Did you know that professional photography is one of the top things couples invest in for their wedding? And a 2016 survey by The Knot showed that nearly 90% (out of 18,000 surveyed) hired a professional photographer for their reception and ceremony. Basically, wedding photos are a big deal! They serve as lasting memories - ones you can hold in your hands and treasure for years to come.
Related: How to Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera
If you’re one of the many couples saying “I do” to a wedding photographer, or if your big day has already come and gone and you’re wondering what to do with all of those gorgeous photos, you’ve come to the right place.
I’m willing to bet that the first thing you’ll do after you receive your photos is share across social media. But what should you do with them after that, and how can you get the most use out of your investment? Here are some fun, creative, and practical wedding photo ideas.
Ways to Use Your Wedding Photos After Your Big Day
Put them on Display
You may have already planned on displaying your wedding photos in your home and/or office, but don’t just stop at putting them in a frame and setting them on the coffee table.
A creative way to display your photos is by designing a gallery wall. All you have to do is map out a grid on your chosen wall and place photos in identical frames or create a mix and match look by staggering various frame shapes, sizes, and styles. Create an elegant look by printing your photos in black and white and hanging in gold or silver frames or infuse a more whimsical vibe into your gallery wall by mixing in mirrors, fun prints, wall letters, etc.
Another way to display your wedding photos is by adorning a mantel or floating shelf with your favorite prints (use the cluster technique), wedding keepsakes, greenery, etc.
Other display ideas:
- Add to your bedside table or desk
- Hang in your office
- Put into a digital frame
- Create a shadow box
- Make into an art display (hang off a branch or put into a wreath)
Put into a Wedding Album
A wedding album is a great way to collect and store all of your favorite photos. Some photographers offer albums in their photo packages, so be sure to ask about it if you’re interested. If your photographer doesn’t offer albums, you can always create one yourself using one of the many online design services. The DIY way allows you to illustrate your love story through photos, colors, patterns, embellishments, wording, etc.
After you receive your wedding album, you can display it on your coffee table as an art book.
Related: Why You Should Say "Yes" to a Wedding Album
Create a Calendar
This is another DIY project that works great in conjunction with wedding photos. Again, there are a plethora of online printing services and in-person copy shops that can help you create a personalized photo calendar that you can hang in your home and/or give as a gift to family members. Check out Thought Co.’s informative article on how to make a photo calendar.
Submit to a Blog
If you want to see your wedding photos lit up in the public sphere (15 minutes of fame, anyone?), talk to your photographer about submitting them to your favorite wedding blogs. Whether the photos get featured will depend on each blog’s submission criteria and if your photo style/wedding theme fits the blog’s aesthetic. Read through the submission details on the websites you would like to submit to and discuss the process with your wedding photographer before sending out anything.
Give as Gifts
Family members will for sure want you to share your wedding photos with them, so why not surprise them with a few photo gifts? Think framed prints, the calendar you created, a parent photo album, mugs, pillows, coasters, and canvas prints.
Put in Thank You Cards
You’re planning on sending out thank you cards anyway, so why not include one of your wedding photos into each card? If you want to go the extra mile, consider a custom photo for each recipient - perhaps a candid captured moment of the guest or a group photo he or she was a part of.
Even if your wedding was a year or more ago, it’s never too late to get out those photos and create something new from them. Get the most out of your investment and your photographer’s creativity and talent by sharing, displaying, and cherishing your wedding photos each and every day.
Related: How To Look Your Best In Your Wedding Photos and 5 Crucial Questions to Ask Your Wedding Photographer
Looking for more fun, creative, and practical ideas to get the most out of your wedding photos? I've got you covered - click the button below and let's talk!
Share this story
