your wedding colour palette. Just be sure to choose a colour that won't overwhelm your photos.

Paper Weight

The weight of the paper is measured in grams per square meter (gsm). A higher gsm indicates a heavier and thicker paper. For a wedding album that feels substantial and durable, opt for a paper weight of at least 150 gsm. This will ensure your album can withstand frequent handling and will last for years to come.

Paper Texture

The texture of the paper can add a subtle tactile element to your album. Smooth paper provides a sleek and modern look, while textured paper creates a more rustic or handcrafted feel. Consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and choose a paper texture that aligns with it.

Paper Size

The size of the paper will depend on the dimensions of your album. Standard paper sizes include A4, A5, and A6. However, you can also opt for custom sizes to fit your specific album dimensions. Ensure that the paper size you choose allows your photos to be displayed without cropping or distortion.

When selecting the paper type for your wooden wedding album, consider factors such as thickness, finish, colour, weight, texture, and size. Choose a paper that complements the wooden cover and showcases your photos beautifully. Remember to consider the overall aesthetic you want to achieve and select a paper type that aligns with your vision.

Uploading photos

• Choose the Right Platform: Select an online platform or software that allows you to create custom photo albums. Some popular options include Shutterfly, Artifact Uprising, and Mixbook. These platforms offer user-friendly interfaces and a range of customisation options.
• Prepare Your Photos: Ensure you have access to high-resolution images from your wedding photographer. You may need to download the original, edited photos from their website or request that they provide you with the files. It is recommended to have images with a resolution of at least 2,200 pixels on the short edge and a DPI of around 300.
• Curate Your Selection: Before uploading, curate your photos by choosing the best shots that capture the emotions and key moments of your wedding. Select a mix of candid and posed photos, including portraits, details, and establishing shots. Aim for a variety of images that tell the story of your wedding day.
• Upload Photos: Follow the instructions on your chosen platform to upload your final selection of photos. Create an account and log in, then locate the "Upload" or "Add Photos" button. Select the files from your device, and wait for them to finish uploading.
• Organise and Edit: Once your photos are uploaded, you can organise them into categories or sections such as "Ceremony," "Cocktails," "Dinner," and "Dance Party." This helps create a chronological narrative or thematic flow to your album. You may also be able to edit the photos directly on the platform, making adjustments to lighting, colour, and other enhancements.
• Back Up Your Work: Don't forget to save your progress and back up your work. Creating a wooden wedding album can be a time-intensive process, and you don't want to lose your hard work due to a technical glitch.

Remember to take your time and enjoy the process of uploading and selecting your photos. Curating your wedding album is a special way to relive your wedding day and create a lasting keepsake.

Picking a layout

• Consider the number of photos you want to include. Most photo albums range from 30 to 210 pages, and it is recommended to have no more than 3 images per two-page layout. So, depending on how many photos you want to include, you can decide on the number of pages and the layout of each page.
• Choose a mix of layouts: Opt for a variety of layouts to make your album interesting and engaging. You can include full-page spreads, two-page spreads, and single-photo pages. Play around with different shapes, sizes, and positioning of photos to create visual appeal.
• Chronological or thematic order: Decide on the order of your photos. You can arrange them in chronological order, telling the story of your wedding day as it unfolded. Or, you can opt for a thematic sequence that focuses on specific aspects, such as the ceremony, cocktails, dinner, and dance party.
• Leave some white space: Don't fill every inch of the page with photos. White space can frame your photos beautifully and give them room to breathe. It can also emphasise the emotional impact of the images.
• Consider your design skills: Be realistic about your design skills and choose a layout method that suits your abilities. You can go the totally DIY route and design everything yourself, or you can use templates and pre-designed layouts for guidance.
• Tell your story: Your wedding album should showcase the sentiment of your wedding and tell your unique story. Include a mix of establishing shots, tiny details, candids, and posed images to create a dynamic album.
• Get creative: If you want to make your wooden wedding album even more special, consider adding engraved details, custom artwork, or other personalised touches. You can also opt for a wooden cover with flexible hinges or a wooden box to store your album in.

Adding finishing touches

Adding those all-important finishing touches to your wooden wedding album will make it truly special and unique to you and your partner. Here are some ideas to help you complete your album:

Choose your paper

Select the paper that you feel best showcases your photos. You could opt for the timeless elegance of lustre paper, or perhaps the matte, eggshell texture of superfine paper is more your style.

Add extra pages

If you have lots of photos you want to include, you can choose to add extra pages to your album. This will ensure you can include all your favourite images without having to narrow it down too much.

Include mementos

Add extra layers of meaning to your album by including mementos from your wedding day. You could include items such as your vows, invitations, or a handwritten note. These will make your album a truly intimate journey through your most memorable day.

Opt for a gift box

Consider purchasing a gift box to protect your album. A wooden or engraved box will not only keep your album safe from damage but will also add to the aesthetic appeal.

Ask for a second opinion

Before you finalise your album, ask a friend or family member to take a look. They may spot something you've missed, or suggest a different layout or photo selection.

Final review

Once you've made all your selections and are happy with the layout, review the album as a whole. Check for any mistakes or typos, and ensure the album flows smoothly and tells the story of your special day.

Frequently asked questions