How To Choose The Perfect Pictures For Your Wedding Album

Choosing the perfect pictures for your wedding album is no easy task, especially when there’s hundreds you can choose from.  I was sitting down with one of my brides one day talking about wedding albums and how they should tell the story of your wedding day from beginning to end and which pictures should go on which spread. Then she asked me if I would be willing to write something like a small guide that would help her choose the right images and not get overwhelmed in the process. And I thought to myself, what a fantastic idea! Because I want as many brides and photographers alike to benefit from these little guidelines I put together, I thought it would only be fitting to share it with everybody on the blog today.

Here are 15 ideas to create 15 different spreads (30 pages) for your wedding album. Your wedding album will be your first family heirloom and it is important that your wedding day is represented in chronological order. From the getting ready part of the day, to your last dance and grand exit, all the important moments should be included in this gorgeous custom made book to preserve your memories.

1st Spread: Details, Wedding Venue 

The first spread should include images of the wedding venue and wedding details, such as: wedding dress, shoes, jewelry, flowers, invitation, etc.

2nd Spread: Pre-Ceremony Pictures

This spread should focus on the candid moments that happen before the ceremony: bride getting her hair and makeup done, candid shots of the bridal party, any gift exchanges, etc.

3rd Spread: Bride Getting Ready

This spread should contain pictures of the bride after she steps into her wedding dress for the first time, for example: mom zipping up the back of the dress, bride putting her earrings on, etc.

4th Spread: Groom Getting Ready

The groom putting on his jacket and buttoning it, fixing his tie and putting on his cufflinks are images that could be included in this spread.

5th Spread: First Look

The images of the bride and groom seeing each other for the first time should grace the pages of this spread.

6th Spread: Bride And Groom Portraits

This spread is all about the wedded couple. Their favorite images of the two of them should go here.

7th Spread: Ceremony Decor

This spread should include pictures of the ceremony site before the guests arrived and any decorations and details that were used (flowers, backdrops, etc.)

8th Spread: Ceremony

This spread could include pictures of the bride walking down the aisle, the groom’s reaction, overall shot of the ceremony, the first kiss as a married couple, and the bride and groom walking out.

9th Spread: Bridal Party Pictures

This spread should focus on pictures of the bride and groom surrounded by their favorite people they chose to be by their side at the wedding.

10th Spread: Family Portraits (Bride’s Side)

This spread is dedicated to the bride’s family photos.

11th Spread: Family Portraits (Groom’s Side)

This spread is dedicated to the groom’s family photos.

12th Spread: Bride And Groom Sunset Portraits

The first photos as a married couple should be included in this spread. These pictures are usually taken at sunset.

13th Spread: Reception Decor

This spread should include pictures of the reception site before the guests arrived and any decorations and details that were used (center pieces, bride and groom’s sweetheart table, flowers, menu, cake, etc.)

14th Spread: Reception Photos

This spread should outline the reception as it unfolded. Pictures that could be included are: toasts, dancing pictures, cake cutting, garter and bouquet toss, etc.

15th Spread: Exit

This spread should contain images from the bride and groom’s grand exit. Some of the most popular send-offs are sparklers and bubbles.

To illustrate it better, we put together this infographic for you. We hope you enjoy it!