Say Cheese: Our Polaroid Guest Book

As I mentioned in my recent wedding recaps (part 1, part 2, part 3), one of my favorite things that we did on our big day was our Polaroid Guest Books.

We used two Adesso Albums and two Polaroid One600 Ultra Instant cameras. We also ordered two personalized gold nameplates which we stuck on the front of the albums (Adesso does this as well).

The reason I loved the Adesso albums so much, is that each page comes with a slot perfectly fitted for a polaroid photo. I didn't need to bother with any other photo corners, glue or anything. By the time I ordered these puppies (which was right before our wedding) I was NOT looking to take on any DIY projects or assignments, so the Adesso Albums were the perfect solution.

We did not hang any special backdrop, though I think if you have the space and inclination, that would be fab. I've recently seen this done where brides choose some cool vintage fabric or even a silly city scene.

We purchased two albums and had about 90 guests at our wedding. Each album comes with room for 30 polaroid photos, and I wanted to make sure that everyone there had the opportunity to write out a page, if they so desired (and they did!). I found, for the most part, that people did not necessarily "group up" for the photos. Couples did and family members did, but I did not have any pics of our entire "friends table" for instance.

We also made sure to have a pretty cup with all sorts of magic markers and pens out for people as well as a cute sign (that matched our stationery, seating cards, etc) that said something along the lines of: "Please take a picture and leave us with some well wishes." We placed everything in a room that was a bit of to the side, where we had our cake, dessert, etc. I think it would also be great to place this near the bathrooms, as that's someplace everyone makes it to at some point or another in the evening.

Though I initially had my doubts, I was blown away and so thrilled by how many of our guests took the time to take their pics and write us out special notes. They really are something that we'll hold onto for many years to come.

A few tips:
* You and your hubby to be should take two polaroid pics before everything gets started...you'll need those for the front covers of the book. We did not realize this and, luckily, our videographer made us pose in the middle of the wedding so that we could get something in there.
*Have your wedding planner (or if you don't have one, a friend or bridesmaid) be in charge of the table you put this all out on. Polaroid film only comes with 10 pictures in each pak, so there is going to be some empty boxes and other garbage that you don't want lying around all night. Also, have a pretty garbage pail right there so there is someplace to throw out the empty boxes, etc.
*Make sure to include some sort of sign letting people know that this is your guest book. Your younger guests will certainly figure it out, but you want to make sure that everyone knows they should be snapping photos.
*Don't forget your books! Or your cameras (we forgot ours). Assign someone to make sure that you have your books before you take off for the night...you'll have a blast reading them before you jet off on your honeymoon!