About Photo Guest Books

A photo guest book makes a great keepsake for any wedding, party or event you're planning. It replaces the old worn-out idea of a traditional guest book where people dully sign their names with something much more involved. It not only lets people sign their names, but write special comments and have their pictures added later. It combines a scrapbook and a guest book in one that you'll enjoy and want to look at years later. Whether you make one yourself or buy one from a store, these are great ideas for any party.

Description

A photo guest book is a newer take on the traditional guest book. The photo guest book is popular at parties, especially at weddings. Instead of having the guests sign their names, like in a traditional guest book, a photo snapshot is taken of the guest during the wedding or party, and they write a comment below the photo. They are used to make the book feel more personal and memorable as well as to capture everyone in the moment.

Function

The photo guest book is simple yet creates many memories to keep for years to come. This allows the spontaneity of the moment to be captured. The photo guest book allows you to visually document each person with a photo of them. It also allows them to sign a personal comment so you can track who was there and keep the book for sentimental value. It's like creating an instant scrapbook.

Significance

While a traditional guest book is cheaper because that's all it is -- a single book, the photo guest book lets you create a keepsake you'll want to look at years down the road. People express their emotions the best when they're caught up in the moment. Since the photo guest book is instant, this will capture people at their best. It also allows them to leave you with a special message instead of signing their name. Names are boring, but a personal message is one of the best gifts someone can receive.

Types

There are two different types of photos and two different types of guest books. For your book, you can choose to buy your own, or to buy a specially made book. Buying your own could be anything from a three-ring binder to a personal scrapbook. Buying from a company or store would include a book with pages designed solely for the purpose of holding and protecting photos. For the camera film, you can choose Polaroids or a regular disposable or digital camera. The difference between the two is that a Polaroid is instant, thus capturing the moment, while a digital or disposable camera requires guests to sign a blank book and let the host add the photos in later.

Purchasing

Choosing whether to make a book yourself or buy one comes down to budget and how good you are at craft projects. While it costs more, instant photos and a specially made book often create the best results. Not only will the pictures be instant, but they'll stick to the book better and not wrinkle. If you choose to make your own, any scrapbook and digital camera will work. You can also choose between having a friend take the photographs and have the guests sign the book, or asking a professional photographer to have an assistant do the work. You will need to pay an extra fee for this, but it will free up the guests and you won't have to worry about whether your friends are taking their jobs seriously or not.

Resources

• Purchase Photo Guest Book Supplies