How to Create a Wedding Photobook

Many newlyweds choose a wedding photobook over a traditional wedding photo album. Photobooks are usually coffee table quality, are relatively inexpensive and give couples creative control over their wedding images. Making a photobook is pretty easy, but knowing where to start can be tricky. Here's how to create a wedding photobook that you'll cherish.

Instructions

1. Purchase the copyright to your wedding photographs. When you own the copyright to your photos, you can use or publish them in any manner you choose. Not all photographers sell copyrights, so check before hiring someone.

2. Upload wedding photographs to your computer and organize them. You may also want to do major edits in a photo shop program, as most photobook software only allows for minor adjustments. You'll need to have all photographs on CD in order to complete this step.

3. Pick a photobook company. There are many publishers to choose from, but not all have a good reputation. Explore several websites, paying careful attention to sample books, user comments, special features and photobook pricing. Go with a company that provides free software for download and allows online photo sharing.

4. Create a wedding photobook. Photobook software allows you to choose the order of your photographs, backgrounds for each page and inclusion of text and page layouts. The design you choose is a matter of personal style, but it's important that you create a book you'll always enjoy. Look at examples for guidance and inspiration.

5. Share the photobook with others before ordering. Most photobook companies allow you to send albums to friends and family members. Ask loved ones for feedback regarding style and layout of your book. If there's a problem it's crucial to catch it before ordering, since most photobooks can only be returned due to printing error or defect.

6. Order your photobook. Before ordering, you'll choose the size and color of your book as well as the cover material. Consider ordering duplicates for family members, or create customized books for loved ones. Photobooks make a great gift.

Tips & Warnings

• A photobook does not have to be limited to wedding photographs. If you have scanning capabilities, include images of your wedding invitation and wedding program.

• A wedding photobook should tell the story of your special day. Add engagement portraits, bridal portraits and rehearsal dinner photographs to your book to provide the back story. Some couples include honeymoon photos at the end of their book or create a separate honeymoon photobook.

• If you prefer leaving your wedding album design to professionals, there are companies that create custom wedding photobooks. Custom photobooks tend to be much more expensive than those you can create yourself, but are very high quality.