Crafting Picture Frame Guest Books For Your Wedding Day

A picture frame guest book is a unique and memorable way to remember your wedding day and the guests who attended. There are many options available to purchase or make your own, with a variety of styles and colours to choose from. You can buy a simple picture frame and have guests sign their names directly on the frame, or you can have guests sign wooden hearts, puzzle pieces, or other objects that fit with your wedding theme and place them into a drop box frame. This creates a beautiful keepsake to display in your home after the wedding.

Choosing a frame material and colour

When choosing a frame material and colour, it's important to consider the overall style and theme of your wedding. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

Frame Material

• Wooden frames are a popular choice for wedding guest books, as they offer a rustic and elegant look. They can be personalised with laser engraving, and come in various colours such as oak, brown, black, and white.
• Metal frames made from aluminium provide a modern and sleek option. Artifact Uprising offers metal frames in three finishes: Matte Black, Brass, and German Silver.
• Acrylic frames are another modern choice that can be paired with wooden or acrylic hearts for guests to sign.

Frame Colour

• Black is a classic and elegant choice that will complement any wedding theme. It is available in both wooden and metal frames.
• White is a versatile option that can be used for weddings with a light and airy colour palette. It is often chosen for rustic or farmhouse-style weddings.
• Oak is a natural and warm-toned frame colour that can add a touch of sophistication to your guest book.
• Gold and silver frames are perfect for weddings with metallic accents. They can be paired with gold or silver foil details in your guest book design.
• Custom colours are also an option if you want your frame to match a specific wedding colour palette.

Selecting a frame size

When selecting a frame size for your picture frame guest book, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, you'll want to make sure the frame is large enough to accommodate the number of guests you expect to attend your wedding. A standard size for a wedding guest book frame is 16x20 inches, which can hold up to 160 signatures or hearts for guests to sign. If you're expecting more guests, you may need to go with a larger size, such as 18 1/2" x 22 1/2" which can hold up to 250 signatures.

Another thing to consider is the size of the photo you plan to use. Some frames come with a mat that can accommodate a specific photo size, such as 5x7 or 8x10, while others may have a larger opening that can fit a variety of photo sizes. If you want to include a photo of a certain size, make sure to check the product specifications before purchasing.

Additionally, you'll want to think about where you plan to display your guest book frame after your wedding. If you have a designated space on a table or shelf, make sure you select a frame size that will fit nicely in that spot. If you plan to hang your guest book on the wall, consider the size of the wall and select a frame that is proportional to the space.

It's also important to keep in mind that the number of signatures or hearts a frame can hold may depend on the size of the individual signatures or hearts. If you anticipate your guests having larger signatures or needing more space to write, you may want to opt for a larger frame size or one that can accommodate more signatures.

Finally, don't forget to consider your budget when selecting a frame size. Larger frames or those made with higher-quality materials may come with a higher price tag. Shop around and compare prices to find the best option that fits within your budget.

Picking a mat or mount board colour

When picking a mat or mount board colour, it is important to consider the overall aesthetic of your wedding and choose a colour that complements your theme. Here are some things to keep in mind:

Wedding Theme and Colours

If you have a specific wedding theme or colour palette, try to choose a mat or mount board colour that ties in with your chosen aesthetic. For example, if you are having a rustic wedding with lots of natural elements, you might opt for a mount board in a soft green or brown shade. If your wedding is more modern or glamorous, a sleek black or metallic mount board could be a better choice.

Wedding Venue

The location of your wedding can also influence your choice of mat or mount board colour. For instance, if you are getting married on a beach, you might choose a colour that reflects the sand, sea, and sky. Or, if you are having a wedding in a garden or outdoor setting, you could opt for a colour that complements the natural surroundings, such as soft pastels or vibrant greens.

Wedding Attire

Consider the colours of your wedding attire when selecting a mat or mount board. If you are wearing a traditional white or ivory dress, a soft colour like blush, cream, or light grey could be a good choice. If you are wearing a coloured wedding dress or suit, you might want to choose a complementary shade for the mat or mount board.

Wedding Decor

Think about the overall decor of your wedding, including the centrepieces, flowers, and table settings. You might want to choose a mat or mount board colour that ties in with these decorative elements to create a cohesive look. For example, if you are using lots of candles and fairy lights, a soft, warm-toned mount board could be a good choice.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the choice of mat or mount board colour is a personal one. If you have a favourite colour or a shade that is meaningful to you and your partner, don't be afraid to choose that option, even if it doesn't perfectly match your wedding colours or theme. Your guest book is a reflection of your personal style, so feel free to inject your own personality into the design.

Customising the guest book

Choosing a Frame

First, decide on the type of frame you want. You can go for a simple wooden frame, or opt for something more decorative, such as a metal frame with a float to elevate the image. The size of the frame will depend on the number of guests you expect, as well as the size of the photos you plan to use. Standard frame sizes include 8x10, 11x14, 16x20, and 20x30.

Adding Personalised Details

Consider personalising your guest book with your names, the wedding date, and even a verse or saying that is special to you. You can also customise the colour of the frame to match your wedding theme. If you're feeling creative, you could decorate the frame yourself with paint, flowers, or other decorative elements.

Selecting the Right Materials

When it comes to the materials inside the guest book, you'll want to ensure they are of good quality and will stand the test of time. Look for acid-free paper, fine-point pens, and shatter-resistant glass or plexiglass to protect your signatures and photos.

Guest Book Alternatives

If you want to move away from the traditional guest book, there are plenty of alternative options. You could provide wooden hearts, puzzle pieces, or acrylic shapes for guests to sign and drop into a box or frame. This creates a unique 3D display that you can hang on your wall as a keepsake.

Adding Photos

Including photos in your guest book is a lovely way to personalise it and showcase your special day. You can add a single photo in the centre, surrounded by signatures, or opt for a collage of photos with space for guests to write their well wishes. If you're using a drop box guest book, you can include a small photo frame for guests to sign around.

Signature Mats and Boards

Another option is to use a signature mat or board, which can be personalised with your names and wedding details. These often come in a variety of colours and can be framed after your wedding, creating a beautiful display piece.

Remember, your guest book should reflect your personality and style as a couple. Don't be afraid to get creative and think outside the box!

Adding decorations

Choose a Theme or Colour Scheme

Decide on a theme or colour scheme that complements your wedding style and use this as a starting point for your decorations. For example, if you're having a rustic-themed wedding, you could use a wooden picture frame and add decorations such as twine, baby's breath flowers, and kraft paper for guests to sign on.

Flowers and Greenery

Flowers and greenery are a beautiful way to add a touch of elegance and colour to your guest book. You can use fresh flowers that match your bridal bouquet or opt for dried flowers or artificial flowers for a more long-lasting option. Eucalyptus leaves, baby's breath, and roses are all popular choices.

Ribbons and Bows

Ribbons and bows can be used to add a touch of whimsy and romance to your guest book. Try tying a large bow at the top of the frame or weaving a ribbon through the corners of the frame for a decorative touch. You could also use ribbon to create a hanging display for your guest book, especially if it's a smaller, lightweight frame.

Personalised Details

Adding personalised details is a great way to make your guest book unique. Consider engraving your names and wedding date on a small plaque or plate that can be attached to the frame. You could also include a meaningful quote or verse that reflects your relationship. Another idea is to include small photos of you and your partner throughout the frame, leaving space for guests to sign around them.

Glitter and Confetti

For a fun and festive touch, consider adding some glitter or confetti to your guest book. You can use glitter glue to write your names or the date, or simply sprinkle some glitter or confetti around the frame for a celebratory look.

Guest Book Accessories

Don't forget to include some accessories with your guest book, such as a pen or fine-point marker for guests to sign with. You could also provide a small sign with instructions for guests, such as "Please sign our guest book" or "Drop your heart into the frame". These small details will add to the overall decorative appeal of your guest book display.

Frequently asked questions