You’ve taken engagement photos and now what?

I am a firm believer in getting the most bang for your buck, including when you invest in some sweet photos to celebrate this new season of life with your boo.

There are so many things that I didn’t even think about when I got my engagement photos done that I wish I would’ve known about, so here are some tips to hopefully help you use your engagement photos to the fullest! 

1. Decorate your new home

If you’re anything like me, the idea of decorating your new home together makes you freaking giddy as heck. Engagement photos are the perfect way to get some more casual photos of you and your boo to show off in your first home.

2. Display them on your wedding day

A lot of venues have spaces where they display photos of the couple. I regularly see photos for guests to look at when they walk in. For example, you’ll see photos on each of the tables, photos at the gift table, etc.

While you can always include non-professional photos, oftentimes if you need the photos for a super large print size (like 12×18) you’ll need a high-resolution photo. Meaning your phone selfie won’t cut it.

Another amazing pro to printing photos for the wedding day is that they’re easily transferred into your home.

3. Test out a photographer for your wedding day

I can’t preach this one enough… GET TO KNOW YOUR PHOTOG.

Engagement photos are the prime opportunity to see how well you work together, how comfortable they make you feel and how much you love their photos.

Remember – websites and Instagram feeds are highlight reels. It’s where the photographer has their best foot forward.

A first person experience during your engagement session can really help you decide if they are the right fit for your wedding day. It can save you a whole lot of money and hassle in the future.

4. Select photos for your save the dates, wedding website, and invites

Engagement photos are also perfect to customize the little things for your wedding. Most wedding websites have a little section for photos to share with all the amazing families that are coming to your website to RSVP.

You can customize your wedding welcome with all of your favorite engagement photos. And maybe even include the story of how your love came to be. You can also incorporate them on you Save the Dates or wedding invites. 

5. Work out all the ‘professional photo’ jitters

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably never had professional photos taken. You may be nervous or at least a little jittery because the process is so unknown.

Now, imagine trying to navigate those jitters on the day of your wedding! Yeah, no thank you. An engagement session allows you to shake off all the fears of the unknowns without the added pressure of the big day. 

6. Use them as gifts for family

A lot of couples give their parents a little something at the rehearsal dinner or the day of the wedding. It doesn’t have to be super extravagant but just a little something to say thank you for being such an awesome mom or dad.

One gift that parents just die over is framed photos of you two for their home. I bet they have a wall or shelf just full of framed family photos and it’s in need of a refresh.

7. Get an engagement album guestbook 

Last but not least, a new trend that I am IN LOVE WITH is getting an engagement session album and using it as your guestbook. It is the perfect way to add a little more visual fun to your guest book experience while also having a keepsake of photos other than your wedding photos. 

Can you believe there are so many amazing ways to use your engagement photos?! Now it’s your turn to put some of these in practice.

If you want even more wedding tips, check out these wedding planning resources.

Happy planning!