Signature Frames

A great alternative which gives you the perfect spot to display your engagement photo! Guests sign on the matte around your photo (be sure to remove glass before the reception for signing).

DIY: visit Michaels or a craft store to pick out a large frame. Then select a matte that will leave ample room for signatures and a few colored pens that will show well on colored matte. IE: purchase a 20x24 frame with an 8x10 or 11x14 matte (holds an 8x10 or 11x14 photo). The more guests, the more space you will need for signatures. Michaels offers a large selection and can also custom make a matte to match your colors. Tip: scour newspapers and on-line for coupons and special offers on frames.

Purchase: buy a Signature Frame on-line. You can find a selection of sizes, frame trims, with or without personalization on-line at TheWeddingOutlet.com.

Platter or Vases

A ceramic platter is yet another alternative that has a strong appeal to today's bride. Guests use a special marker to sign the vase or platter. After the event, some pieces do require you "cook" the piece to ensure long-life of the signatures.

DIY: have a local clay or pottery shop in your neighborhood? Consider designing and creating your own. You can paint images or personalize it yourself. Be sure to check with the shop for info on purchasing a marker or if the platter or vase needs to be "cooked."

Purchase: shop for a vase or platter on-line or at a pottery shop. On-line offers many options with decals or personalization available; or you can check with your local pottery shop to see if the can custom make one especially for you.

Wish Boxes

Let your guests leave a personal message on paper! Guests can complete small pieces of paper with a special note then drop inside a wish box or vase.

DIY: purchase a box or vase at Michael's or craft store, plus stationery for notes. Box may have a top that can be removed before the wedding or a slot for guests to insert note after writing. Crafty? Purchase a simple box and decorate with ribbon and decals to match your theme or color. Get creative - use a glass box or vase for a more elaborate look. Consider cutting decorative scrapbooking paper for your guests to leave their note on.

Purchase: shop on-line for wish boxes. They typically come with a slot on top and note paper for guests to write on. A few style books also are available with the concept of a book rather than a box or vase. Guest tucks note into a slot or envelope inside a book.

Memory Books/Scrap Books

Guests take a polaroid of themselves, attach to scrapbook then write a note. Not only will guests have fun posing, but you'll have a complete scrapbook of your wedding day!

DIY: purchase a memory book or scrapbook with some fun, colorful markers, scrapbook paper and tape. Leave a polaroid camera beside book. You may want to limit space for each guest by drawing sections on the pages BEFORE the wedding. This ensure guests don't go "out of the lines" and you'll have enough room for all guests. Scrapbook pages come in a variety of colors and styles - find a fun wedding print or incorporate your colors.

Don't have a polaroid camera? Consider asking guests to bring a picture of themselves or the two of you to the wedding. Then leave tape and book out for guests to insert image into the scrapbook.

Purchase: consider renting a Photo Booth. It has the essentials - some have backdrops! This can dual as a favor, too. Guests leave a copy of the photo for you, but also get to take one home.