5 reasons to choose a Mr & Missive over a DIY guest picture

Weddings are full of personal touches and sentimental details, so it’s no surprise that couples often consider DIY-ing aspects of their big day to add a bit of themselves to the decor. However, when it comes to preserving those special messages left by your loved ones, there are some compelling reasons to skip the DIY route and invest in a Mr & Missive wedding guest book alternative instead.

So if you're thinking about DIY-ing your wedding guest picture, here are five reasons why having a Mr & Missive is the smarter (and way less stressful) choice!

 

1. Sharpies Aren’t as Permanent as You Think!

Many couples opt for guests to write on jigsaw pieces, Jenga blocks or wooden sign using Sharpies or other markers. The problem? These inks can fade over time, smudge with handling, and fail to maintain their vibrancy - especially if the materials are porous or textured. Imagine pulling out your guest book years from now only to find smudged or illegible messages! That would definitely be a disappointing reminder of what was meant to be a cherished keepsake.

At Mr & Missive, we use high-quality, archival-grade ink to print and stitch your guests’ messages onto a durable, textured fabric that will not only last but also look beautiful for decades to come. The ink is specially chosen for its longevity and clarity, ensuring that every message remains as vivid as the day it was written. Plus, by digitising and cleaning up each message before printing, we prevent any smudging, crossings out or accidental spills from spoiling your special keepsake.

 

 

2. The Danger of Unfiltered Messages

When you DIY a guest book and leave it to guests to write freely, you’re taking a risk! While most people will leave sweet, well-meaning messages, there’s always the possibility that a guest who’s had one too many drinks by the end of the evening might write something inappropriate, unintentional, or downright embarrassing. Once it’s written, it’s there forever, whether you like it or not.

Mr & Missive remove the risk — and potential awkwardness — out of preserving guest messages. Every message is reviewed and curated by you before it’s digitised, giving you complete control over what gets included (and what doesn't!). That means no unwanted surprises, no offensive jokes, and no regrettable scribbles. Instead, you receive a collection of loving, intentional messages that you’re proud to display in your home. You still get the original postcards returned to you, but you won't have to look at that embarrassing missive on your wall for the next 50 years!

 

3. No one wants an inconsistent and unbalanced design!

If you’re planning to DIY your guest book picture by asking your guests to sign directly onto a picture mount or similar piece, be prepared for some design challenges! You might end up with 15 messages on one side, 2 on the other, and a hastily drawn doodle in the corner. Without proper layout and design consideration, the final product can look cluttered, uneven, and visually jarring - not something that you will want to display in your home.

Our process ensures that each message is thoughtfully placed and beautifully balanced within the artwork. We carefully arrange each message to create a cohesive, harmonious design that looks stunning whether you choose all of your messages to be printed or include some stitched missives to highlight your most favourite. With Mr & Missive, you get a polished, gallery-quality piece that’s as much a work of art as it is a treasured keepsake.

 

 

4. Missing Messages from Absent or Lost Loved Ones

On your wedding day, it’s easy to miss getting a message from someone really important — especially if they are unable to attend or if you want to include a message from a loved one who has passed away. DIY guest books simply don’t offer a way to incorporate these meaningful messages as they are completed on the day by guests who are in attendance.

However, at Mr & Missive we understand how significant it is to include messages from those who mean the most, whether they’re present or not. That’s why we offer the option to include missives from loved ones who couldn’t attend or who are no longer with us. For those unable to attend, you can collect and submit these messages in advance, allowing them to be seamlessly integrated into the design. For those loved ones who are no longer with us, we can take their handwriting from an old birthday or Christmas card, or curate a message from a combination of these. This way, your guest picture truly reflects everyone who played a part in your love story. If you'd like to learn more about how to include absent loved ones in your wedding day, you can find more tips in our blog post Here

 

5. DIY is More Stress and Work Than You Think!

Creating a guest book display may seem simple, but in reality, it’s a time-consuming project. You need to source materials, plan the layout, collect the messages, and then assemble everything — all on top of planning the rest of your wedding. Not to mention, if things don’t go as planned (like ink smudging or messages being missed), you could end up with a disappointing final product that doesn’t do justice to your big day.

At Mr & Missive, we take care of every detail for you. From providing the postcard packs, the correct pens that give the perfect result when your messages are printed, to digitising, cleaning up any smudges or crossings out and arranging each message so your picture looks stunning. We handle the entire process! You don’t have to worry about ink stains, mismatched messages, or last-minute DIY disasters. Instead, you receive a carefully crafted, stunning piece of art that perfectly captures the love and sentiments of your guests — without all the stress and hassle! 

 

 

In the end, your wedding day is too special to leave something as sentimental as guest messages to chance. Mr & Missive offers a beautifully crafted, lasting alternative that preserves those heartfelt words in a way that’s as elegant as it is meaningful. Why DIY when you can have a timeless, display-worthy keepsake that will bring you joy every day? 

If you'd like to discuss how we can make you the perfect wedding day keepsake, get in contact with us Here and if you'd like to see more examples of Mr & Missive Guest Book Alternatives that we have made, you can take a look at our gallery Here.