| Scrapbooking has become a very popular way to capture memories. By taking photographs and journaling the Who, What, Where, Why and When of the photographs, memories are preserved.
The most important aspect of scrapbooking is the photographs. Too often, people get caught up in the whirlwind of “decorating” their pages with fancy ribbons, stickers, embellishments and artistic knick-knacks that the photos slowly start taking a back seat instead of being the main attraction.
Here are some tips to consider when thinking about scrapbooking your special event:
- Was there a theme to your wedding? If so, find papers that reflect the theme as a constant “thread” throughout your scrapbook. For example, if you love purple and your flowers, bridesmaid dresses and reception decorations were all done in purples, your scrapbook papers should reflect that. Along the same lines, if you and your spouse shared a mutual interest or hobby such as fishing or bowling and that was involved in your wedding, you will want to weave that throughout your scrapbook story.
- If you are new to scrapbooking and are starting by scrapbooking your wedding, think about starting the story from the very beginning: the day you met. Then work your way up to the actual wedding day. You may want to do two albums. The first would be the story of how you met and the courtship up to the engagement. The second would be the entire wedding.
- Save mementos! Save the napkin or menu from the restaurant where he proposed to you (or go back and get one!) Gather up any and all brochures from all the places you visited for bridal dresses, receptions, cakes, flowers, etc. and make this a part of your story.
- Remember to write as much as you can in your own handwriting. Computer journaling is fine for some of your pages but it begins to look too sterile if you use it page after page after page.
- Gather stories from friends and relatives and add these throughout your scrapbook. You can either have your friends write handwriting (preferred) or you can write up the story yourself via computer or by hand. You will really appreciate these insights from friends many years down the road.
- Who, What, Where, Why and When: Even though you think you’ll never forget someone who attended your own wedding, you have to remember, other people who will look through your scrapbook ten plus years from now won’t know everyone (think of your future children and grandchildren). Keep remembering to identify the people, the places, the time and so on.
When it comes time to actually scrapbook your photos, you will want to sort your pictures in an organized manner. Select the best photos to tell the story. Crop (cut) photos to remove unnecessary images (a brick wall, an unknown person in the shot, etc.) Mat the photos on coordinating papers or cardstock. Journal (write the who, what, where, etc.) of the memory. Arrange the matted photos and journaling on a page.
Add any embellishments (stickers, die-cuts, ribbon, etc.) you feel will enhance or personalize the page. Place the page in your album. You can find more tips and ideas in magazines, books and at your local craft store
Enjoy your wedding day and all the celebrations leading up to it and all the happy years following it. Cherish your memories through scrapbooking. The most pleasurable aspect of scrapbooking is that you get to keep enjoying special memories over and over again!
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