Creating A Burlap Guest Book For Your Wedding

A wedding guest book made of burlap is a great way to add a rustic charm to your wedding. It is also a perfect keepsake to cherish the warm wishes and memories of your friends and relatives. You can make your own burlap wedding guest book by gathering photos that showcase your relationship and printing them in a blank book with ample white space for guests to leave their notes. You can also buy a ready-made burlap wedding guest book online, which comes with a complimentary pen holder and a silver pen.

Choosing the right paper type

Paper Thickness and Quality

Look for paper that is thick enough to prevent ink bleed-through. This is especially important if you plan to use a fine-point pen, as thinner paper may cause the ink to bleed onto the next page. Choose a higher quality paper that feels smooth to the touch and has a weight of at least 100 gsm. This will ensure that your guest book feels luxurious and can withstand the test of time.

Paper Finish

There are two main types of paper finish to choose from: coated and uncoated. Coated paper has a slight sheen to it and tends to produce sharper images. It is also less absorbent, which can help prevent ink smudging. Uncoated paper, on the other hand, has a more textured, matte finish. It is more porous and better able to absorb ink, making it a good choice for pen and ink signatures.

Paper Colour and Brightness

The colour and brightness of the paper will impact the overall aesthetic of your guest book. If you want your photos to pop, consider choosing a bright white paper. For a softer, more romantic look, opt for an off-white or cream-coloured paper. You can also find paper with a subtle texture, such as a linen or cotton finish, which can add a touch of elegance to your guest book.

Paper Size

Consider the size of the paper in relation to the size of your guest book. You'll want to choose a paper size that allows for ample writing space for your guests' messages, while also fitting comfortably within the dimensions of the book. Standard paper sizes such as A4 or A5 can work well, but you may also opt for a custom size if you have specific requirements.

Paper Weight

When selecting the paper weight, consider the overall weight of the guest book, especially if you plan to travel with it or mail it to someone as a gift. A heavier paper weight will increase the overall weight of the book, which may impact your shipping costs or ease of transport.

Environmental Considerations

If you or your guests are environmentally conscious, you may want to choose a paper type that is made from recycled materials or sourced from sustainable forests. This can help reduce the environmental impact of your guest book and appeal to eco-friendly guests.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right paper type that will enhance the overall design and functionality of your burlap wedding guest book.

Selecting a pen

When selecting a pen to accompany your burlap wedding guest book, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, you'll want to choose a pen that complements the rustic charm of the burlap and lace design. A silver pen is a popular choice and adds a touch of elegance to the overall presentation. If you want to stick to the rustic theme, you could opt for a pen with a burlap or lace design, or perhaps a natural wood finish.

Secondly, consider the ink type and pen tip size. A fine-point pen with quick-drying ink is ideal, as it prevents bleeding and smudging on the paper. The width of the pen tip also ensures your guests have enough space to write their messages. You could opt for a Slick Writer pen, or go with a classic felt or ballpoint pen, depending on your preference.

Additionally, you may want to provide a backup pen in case the first one runs out of ink or malfunctions. This ensures that your guests always have a working pen to leave their thoughtful wishes.

Lastly, don't forget to include a pen holder. This adds a nice touch to the overall presentation and keeps the pen securely in place. It can be made from matching materials like burlap and lace, or you could opt for a simple silver pen holder to complement the pen.

With these considerations in mind, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect pen to accompany your burlap wedding guest book.

Adding a personal touch with stickers

Choose a Theme

Select a theme that reflects your interests as a couple. For example, if you love music, consider using musical note stickers or stickers that look like vintage records. If you're both avid readers, small book stickers could be a cute addition.

Customise with Names and Dates

Personalised stickers with your names and wedding date are a lovely way to make your guest book feel extra special. You could also include stickers with your guests' names and table numbers, or even individual guest name address stickers for the invites.

Add Some Colour

If your wedding has a colour scheme, incorporate it into your guest book with coloured stickers. You could also use stickers to add a pop of colour to a neutral-toned guest book.

Get Creative with Shapes

Stickers in the shape of hearts, stars, or flowers can be a fun addition to your guest book. You could also use letter-shaped stickers to spell out words or initials.

Make it Rustic

To complement the rustic charm of a burlap guest book, consider using stickers made from materials like lace, burlap, or jute. Stickers with a floral or eucalyptus theme can also add a rustic, natural feel.

Seal with a Kiss

For a playful touch, add some personalised envelope seal stickers with your names or initials. These can be used to seal invitation envelopes, as well as decorate your guest book.

With these ideas in mind, you can browse online for the perfect stickers to customise your burlap wedding guest book and make it a memorable keepsake.

Using a template to save time

If you want to save time on designing your wedding guest book, using a template is a great option. Mixbook offers a range of templates that you can choose from to create your own custom guest book.

Here's a step-by-step guide to using a Mixbook template:

• Sign into your Mixbook account or create a new account if you're a new customer.
• Hover over "Photo Books" and then click on "Wedding Guest Books."
• You'll see two options: "Start a Blank Book" or choose from the available templates. If you want to use a template, click on "Start Book" to begin.
• A new window will open, inviting you to add your photos. You can upload photos from your device, social media, or photo accounts.
• Once you've uploaded your photos, you can start personalizing your guest book. Drag and drop your images into the placeholders, starting with the cover.
• Double-click on any text fields that you need to update, and add your own text.
• Use the arrow to turn the page and continue customizing.
• Remember to leave enough space for your guests to sign and leave messages. You can arrange photos according to groups, such as friends, family, or however you prefer.
• Add some personality to your design with stickers, text art, or your own creations. You can resize and reposition stickers by clicking and dragging them.
• If you need to add more pages, use the "Page Tools" drop-down menu to add blank or themed pages.
• Preview your guest book to check that everything looks good.
• Make any final edits, then proceed to order your book.
• Choose the book size, paper type, cover style, and number of copies.
• Add your guest book to your cart and complete the checkout process.

Using a template can streamline the process of creating a custom wedding guest book, saving you time and effort. With Mixbook's user-friendly platform, you can design a cherished keepsake that reflects your wedding theme and style.

Leaving enough space for signatures

When creating a wedding guest book, it's important to leave enough space for your guests to sign their names and write thoughtful messages. Here are some tips to ensure you have sufficient space for signatures:

Page Layout and Design

When designing your guest book, consider balancing your images with ample white space. If you want to feature a full-page spread, opt for a smaller image on the opposite page. Play around with the orientation of your photos to create a dynamic and carefully crafted look. Remember to leave enough room for guests to sign and write messages. You can also dedicate specific pages for different groups, such as friends, family, and coworkers, ensuring that each group has enough space to leave their well wishes.

Paper Type

The type of paper you choose for your guest book can impact the amount of writing space available. Opting for a textured, matte finish paper, like Superfine Eggshell Paper, provides a better writing surface than a glossy option. This type of paper not only enhances your photos but also ensures there's ample space for your guests' handwritten notes.

Pen Choice

It's essential to select the right pen to ensure your guests' messages are legible and don't smudge or bleed through the paper. Fine-point pens, such as quick-drying Slick Writer Pens, are ideal as they provide a thin, precise line and dry quickly. Felt-tip or ballpoint pens are also suitable options that won't bleed through the paper.

Book Size and Format

Consider the size of your guest book and the number of pages it contains. A larger book with more pages will provide ample space for signatures and messages, especially if you're expecting a large number of guests. You can also opt for a blank canvas book, which allows for complete customisation and offers more flexibility in terms of space.

Pre-Printed Pages

If you're purchasing a pre-made guest book, check the number of pages and the layout. Some books may have dedicated sections for specific details, such as the wedding party and family members, which can reduce the available space for signatures. Ensure the book you choose has enough blank pages for your guests' signatures and messages.

Frequently asked questions