Fingerprint Guest Book Guide
Looking for a guest book that’s a little more fun and a lot more you? A fingerprint guest book is a creative alternative to traditional guest books – perfect for weddings, baby showers, birthdays, christenings and more.
Not only is it interactive and personal, but it also becomes a beautiful keepsake you can hang in your home and cherish for years to come.
What Is a Fingerprint Guest Book?
A fingerprint or thumbprint guest book is a custom design – often featuring trees, balloons, or animals – where each guest leaves a fingerprint to symbolise their presence. Many also sign their name next to it, making the print uniquely theirs.
For example, in our flamingo balloon design, guests place their fingerprint where the balloon string would be, creating a vibrant bunch of “balloons” by the end of the event.
What You’ll Need
Coloured Ink Pads – Guests press their finger into the ink and onto the design.
Our favourite: Memento Dew Drop Ink – acid-free, water-based, quick-drying and available in a wide range of colours. The cute droplet shape also doubles as a fun stamping tool.
Other brands to consider: ColorBox and VersaColor
Tip: Offer 2–3 colour options for a more dynamic look.
Pens for Signing – Once guests leave their fingerprint, many like to sign their name next to it for an extra personal touch. But not all pens are created equal – if you’re planning to frame and display your guest book, it’s important to use pens that are archival and fade resistant. Here are some top recommendations:
Archival and fade-resistant pens:
• Faber-Castell PITT Artist Pens – waterproof, acid-free, and lightfast
• Micron Pigma Pens – archival ink that won’t bleed or fade
• Memory Markers – safe for keepsakes and made to last
For darker backgrounds:
• Sharpie Ultra Fine Point – reliable and permanent
• Acrylic paint pens – dual-tipped pens in white, gold, or metallics look great on dark paper and dry quickly
Tip: Avoid using regular gel pens or non-permanent markers – they may smudge, fade, or run over time.
Keeping It Clean
No one wants inky fingers! Here’s how to keep things tidy:
- Set out wet wipes and a small towel
- Let guests know where they can wash their hands if needed
- For minimal mess, stamp the ink pad directly onto the design yourself or use a signature-only option
Top Tips for the Big Day
1. Start with someone brave
Guests might hesitate to be the first – ask a family member or bridal party to start and break the ice.
2. Offer a test page
Provide a blank sheet nearby so guests can try their fingerprint before using the real design.
3. Display instructions
Let guests know what to do with a sign. 👉 Download free printable guest book signs here
4. Have backups ready
Ink pads can dry out if left open. Have extras on hand:
- A second ink pad
- A spare pen
- A small cup of water to revive dry ink if needed
Guest Book Designs for Every Occasion
Whether you’re hosting a rustic garden wedding, a jungle-themed baby shower, or a colourful birthday, we’ve got a guest book to suit.
From elephants and flamingos to leafy trees and whimsical hot air balloons, you’ll find something that fits your event and your style.