Guestbooks are a great wedding keepsake for the couple, but they usually are pretty plain, even boring. The truth of the matter is that people aren’t always motivated to go find the guestbook because they have to wait in line and come up with a clever note. I’ve found that the more clever/fun the idea, the more likely people want to sign it because they want to participate in the activity.. Lately I’ve noticed a trend emerging for a wedding artwork piece: whether it is a signed photo frame, keepsake box, an advice tree, quilt, photo booth album or a fingerprint tree. I’ve included some examples below.

Signed Photo Frame: I’ve given this as a surprise gift to the bride/grown from the bridal party several times, but you can do it on a smaller or larger scale to include more signatures/notes. The center photo(s) are of the couple – and then anyone from the bridal party to all the guests sign it. The couple can hang it on their wall or display it on a table, and be reminded every time they see it  of their wedding day.

Keepsake Box: The first time I ever saw anything like this wasn’t at a wedding – my family friend C gave her (at the time boyfriend) R one as a christmas gift. It was a box filled with notes and photos from his family and friends (one of the best presents I’ve ever seen in my whole life – so incredibly thoughtful). I’ve started to see this trending online – provide cards either at the table itself, at each table or in your invitations and when they are done they can leave it in the box. It isn’t the most inventive idea but it is definitely user friendly.

Advice tree: I’ve never seen one in person, but in researching this posting I saw several online. Its a cute idea that is easy for guests to execute: include a notecard with either the guest’s seat assignment or at their actual table, and then have a table placed somewhere in your reception for the guests to go and put their note on your tree. If you have a very large wedding this might not be practical (it would have to be a large tree) but for smaller weddings it is a fun keepsake to keep on display.

Photo Album: I love a good photo booth – I’ve attending and/or planned several events over the past few years that have them, and people always love it. It has become a common practice at weddings because guests have fun taking photos. I’ve rarely seen a guestbook included with it but it is the perfect place for it. Leave a notecards table and an album at the end of it for guests to write notes while they wait for photos to print out. They can put their notes and printed photos in the album, and the vendor can provide an extra set for the group as well. Who wouldn’t want to participate in a guestbook that they get their own piece of?

Quilt: I saw this on Martha Stewart Weddings and completely fell in love with it. It would require significant follow up work for the bride (to make or have a quilt made), but it so cute! Each guest could sign their own fabric square (small) or you could provide several posted swatches that groups of people can sign. You could use the blanket or have it framed. A friend of mine did something similar (with college tshirts she wanted to repurpose for sentimental value) and it turned out so well.

Fingerprint Tree: My friend Kim had one at her wedding last year (see photo) – when I started this blog I contacted her immediately for photos. In researching online I found that this trend is everywhere right now. It is so cute and again, an easy keepsake to set up and frame afterwards. People at the wedding were happy to wait in line to participate in such a clever idea. It also added an element of whimsy to the event which was just adorable.