“And the tree was happy”
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One of my favorite books of all time is Shel Silverstein’s The Giving Tree. It is a heartfelt story that has inspired me all my life.
As we began planning our day, I racked my brain trying to find some way to incorporate this touching story into our celebration.
And then I saw it!
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Yes, Mr. Ostrich and I are one of the many wedding duos who are all about the fingerprint tree! And why not? For us, this wedding tree represents the cherished few whose love and friendship has helped us grow and flourish over the years. They are our Giving Tree…and we are lucky to have them in our lives.
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We found some awesome Etsy shops that create these sweet guest book alternatives, but they are a bit pricey for a budget bee. So we’ll do a bit more window shopping and tree drawing (it would be fantastic if i could actually put my art school education to use!) and see where we end up. 
Stay tuned!
My fellow thoughtful bees, what unique guest book ideas are you dreaming up for your wedding? You all have such inspiring ideas!
I love this idea… but does it make me a neatnik to think… I wouldn’t want an inky thumb? How does this work? I’m sure that there is a plan in place to make sure the ink stays on that paper and not on the hands of the guests…which would end up on my clothing!
This is great! Thank you so much for posting this. I love this book as well. I was racking my brain what to do for my guest book because I dont want a portfolio. Thanks, thanks, thanks!!
Some good friends of mine did this at their wedding and it was beautiful! I wish I thought of it first!!!
I did one of these for our wedding guest book and I love the way it looks on our wall!!
I would think you could sketch the tree yourself if you have some artistic skill 
This trend always looks so beautiful in the photos I see of it <3
[...] Guestbooks Trend – The Fingerprint Tree via [...]
Wow I love this! What other ways are you going to incorporate the book?
I’m planning on doing this too. Can’t wait to see what you come up with!
There’s also this fabulous STD using the tree: http://www.merrimentdesign.com/giving-tree-save-the-date-wedding-announcement-for-fall.php
It’s so cute!
I love the thumbprint trees! We had everyone write their favorite memory of us on cards and we’ll put them in a book. They’re so much fun to read.
This is a perfect way to incorporate the Giving Tree! We are doing a rock guest book…we have collected a couple hundred river rocks from the area that we got engaged and where we are also getting married. Guests will write thier names on the rocks and then we will display them in a big big hurricane jar in our home. Or possibly place them in our garden. I love non-traditional guest book ideas!
Has anyone seen one of these in person at a wedding? I love this idea, but am worried about the practical implication of guests walking around with inky fingers..
I would imagine you could have a little basket with alcohol wipes or moist towelettes or something to let the guests clean their fingers immediately after stamping. I’ve also heard this works better with index fingers than thumbs. I think it’s beautiful though – good luck!
Definitely stealing the thumbprint tree idea. I like how you could make it work for any season, too.
Mrs. Ostrich, San Francisco/Hawaii Age and Occupation: 30, Fashion Buyer Fiance's Age and Occupation: 38, Copywriter Engagement Date: October 4, 2009 Wedding Date: April 2011 Venue: Sweet ceremony by the sea and sunset celebration on the North Shore of Hawaii About Me: Born in the city of angels and residing in the city by the bay, I’m a fearless fashion buyer by day, a passionate blog author by night and a dreamy bride-to-be in between. I thank my lucky stars to live in such a stunning city that gives me gifts like organic honey lavender ice cream, movie nights in the park, tucked away beaches, legendary record stores, '80s dance parties, awesome sports teams, stellar flea markets, and vintage bookshops. Oh, and I love to dance! We always find every excuse to escape to the beach, and decided a little seaside wedding in Hawaii is our idea of bliss. Full of our favorite people, music, food and sparkly lights, this is one sunset celebration we will always remember.
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