Fingerprint Guest Book FAQ

on Jan 26 2026

BonjourEmma – Personalized Guest Book Alternatives

What is a fingerprint guest book?

A fingerprint guest book is a unique and interactive wedding guest book alternative where your guests leave their actual fingerprint or thumbprint on a beautifully illustrated design instead of signing a traditional book. Each fingerprint becomes part of the artwork, turning your guest book into a one-of-a-kind keepsake you can proudly display in your home after your wedding or event.

Unlike traditional guest books, fingerprint guest books are finished by your guests, making them deeply personal and full of meaning.

How does a fingerprint guest book work at a wedding or event?

Guests are invited to:

Sign their name
Add their fingerprint or thumbprint to the artwork using ink pads

The fingerprints fill in balloons, trees, hearts, or other illustrated elements, creating a completed design by the end of your celebration.

Fingerprint guest books work beautifully for:

Weddings & anniversaries
Baby showers & gender reveals
Bridal showers
Birthday parties
Memorials & celebrations of life

Should the fingerprint guest book be supervised?

Yes — this is the most important tip for success.

Fingerprinting is fun and interactive, and guests often feel inspired to get creative. To ensure the artwork stays beautiful and evenly filled, we strongly recommend having a guest book attendant.

A guest book attendant can:

Explain how fingerprinting works
Guide guests where to place their fingerprint
Encourage participation so no space is left empty
Hand out wipes and keep the area tidy

This role can be filled by a friend, cousin, or relative who is not in the wedding party, or by multiple people taking short shifts.

Supervision makes a huge difference in the final result — especially for fingerprint balloon designs where balanced placement matters.

Should guests sign before or after fingerprinting?

Guests should sign first, then stamp their fingerprint.

Why?

Signing on top of a fresh fingerprint can sometimes cause ink bleeding
Stamping over a dry signature creates a cleaner, more polished look
Balloon and tree designs look more cohesive when fingerprints overlay signatures

This simple order ensures the artwork stays crisp and professional.

What should I provide at the fingerprint guest book table?

To create a smooth experience, we recommend setting up a small station that includes:

Ink pads
Archival pens
Baby wipes
A small trash bin or decorative bowl

Baby wipes are essential so guests can easily clean their fingers right after stamping. For a polished look, you can remove the wipes’ packaging label and pre-cut the wipes in half to reduce waste.

Having wipes readily available ensures ink doesn’t dry on fingers and keeps guests comfortable.

What type of ink works best for fingerprint guest books?

Based on extensive studio testing, dye-based inks work best for fingerprint guest books.

Why dye-based ink?

Dries quickly
Creates clean, detailed fingerprints
Minimizes smudging
Easily wipes off skin when cleaned promptly

Most dye-based inks are safe, water-based, and designed for paper crafting.

What pens should guests use to sign?

Guests should use:

Archival pens
Fine art pens
Scrapbooking pens

These pens are designed to last and won’t fade over time.

🚫 Avoid using regular or fine-point Sharpies.
Sharpies are acid-based, not archival, and may bleed or damage the artwork over time.

When is the best time during the event to collect fingerprints?

The best time is early in the event, such as:

Before the ceremony
During cocktail hour
At the beginning of the reception

This ensures:

Guests are relaxed but not distracted
Everyone participates
The artwork is completed before the open bar

Fingerprint guest books use water-based ink, so it’s best to keep them away from drinks to avoid spills or moisture damage.

Should I frame my fingerprint guest book during the event?

Yes — framing is highly recommended, with one important detail.

For the event:

You can use either a framed canvas or a frame without glass or plexiglass.
This keeps the paper flat and fully supported.
It prevents bending, smudging, or other damage while guests add their fingerprints.

After the event:

Add glass or plexiglass for long-term protection

All fingerprint guest book designs are created in standard frame sizes, making it easy to find a ready-made frame or choose custom framing that fits your style.