How to Choose the Right Wedding Photography Editing Style for Your Day
Choosing a wedding photographer is about more than finding a beautiful portfolio—it’s about understanding editing styles and choosing a look that will feel timeless in your wedding album. As wedding planners, we know that couples often want guidance on which style best captures their unique day. We’ve seen it all, and we’ve got the breakdown of all the styles and what you can look for and how you can decide what is best for you. It’s important to note that while we have a list of vendors we love to work with, we have a variety of styles among them. We’ll never suggest someone to you unless they check more than one box—good to work, reliable, and their style matches what you want.
Dark and Moody Wedding Photo Style
Characterized by deep shadows, rich colors, and intense contrasts, dark and moody photos create a sense of drama and intimacy. This style is perfect for couples looking for romantic, cinematic images with an edge. It’s a bold choice that adds a bit of flair, though it may lean towards trendier aesthetics that you’ll want to consider for long-term appeal.
Planning Tip: Dark and moody photos work best in dimly lit venues or natural, shadowy settings. If this style resonates with you, Tapestry can help you find the right venue to set the scene.
Bright and Airy Wedding Photo Style
Light, fresh, ethereal, bright, and airy editing embraces pastel tones, softer shadows, and light, natural settings. This style is ideal for outdoor weddings or venues with plenty of natural light, giving the day a dreamy, uplifting feel. It’s often timeless, lending a joyful and romantic look to your wedding album.
Planning Tip: Choosing a bright and airy style can work wonders if you’re planning a spring or summer wedding. Our team can ensure the day’s design and setting enhance this style perfectly, from floral arrangements to venue choice.
Warm and Nostalgic Wedding Photo Style
For couples seeking a timeless look with a touch of warmth, warm and nostalgic editing has a slight sepia tint that makes each photo feel personal and inviting. The golden hues and gentle contrasts evoke a sense of timelessness, blending well with rustic and outdoor settings.
Planning Tip: Warm edits look gorgeous in natural, rustic, or woodsy settings. Tapestry can help coordinate décor and lighting choices that elevate this vibe, like cozy candlelight or warm-hued florals.
Editorial Wedding Photo Style
Inspired by high-fashion shoots, editorial editing is crisp, dramatic, and often a bit bolder in contrast. This style is for couples looking to capture chic, magazine-worthy moments and can add a luxurious touch to your wedding album. It’s highly polished and detail-focused, making it a great choice if you want to document each design element.
Planning Tip: This style demands precision and an eye for detail. Tapestry’s expertise in coordination and styling ensures that every part of your wedding day, from tablescapes to lighting, is designed with editorial shots in mind.
True to Life Wedding Photo Style
The true-to-life style keeps colors as close to reality as possible, ensuring your photos feel accurate to the moment. This timeless approach is great for couples who prefer authenticity and want their photos to look as they remember their day.
Planning Tip: Tapestry often recommends true-to-life photography for couples who love classic elegance. This style won’t go out of fashion, ensuring your wedding photos are cherished for decades.
Soft and Romantic Wedding Photo Style
Delicate, light, and full of emotion, soft and romantic editing emphasizes gentle lighting and soft colors to create a dreamy feel. It’s perfect for couples envisioning a fairytale-like atmosphere, adding elegance and grace to every shot.
Planning Tip: If this style resonates, our team can suggest florals, fabrics, and décor that heighten the sense of romance, from soft drapery to pastel arrangements.
A note on adding film photography…A couple notes on all these styles before we dig into how to decide: film is an incredibly popular add-on these days. Photographers across all genres will have availability to add it on, but the styles that film most mimics would be bright and airy, editorial, true to life, and soft and romantic. For moodier and warmer editing styles, your film images will still completely compliment your wedding album but the style will be more of a mix and match with their editing style! Not a bad thing to have multiple options.
How to Choose the Style That’s Right for You
With so many beautiful options, the choice can feel overwhelming! Here are a few tips to guide you:
Consider Your Venue: Each style pairs well with specific venues and lighting. Bright and airy works wonderfully outdoors, while dark and moody thrives in shadowy, intimate settings. But, rules are meant to be broken. So, if you connect with one editing style and your venue doesn’t perfectly fall into that category, thats okay! Your day will still be intentionally and beautifully captured.
Mixing Styles: Some photographers blend styles throughout the day (e.g., bright for ceremony, moody for reception). Some also use natural light most of the day and flash at night which will add glam or an editorial feel to any editing style. We can help you find a photographer who matches your vision.
Think Long-Term: Trendier styles are beautiful but may feel dated over time. Consider your aesthetic and how you want to remember your wedding in the future.
Bonus Tip: As planners, we coordinate with photographers and help you understand how their editing style will complement your vision. We’re here to find the perfect match!
Ready to Book Your Wedding Planning Dream Team?
Choosing the right photography style is just one part of creating a wedding that feels unique. At Tapestry, we specialize in crafting intentional, personalized wedding experiences that reflect your vision from start to finish. If you’re ready to begin planning, contact us today for a consultation. Let’s make sure every detail, from design to photography, is beautifully aligned with your day.