Preserving Your Wedding Memories After the Big Day
Preserving Your Wedding Memories After the Big Day
Your wedding day is a whirlwind of emotions and unforgettable moments (hopefully for all the right reasons). After the big day has come and gone, preserving those memories becomes a treasured priority. But there are more ways to do this than simply “photographs”.
Here’s how to ensure your wedding memories are beautifully preserved, with ideas for every couple and style.
1. Design a Custom Wedding Album
Obviously this is going to be number 1. A professionally crafted wedding album transforms your photos into a timeless heirloom. You can of course to choose to work with your photographer to select the best images and create a design that reflects your personality and wedding theme if this is something they offer.
If you do choose to go the DIY route however, opt for a repeatable company that will help you produce something that will last. When it comes to materials/covers, think longevity.
2. Create a Digital Photo Gallery
For most photographs, this may well be part of the package. Digital galleries offer convenience and accessibility for not only you, worldwide, but for family and friends also. Do however make backing them up on multiple platforms like cloud storage or an external hard drive a priority to keep them safe.
This is not the photographers responsibility.
3. Frame Your Favourite Photos
Yes photographs belong in print. but that doesn’t mean you need to print them all. Choose a few standout images from your wedding and have them professionally framed. Displaying these photos in your home allows you to relive those moments daily, it makes a great talking point for when people come over and if times get hard it helps remind you of why you got married in the first place.
4. Create a Wedding Video Highlight Reel
If you hired a videographer, they may offer this as an add-on or include it in your package. A highlight reel (or trailer) captures the day’s most significant moments. These short, cinematic videos are perfect for sharing with friends and family and provide an emotional recap of your wedding.
Bonus, they can also mostly be played on digital photo frames, but that all depends how you feel about running the same thing on repeat.. to each their own on that one.
5. Preserve Your Wedding Dress
Whether you want to just preserve it for yourself or for potential future children/grandchildren, your wedding dress is a tangible piece of your special day. Have it professionally cleaned and preserved to keep it in pristine condition. Consider storing it in an acid-free box or display case for safekeeping. Any good bridal shop will be able to advise on the best way to store this. The last thing you want is to open the box years later to find it’s moth eaten.
6. Create a Shadow Box
Shadow boxes or “3D wall art” are a creative way to display wedding memorabilia. Include items like your bouquet, invitation, vows, and other sentimental pieces. This 3D display can be hung on a wall or placed on a shelf as a conversation starter.
As always with things like these, do seek advise and assistance from professionals in regards to the best way to preserve and store such items.
7. Compile a Memory Box
For a less formal approach, gather mementos like your wedding program, place cards, favours and guestbook into a decorative memory box. This is a great way to store all your keepsakes in one place and revisit them whenever you like.
8. Write Your Love Story
This one is a lost art and won’t be for everyone but the day after your wedding day, consider documenting your wedding story in a journal or scrapbook. Include details about how you met, your engagement, and the wedding day itself. Add photos, quotes from your vows, and guest messages for a deeply personal keepsake.
9. Repurpose Your Wedding Decor
98% of couples are always telling me how they have that one room in their home that is full of wedding “stuff”. So why not give your wedding decor a second life (especially if it’s custom made) by incorporating it into your home. For example, turn leftover signage into wall art or repurpose centerpieces as everyday decor. This not only preserves the memories but also reduces waste.
Or feel free to sell it on Market Place… you know, dealers choice (non custom items only).
10. Create Anniversary Traditions
Celebrate your wedding memories annually with meaningful traditions. You could grab a bottle of wine, sit down and watch your wedding video, or even revisit your wedding venue for a meal/afternoon tea, or simply sit together and flip through your photo album on your anniversary. These rituals keep the magic of your wedding alive.
11. Invest in Custom Artwork
This is a little quirky but definitely unique. Turn a favorite wedding photo into a custom painting or illustration. There are a lot of artists around who specialise in creating personalised art based on photographs.
12. Host a Post-Wedding Viewing Party
Gather your closest friends and family to watch your wedding video or go through your photos together. Pair the event with snacks and drinks for a nostalgic get-together.
13. Turn Your Vows into Art
This one probably only works if you choose to write your vows yourself, but hey, go for it…
Have your vows calligraphed or printed as wall art. Displaying your vows in your home serves as a daily reminder of the promises you made.
It’s also better than “Live, Laugh, Love” right?!
14. Create a Time Capsule
Seal wedding mementos, photos, and notes from guests into a time capsule to be opened on a future anniversary.
Also, if things don’t work out you can just keep it burried… Every cloud right?!
15. Remember Your Wedding Suppliers
This one’s a little personal…
Show appreciation to your wedding suppliers by sharing your favourite photos and tagging them on social media. This not only supports their businesses but also allows you to relive the memories while expressing gratitude.
Also… tell your friends all about them and just when you think they’ve heard enough…
Go ahead and tell them some more.
As always, thanks for reading, I appreciate you.