I think we can all agree that wedding photos are ESSENTIAL. This is one of the biggest days of your life, and of course, it needs to be documented! But can we also agree that wedding photos should be used for more than just one photo album? You are investing the money into beautiful portraits; let’s get you the most out of it. Here are my eight favorite ways to use your wedding photos.

Home Decor

One of the best things about wedding photos is that they are timeless. Whether you are 26 or 86, it is a good idea to display your wedding portraits in your home. You can do this by printing your photos out for a large gallery wall full of photos from your big day or by creating a timeline that starts with your wedding portrait and can be added to with family photos in the years following. A small favorite portrait in a personalized frame is the perfect addition to your bedroom nightstand. There are countless ways to use your photos to decorate!

Memories for future generations

Although it is hard to imagine right now, your wedding photos will probably be enjoyed for generations to come. One way to use your photos is to collect keepsakes from your wedding day and create a scrapbook filled with your favorite portraits and stories for your children and grandchildren to look through and enjoy.

Guest Book

If you take your formal portraits before your wedding day, you can use the photos on your big day! Have a personalized guest book, such as this one from Shutterfly, created with your wedding photos. This will make your wedding guest book even more fun to look through later on.

Thank-you notes

After the wedding is over, use your wedding photos to create beautiful thank-you notes to send out to your loved ones who supported you on your big day. There are several online options for printing custom thank-you cards, such as VistaPrint.

Christmas cards

I love printing and sending physical Christmas cards. Whether it is your first Christmas together or you’ve been together for years, your wedding portraits would make a perfect addition to your annual Christmas card!

Photobook gifts

Parents and grandparents would love to receive a small photo book full of photos from your wedding day as a gift.

Puzzles

Need a fun idea for your wedding favors? Or a unique Christmas gift idea for the family? Turn your favorite wedding portrait into a custom-made puzzle!

Future gifts

I love being able to capture the authentic, joyful relationships between subjects on my client’s wedding day, which makes for cherished keepsakes beyond just documentation of your big day. You will receive photos of you with various different guests and family members. Hold on to these photos and use them for future gifts to these loved ones.

Before you file away that wedding album on your computer, take a look and see if there is more you can do!