When we decided to have a wedding scrapbook instead of a traditional guestbook, it turned out to be not only a unique and fun way to capture memories from our special day, but also a wonderful way for guests to connect and share creative moments together. Here are some tips and tricks to make it a success:
1. Have Clear Instructions for Your Guests
Place clear, concise instructions on the front of the scrapbook table or area. Let your guests know what to do and how to get involved. A quick demo or visual example can be super helpful, so ask someone to create a page early in the evening to set the tone.
2. Offer Small, Less Intimidating Options
Not everyone is ready to dive into a full scrapbook page. Provide smaller options, like cards or small notes, for guests who might prefer leaving a quick message. Alternatively, draw a grid of four on a typical 12x12 scrapbooking sheet, so some guests can contribute smaller versions by just decorating one corner.
3. Provide Easy-to-Use Materials
Make sure your crafting station is stocked with materials that are fun and simple to use. Think colourful crayons, stickers, washi tape, glue sticks, and scissors. A variety of tools will help guests feel inspired and creative. If possible, get stickers and papers that match you and your partners interests (eg. cats, video games, hobbies, etc).
4. Ensure Enough Space and Organisation
Crafting can get chaotic! Set up a spacious area with enough room for multiple guests to work at once. If your event gets crowded, be ready to add another table. At our wedding, the craft area became so popular that we needed to set up a second table to keep things flowing smoothly.
5. Include Photos of You and Your Partner
Print A4 sheets filled with photos of you and your partner through the years. Guests love using these to personalise their pages, especially if the photos include shared memories from events they attended.
6. Be Resourceful with Supplies
Save money by sourcing scrapbooking materials from secondhand platforms like Facebook Marketplace or eBay. You’d be surprised by how many people are clearing out their craft supplies, and you can find great deals. Ask in your local Facebook suburb group if anyone is looking to home some tools and materials. Op shops / thrift stores can also be a great place to find fun books and magazines for chopping up and using.
7. Repurpose Wedding Wrapping Paper
Have a designated box for wedding wrapping paper or other scraps from the day. Guests can use these to decorate their pages, making the scrapbook even more personal and meaningful.
8. Don’t Forget the Clean-Up
Crafting can get messy, so make sure you have a bin or recycling container nearby for scraps and used materials. Keeping the area tidy will make it more inviting for the next round of guests. We found that some guests would do an excellent job at tidying the station for us, so it wasn't something that we needed to monitor or maintain ourselves.
My final thoughts...
Our wedding scrapbook was a huge hit, and the pages our guests created are now some of our most treasured keepsakes. By planning ahead and creating an inviting space, you can ensure your guests have a great time contributing to a one-of-a-kind memento from your wedding day.