5 Things to do with your engagement pictures
Roger Williams Park Engagement Session | Providence, RI
Very often, couples decide not to take engagement photos because they see no real use for them. I mean, what point is there in taking pictures that will just end up on a flash drive that’s destined to be lost in a drawer or a move down the line.
I tell couples that their engagement session is an intimate experience that is both fun and romantic. It’s an experience I believe every couple deserves to have.
Now couples who’ve taken the plunge and decided on having an engagement session think that creating their engagement images is the hardest thing for them. This is where I smile knowingly and disagree with them. Since I’ve done this a ton of times, I know that figuring out what to do with all their beautiful images is actually going to be the hardest thing for them. Here are my most recommended options:
5 things I recommend you do with your engagement photos
1. Print wall art for your home
What better way to get a jump start on decorating your home together than by having your engagement photos professionally printed? The average couple does not have professional pictures of themselves displayed in their home. Often, images on display are prints from cell phone pictures, and at times tourist trap pictures were taken while on vacation. Obviously, there’s nothing wrong with either of the previous scenarios; however, your engagement session is a deliberate session where you’re looking your best. Adorning your home with these gorgeous photos is one of the best ways to remember this time in your lives and a great way to start your new life together!
Metal Prints on the living room wall - 20x30 (2) and 40x30 (1)
2. Make a coffee table book to enjoy at home
One of the best ways to use as many images as you can from your session is to make a coffee table book for yourself at home. Technically, you can put all the pictures from your session on the wall, but that’s a lot of photographs to hang up. A distinctive coffee table book is a great way to use all the images from your session in a beautiful way.
3. Make a guest book for your wedding guests to sign
Put your engagement photographs on display for all your wedding guests to see in a customized guest book. This is another way to get as many of your favorite images together for you to treasure, AND it personalizes your wedding guest book as well. As someone who’s been married for 20 years, I can’t tell you where my guest book is. Because it was plain, bland, and served just one purpose for me - a way to list out who I say thank you to.
Let me serve as your horrible warning - Don’t do what I did! Make your guest book memorable by creating a photo album with your session photos! I can design your guest book for you throughout, so your guests can leave a little message for you. They'll all have the chance to look at your engagement photos, and you’ll have unique of your keepsake to look back on after your wedding day. Everybody wins!
Not sure what that looks like? press play!
4. Perfect gifts for your parents and grandparents
A no-fail gift for your parents and grandparents is beautiful, colorful, happy images of you. It makes every parent’s heart happy! Whether you choose to put a frame a nice picture from your session, or have them review your gallery to select their favorite image, they are sure to enjoy seeing your smiling faces. It also makes them feel included in your wedding journey.
5. Save the Date Cards
This is the most common option, so it’s last on my list, but it’s certainly not least. Everyone loves to get something in the mail other than bills or junk. Getting a beautiful portrait from your session is sure to brighten up anyone’s day and gives your friends and family something lovely to look at in anticipation of your wedding day.
Bonus Ideas!
Here are even more things to do with your engagement photos
Thank You Cards
Your engagement photos will look perfect on personalized thank you cards! There is a myriad of websites designing your own thank you cards are but a click away - so take advantage of your engagement pictures here! Writing a handwritten note on each is a great way to let your guests know how much you appreciate them as well.
Wedding Website
Many couples create a wedding website to help them stay organized and keep their guests informed about their wedding day's goings-on. It’s also a great excuse to show off your engagement pictures.
Social Media
Use your engagement photos to count down to your wedding day on your social media platform of choice. This is a great way to share with your friends on Facebook, Instagram, and even Snapchat. Chances are, you’re already using these to share your wedding updates, so brighten up your friends’ feeds with beautiful pictures of you!
Wedding Décor or Favors
Thanks to the power of Pinterest and Etsy, there are so many incredible ways to incorporate your engagement pictures into the details of your wedding day! One of my couples used their images to designate their table numbers. Consider having your pictures printed on custom favors to add a personal touch to the items you give your guests.
Holiday Cards
When you’re sending out holiday cards, don't stick to just using festive images. Consider using your engagement photos to send a cheerful “Happy Holidays” to your friends and family. This is a great option for folks having a long engagement period.
