Here's wishing you the bluest skies: Wish Bowl

Guest books have come a long way from the traditional lined book where guests would acknowledge their visit by signing their name and sometimes address. Alternative guest books have become the norm, gaining popularity in the wedding world and allowing the couple to have something reflective of their style, personality, and wedding theme. They are also great keepsakes :)

Our search for the perfect guest book alternative was fun and full of creative ideas:

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Surfboards, bottle, flip flops, guitar.

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This hanging of laundry idea was one of my favorites. So creative and fun!

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A wish tree makes such a great statement and is so beautiful.

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The thought of guests placing their notes on the tree, then for others and us to read each note is such a fun concept. It's so interactive and you can display the tree and keep the notes forever :)

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I also really loved the idea of a scrapbook where guests could take instant photos, paste them on pages, and write their thoughts/well wishes.

But my favorite idea was the wish bowl.

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A place for guests to write a note, advice, or wish for the couple and drop it in the bowl. It is like throwing a penny into a fountain.

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And the wishes can be kept in a scrapbook of the wedding :)

So with all the inspiration and ideas, I gathered my supplies.

Purchased these note cards in curry, beet, plum, and grape from Paper Source.


Used a clear stamp to create a whimsical design. I opted for circles to match other stationery used in my wedding.


Stamped gold ink onto the paper. It took a few tries, but the design came out nicely.


This is how it looked on the shades of paper. The gold ink didn't show up on the beet paper, so I used black ink but forgot to take a photo. Whoopsies.


Here is a trial lay out for the wish bowl. Had to add gelly pens in purple and gold for color coordination purposes.


And here is our wish bowl set up and ready to go! Wish I had more photos of it to share but no one seems to have any other photos of it.


How did you chose our guestbook? What alternatives did you like?



Blog title is from lyrics by the Kinks

And it wouldn't be the same without you

I have been thinking about our guest list for-ev-errr. My friends and I have talked about it in college, told each other on drunken nights that they'd be at the wedding, and wrote list upon list. Then I got engaged and began to compile the official list. And after listing immediate family things became more complex. While my love had a good number of friends and family to add, my list would be larger. You see, I have a huge Filipino family filled with second cousins, godparents, Titos and Titas, and family friends who we regard as extended family. Of course I can't forget high school and college friends. I was considering the relationships I've had with people, those who I currently correspond with, those who have had an impact in my life, and those who are important to my family. I want to include everyone who is special to me. So add it all up and my list almost doubles my love's. Kinda crazy.

So the count currently stands at 183. We started with two columns (his and hers) but now will combine to a nice, orderly, alphabetical spreadsheet. Here are a few that I have found helpful: Martha Stewart Weddings Planning Tools and a wedding planning spreadsheet blogged about on Weddingbee.

I really hope this helps me keep organized.

Blog title is from lyrics by MxPx