Creative Guest Book Tree: A Unique Wedding Keepsake

A wedding guest book tree is a quirky and unique alternative to a traditional guest book. It is a way for your guests to record their presence at your wedding in a less conventional way, making for a charming memento. Guest book trees can also double up as decor in your home, like frames and ornaments.

There are several types of guest book trees, including simple pine tree guest book trees, circular guest book trees with insertable leaves, double pine tree guest books, 3D wood guest book trees, and willow guest book trees.

You can purchase a guest book tree from a party supply store, craft store, or a website like Etsy or Amazon. You can also make your own wedding wish tree, which is a Dutch wedding custom where guests write their well wishes to the couple on a piece of paper shaped like a leaf and hang it on the tree.

Choosing a tree type: pine, willow, or maple

When it comes to choosing a tree type for your wedding guest book, there are a few options to consider: pine, willow, or maple. Each tree type has its own unique characteristics and can add a different aesthetic to your wedding and its theme. Here's a detailed look at each option:

Pine:

Pine trees are a popular choice for wedding guest books, especially for rustic or country-themed weddings. Pine trees symbolise strength, longevity, and renewal, making them a fitting choice for a celebration of love and commitment. A pine tree guest book typically features a beautiful illustration or print of a pine tree, with branches for guests to leave their fingerprints and signatures. This type of guest book creates a unique piece of art that can be displayed in your home as a cherished memory. Pine tree guest books often come with custom text options, allowing you to personalise the print with your names and wedding date.

Willow:

Willow trees carry a certain elegance and charm, making them a unique choice for a wedding guest book. Willow trees are often associated with growth, resilience, and rebirth, reflecting the journey a couple embarks on together. A willow tree guest book can be a beautiful alternative to traditional guest books, offering a more whimsical and natural feel. These guest books may feature a tree illustration with branches and leaves, or take on a more abstract form, such as a willow tree silhouette. Some willow tree guest books even incorporate heart-shaped leaves or wooden chips for guests to sign.

Maple:

Maple trees exude a sense of whimsy and rustic charm, making them an ideal choice for a rustic or autumn-themed wedding. Maple tree guest books often feature intricate details, with each guest signing a leaf on the tree. This creates a personalised keepsake that captures the warmth and joy of your special day. Maple tree guest books can be customised to match your wedding colours and theme, and they make for stunning decorations at the event. Like the other options, maple tree guest books come in various sizes to accommodate your expected number of guests.

When selecting a tree type for your wedding guest book, consider the overall theme and aesthetic of your wedding, as well as the symbolism and meaning that resonates with you. All three options offer a unique and memorable way to capture the well wishes of your loved ones on your special day.

Selecting a guest book format: canvas, paper, or wooden

Wedding guest books are so last season. If you want to be on-trend, it's all about the guest book tree. But what format should you go for? Canvas, paper, or wood? Read on to find out.

Canvas

Canvas is a great option if you're looking for something that feels a little more elevated and premium. It also won't require a frame, so one less thing to worry about. However, it's worth noting that canvas can be a little more tricky to write on than paper, so your guests might need to take a bit more care when signing their names.

Paper

Paper is a good choice if you want something that's easy for your guests to write on. It's also usually the most affordable option. But if you go for paper, don't forget to factor in the cost of a frame if you want to display your guest book tree after your wedding.

Wooden

A wooden guest book tree is a unique and stylish option that will definitely stand out. It can also be a great choice if you're looking for something more three-dimensional, with some featuring hanging leaves or hearts for your guests to sign. However, wooden guest book trees can be larger and more expensive than other options, so bear that in mind.

So there you have it! Now you know the pros and cons of each format, you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your big day.

Customising the design: adding fingerprints, thumbprints, or signatures

Customising the design of your wedding guest book tree is a fun and creative way to make your guest book unique and personal. Here are some tips and ideas for adding fingerprints, thumbprints, or signatures:

Fingerprints and Thumbprints:

• Choose a tree design with blank branches or leaves where guests can leave their fingerprints or thumbprints. This could be in the form of a simple pine tree, a willow tree, or a more creative design such as a bicycle or a house with balloons.
• Provide non-toxic stamping ink in various colours for your guests to use. This will make your guest book colourful and vibrant.
• If you want to add a fun element to the process, consider providing guests with small wipes to clean their fingers after stamping their fingerprints or thumbprints.
• For a more rustic look, opt for a wooden guest book tree with heart-shaped leaves or tags that guests can sign and hang on the tree.

Signatures:

• If you prefer signatures over fingerprints or thumbprints, choose a design with blank spaces next to each leaf or branch for guests to sign their names.
• Provide fine-tipped sharpies or extra-fine sharpies in black or various colours for guests to write with.
• To make it easier for guests to sign, especially if you have a large number of guests, consider choosing a paper version of the guest book tree instead of canvas.
• If you want to add a personal touch, include a short message or instruction for your guests, such as "Please sign your name and leave a short message on a leaf."
• For a unique presentation, use a round guest book frame with insertable leaves. Guests can sign the leaves and drop them inside the frame, creating a full tree effect.

Incorporating decorations: crystal garlands, ornaments, or leaves

Crystal garlands, ornaments, and leaves can be used to decorate your wedding guest book tree, adding a touch of elegance and creativity to your special day. Here are some detailed instructions and ideas to help you incorporate these decorations into your guest book tree:

Crystal Garlands:

• Crystal garlands can be draped or hung from your guest book tree to create a sparkling, elegant effect. Look for crystal garlands that complement the size and style of your tree. You can find crystal garlands in various lengths and styles, such as diamond-shaped crystals or crystal beads.
• Consider combining multiple strands to achieve the desired length and fullness. The crystals can be attached to the tree using metal rings or other connectors. Ensure the garlands are securely fastened to prevent them from falling.
• Crystal garlands made from acrylic or plastic crystals are a cost-effective option and can still look beautiful. However, if you desire a more luxurious look, consider glass crystals, which offer a sparkling, elegant shine.

Ornaments:

• Ornaments can be used as an alternative to a traditional guest book. Provide ornaments and permanent markers or paint pens for your guests to sign or decorate. This creates a unique keepsake that can be displayed on a tree or in another decorative way.
• You can find ornaments in various materials such as wood, acrylic, or even personalised baubles. Choose ornaments that align with your wedding theme or colour palette.
• Etsy offers a wide range of ornament guest book ideas, including heart-shaped wooden ornaments, acrylic ornaments, and Christmas-themed ornaments for winter weddings.

Leaves:

• If your guest book tree has branches, you can incorporate decorative leaves to enhance its beauty. These leaves can be artificial or made from materials such as paper or fabric.
• Consider using leaves that match the type of tree you have chosen for your guest book. For example, if you have a pine tree guest book, add pine-shaped paper cut-outs or fabric leaves for guests to sign.
• Leaves can be attached to the tree using string, ribbon, or adhesive. Ensure they are securely fastened to withstand handling by your guests.

Remember, when incorporating decorations, it's essential to strike a balance between elegance and functionality. Ensure that your chosen decorations complement the overall theme and colour scheme of your wedding while also providing a meaningful way for your guests to leave their well wishes.

Framing and displaying: hanging on a wall or placing on a table

Wedding guest book trees are a quirky and unique alternative to traditional guest books, and they can also function as beautiful decor in your home.

If you're looking to hang your wedding guest book tree on the wall, there are a few options to choose from. One idea is to use a round guest book frame with a wooden tree insert and leaf drops. Your guests will write their names and messages on the leaves, which are then inserted into the frame, creating a full tree. This option is great if you're looking for something that doesn't require additional framing.

Another option is to choose a framed canvas or art paper print, such as a pine tree or willow tree design, where guests can sign their names directly on the branches. These designs often come in various sizes and font options to fit your needs. You can also opt for a 3D wood guest book tree, which features two trees joining together to symbolise the coming together of two individuals.

If you'd prefer to place your wedding guest book tree on a table, consider a standing wooden tree design. This option typically comes with heart-shaped tags that your guests can sign and hang from the branches. It's a beautiful choice for a more intimate wedding.

Another table option is a wish tree, which is a Dutch wedding custom. Guests write their well wishes on pieces of paper shaped like leaves and hang them on the tree, creating a spectacular centerpiece. This option may take a bit of time to assemble, but it's sure to impress your guests.

Whether you choose to hang your wedding guest book tree on the wall or place it on a table, it's sure to be a cherished memento of your special day.

Frequently asked questions