Creating A Scrapbook Wedding Guest Book: Tips And Tricks

A scrapbook wedding guest book is a fun, creative way to capture the well wishes of your wedding guests. It can be a unique keepsake that newlyweds will treasure for years to come. There are many ways to create a scrapbook guest book, from using a traditional scrapbook with cardstock and gel pens to setting up a display with cards and a photo album. You can also use a Polaroid camera to take pictures of your guests and have them sign next to their photos in the book. This adds a fun, interactive element to your wedding and ensures that you have a visual reminder of your guests' presence on your special day.

Using a display with cards for guests to write on

Choosing the Right Cards and Display

Select cards in different sizes, such as 4" x 6" and 3" x 4", to add variety and interest. You can purchase blank cards or get creative and design your own by cutting patterned paper and adhering it to cardstock. Embellish the cards with stickers, stamps, or other decorative elements. For the display, consider a kraft desk organizer or a holder that reflects the couple's style. You can also decorate the holder with banners, skewers, twine, or other craft supplies.

Setting Up the Display

Arrange the cards and pens in the slots of the display. You can also include some extra papers or page protectors in the album so that guests can attach their photo booth pictures later. Place the display at the entrance of the ceremony or reception, greeting guests as they arrive. This will not only serve as a beautiful statement piece but also provide a welcoming surface for guests to sign.

Encouraging Guest Interaction

To make the guest book even more engaging, you can provide an instant camera so that guests can snap polaroid photos of themselves to include in the album. You can also instruct guests to attach their photo booth photos to the cards after the wedding. Additionally, you can provide different ink colours to add a pop of colour to the cards.

After the Wedding

Once the wedding is over, the couple will have the opportunity to turn their guest book into a scrapbook by adding their photo booth photos and any other mementos they wish to include. This will create a cherished keepsake that captures the well wishes of their guests and the memories of their special day.

Adding photo booth photos to the scrapbook

Choose a Scrapbook

Select a scrapbook that reflects your style and personality. Consider the size and colour options available. Standard scrapbooks are typically 12" x 12" but you can also choose to supply your own book. Black or white covers with black or white pages are classic options, but feel free to get creative and choose a custom design that matches your wedding theme or colours.

Gather Your Photos

If you're using a photo booth at your wedding, encourage your guests to take plenty of photos and print out duplicates so they can add one to the scrapbook. You can also ask your guests to write messages next to their pictures, creating a fun keepsake.

Get Creative with Layouts and Materials

Arrange your photographs in a way that tells the story of your wedding. Feel free to get creative and use fun materials like gel pens, stickers, and other textures to personalize your pages. You can also use photo corners, adhesive stickers, or plastic sleeves to secure your photos in the scrapbook.

Include Other Memorabilia

In addition to photos, you can include other memorabilia from your wedding, such as dried flowers, ribbon, or confetti. You can also leave some blank pages in your scrapbook to add mementos from your honeymoon or first year of marriage.

Make it Personal

Consider adding personal touches to your scrapbook, such as a map of your wedding location, lyrics from your first dance song, or even a copy of your wedding invitation. You can also use stamps, stickers, or other embellishments to add extra flair to your pages.

Don't Forget the Details

Finally, don't forget to include the date and location of your wedding, as well as your names and any other important details you want to remember. This will help you cherish these memories for years to come.

Using a Polaroid camera to take photos of guests

Materials and Setup:

• Polaroid Camera: As a rule of thumb, have one camera for every 40 guests. For example, if you have 80 guests, provide two cameras. This ensures that guests don't have to wait too long for their turn.
• Film: Buy extra film, assuming each guest will take 2-3 photos. Different brands offer varied quantities per pack, so read the descriptions carefully.
• Guest Book: Opt for a high-quality hardback book that matches your wedding colour palette. Include extra pages at the back for longer messages.
• Station: Set up a table or shelf for the guest book and materials. Ensure it's in a visible, accessible area that doesn't obstruct passageways.
• Writing Utensils: Provide permanent markers so messages won't smear, and they add a "nostalgic vibe."
• Adhesive: Double-sided tape is recommended for sticking photos in the book. Avoid glue, which may soil guests' outfits.
• Hand Sanitizer: Consider providing a themed dispenser as a thoughtful touch, allowing guests to sanitize between uses.

Tips:

• Choose the Right Spot: Avoid congested areas like the bar or band stage. Opt for a dry, well-lit area, preferably near a window with natural light during the day. For evening receptions, use a ring light or mood lighting like candles.
• Provide Instructions: Display a sign with clear instructions, such as "Snap it, stick it, sign it." Not everyone is familiar with Polaroids, so guidance is helpful.
• Assign a Monitor: Ask someone in the wedding party to keep an eye on the station, ensuring smooth operations and preventing film wastage.
• Hire an Expert: Consider hiring a photo booth company to manage the Polaroid guest book experience, ensuring a high-quality guest experience.

Ideas:

• Signage: Add a sign to your setup, such as a lucite or wooden sign, to guide guests.
• Decorations: Enhance the visual appeal by adding decorations like flowers or greenery to your guest book table.
• One-Stop Station: Combine the guest book with other stations, such as a card box and itinerary outline, to maximize space and streamline the process.
• Forgo the Physical Book: Instead of a book, have guests share messages directly on the Polaroids, which you can later compile into an album.
• Personal Details: Display a framed photo of the couple, perhaps from their engagement shoot, to make the experience more intimate.
• Installation: Create a display area where guests can hang their photos on a clothesline with mini clothespins, surrounded by string lights and greenery.
• Example Photos: Take Polaroids of yourselves before the wedding and place them on the front cover or near the guest book to show guests what to do.

Scrapbook paper and cardstock for guests to write on

When creating a scrapbook wedding guest book, it's important to choose the right paper and cardstock for guests to write on. Here are some tips and ideas to consider:

Scrapbook Paper

Scrapbook paper comes in various colours, patterns, and sizes, allowing you to choose a style that aligns with your wedding theme. You can opt for a simple, elegant look with neutral colours or go bold with vibrant patterns. Standard sizes for scrapbook paper include 12" x 12", which can be cut down to the desired size. For a more personalised touch, consider using paper that matches your wedding invitations or other wedding stationery. This will create a cohesive look throughout your wedding details.

Cardstock

Cardstock is a type of thick paper that provides a sturdy and durable option for guests to write on. It comes in various colours, including white, ivory, and other neutrals. When selecting cardstock, consider the writing utensils you will provide. Gel pens, for example, tend to bleed through thinner paper, so a thicker cardstock would be a better option. Standard sizes for cardstock include 8.5" x 11", which can be cut to the desired size.

Cutting and Formatting

Once you've selected your scrapbook paper and cardstock, you'll need to cut them to the desired size. Common sizes for guest book signatures include 4" x 6" and 3" x 4". Consider rounding the corners of your paper for a softer look. You can also adhere the cardstock to the scrapbook paper for a more polished appearance. If you want to get creative, use stamps or embossing techniques to add designs or patterns to your paper.

Display and Presentation

When presenting the paper for guests to write on, consider using a display with slots to organise the paper. This will make it easier for guests to access and return the paper. Alternatively, you can provide a guest book with blank pages, where guests can write their messages directly onto the pages. This eliminates the need for individual sheets of paper.

Embellishments and Accessories

To enhance the overall presentation, consider adding embellishments such as stickers, ribbons, or other decorative elements. You can also provide coloured pens or pencils to encourage guests to get creative with their messages. Don't forget to include signing tips or instructions for your guests, especially if you want them to include specific information or follow a particular format.

Using a regular scrapbook with ovals for signatures

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

You will need a scrapbook, scrapbook paper, glue, and a pen. Choose a scrapbook that matches your wedding theme or colours. You can also decorate the cover with embellishments or a photo of the happy couple.

Step 2: Prepare the Ovals

Cut out ovals from the scrapbook paper in your chosen colours. These ovals will be where your guests sign their names. You can use a template or draw the ovals freehand, ensuring they are all a similar size.

Step 3: Attach the Ovals to the Scrapbook

Use glue to attach the ovals to the pages of your scrapbook. Space them out evenly, leaving enough room for guests to sign. You can also add other decorations or embellishments to the pages if desired.

Step 4: Add a Photo of the Couple

As suggested by a user on WeddingWire, you can add a photo of the couple to the front of the scrapbook. This could be a pre-wedding photo or a picture from the wedding day. You can also add a sentimental quote or the wedding date to the cover.

Step 5: Instructions for Guests

On the day of your wedding, set up a table for your guest book. Place a sign with instructions, asking guests to sign their names in the ovals. You can also provide different coloured pens or gel pens for guests to use.

Step 6: Add Photos to the Scrapbook

After the wedding, go through the photos taken by your photographer and select some to add to the scrapbook. Print the photos and attach them to the pages, leaving space for guests' signatures. You can also add other mementos, such as cards or wedding favours.

By following these steps, you will create a unique and personalised wedding guest book that you can treasure for years to come. It's a fun and creative way to involve your guests in your special day and will result in a one-of-a-kind keepsake.

Frequently asked questions