Your top 10 Mr & Missive questions answered

Choosing a Mr & Missive as your wedding guest book alternative is all about turning the  heartfelt messages left by your guests on your wedding day into a beautiful piece of art that will remind you of that perfect day forever. Whether you’ve just discovered us at a wedding fair, via our social media channels or you’ve already fallen in love with the idea and are about to reserve your wedding date, the chances are that you’ve got a few questions as to how the process works and how we make your Mr & Missive.

So, here are the top 10 questions that we hear most often, from how to gather your guests’ messages to what happens after the big day.

1. How do I get my guests to sign the postcards?

We often get asked how you should collect your guests' messages, so we've made it as easy as possible by providing everything that you need. Every Mr & Missive order includes a beautifully packaged postcard pack which includes printed postcards for your guests to write on, plus pens that produce the perfect result when printed on fabric and simple instructions to guide your guests. We also include a leaflet to show your guests what their messages will be made into and some hints and tips for you to make sure that everyone present writes a missive. You can simply set everything out on your guest book table and encourage your loved ones to leave a message on the day or if you would prefer you can ask for the correct number of postcards to match your number of guests and leave one on each table setting.

To catch your evening guests, we recommend having a bridesmaid, usher or MC give a little shoutout during the reception. Alternatively, some couples pop a note in the order of service or display a message near the bar. The more visible and inviting the display, the better!

 

 

 2. What if some guests don’t leave me a message?

It’s completely normal for a few cards to be left blank and you probably won't get messages left from everyone that is present on the day.  However the good news is that should anyone special to you fail to write you a message, you can always ask them to write one after the event so that it can be included.  They can use the postcards that we provide or they can write their missive on a plain piece of paper and photograph it from directly above and in good, natural lighting and it can be emailed directly to us to be added to your Mr & Missive. Alternatively you can photograph and email pictures of your wedding cards and we can use those handwritten messages.

 

3. Can I include extras in my picture like drawings, kids’ messages or pet paw prints?

Yes - absolutely! Your Mr & Missive is completely bespoke and personal to you. We love printing or stitching children’s doodles, funny scrawls from nieces and nephews, or a sweet paw print from your fur baby. These little details add so much personalisation and character to your Mr & Missive and mean that it tells your story perfectly!

You can include these extras in your returned postcard pack or send us a clear photo, scan or digital image and we’ll do the rest!

  

 

4. Can you combine missives to create a message from someone who has passed away?

Yes - and it’s one of the most meaningful things that we do. If you have past letters, cards or notes from a loved one who is no longer with us, we can piece together a message using their original handwriting. Whether it’s a favourite saying, a short quote or a phrase that they always used, we’ll carefully curate it into your artwork in a way that is seamless and respectful.  It’s a beautiful way to feel their presence on your wedding day and beyond and is one of the reasons that so many couples choose a Mr & Missive.

 

 

 5. Do I get the original postcards back?

Yes. Once we’ve digitised and preserved each message for your picture, we send the original handwritten postcards back to you with your completed Mr & Missive. Many couples choose to keep them in a memory box or photo album as they are lovely to revisit, especially when you want to read the full length of longer notes that maybe you chose not to include on your final picture.

 

 

6. What if someone’s handwriting is messy?

If someone's handwriting is messy then that is all part of the charm! Every message,  whether it is neat and cursive or an enthusiastic scribble, carries the essence of the person who wrote it. We carefully clean and balance the messages so they’re easy to read, whilst also keeping the natural quirks that make them personal. You’ll be surprised how beautiful they all look when brought together with care.  If there are lots of crossings out, smudges or someone has written something that you maybe don't want to display on your wall, then simply pop a post it note on the postcard explaining what you would like to remove before you send it back to us.  We are skilled at removing parts of a message and moving the remaining sections so that you would never know it had been altered!

 

7. How long does the process take after the wedding?

Once you have sent your completed postcards back to us, we begin the digitising, cleaning and designing process straight away. We will then send you a digital image of your design and it is at this point that you can make changes, move messages around and alter the look of your Mr & Missive.  Once you have agreed the design, we get to work with the printing, stitching and framing process. You’ll receive updates along the way and your final framed piece is sent with tracked delivery and wrapped with care within 6 weeks of your confirmation of the design.

If you need your piece for a specific date, such as a family get together, an anniversary or another gift-giving occasion, just let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

 

 

 8. Can I include a photo, quote or lyrics in the centre?

Absolutely! Every Mr & Missive includes a personalised centrepiece where you can add your names, wedding date, location coordinates, a quote you love, or even a wedding photo.  You can find lots of examples of Mr & Missives that we've made on our gallery page and on our Instagram, but if you have another design in mind we'd love to make something completely bespoke for you!

 

 

9. What if my wedding is abroad or I have guests that cannot attend?

That is no problem at all!  A Mr & Missive is the perfect wedding guest book alternative for destination weddings because there is no need to transport a large and heavy guest book to your wedding. Simply take the postcards and pens with you and ask a trusted bridesmaid, usher or friend to ensure that they are collected at the end of the wedding and that they keep them safe for you. If you want to include messages from people who can’t attend, we can send the postcard packs to you in plenty of time and your loved ones can write their missives at home and post them back to you either before or after the wedding, or they can send them directly to us digitally. That way, everyone’s handwriting can still be included, no matter where they are in the world!

 

 

10. Can I order one as a gift for someone else?

Yes absolutely, they make the perfect gift! Whether it’s a surprise from a group of  bridesmaids, the couples parents or a group of friends, a Mr & Missive is a deeply personal and thoughtful present that will not be found anywhere else. We can tailor everything to suit the occasion and either offer it as a gift for the couple to choose their design or complete it as a surprise for you to gift yourselves.

 

Still have questions?

If your question isn’t covered here, feel free to contact us here as we are always happy to chat and help you create the most meaningful keepsake from your special day. Your wedding deserves more than a dusty guest book. It deserves a piece of art, stitched with love and made to last forever.