I found this idea on the Internet while searching for ideas for my sister's wedding. I found that it's a Dutch wedding custom where guests are given a piece of paper to write their wishes to the bride and groom and then hang it on the tree. This creates lasting memories and a beautiful focal point. The Wish Tree can be used in place of or in addition to a guest book.
This Wish Tree looks like a simple vignette, but it took planning and many small projects to get this beautiful setting.
1. The "tree" is a branch I found on the highway. The diamond looking beads around the base were not strong enough to hold the branch, so I used plaster of paris in a small cup, then put that in the glass base, with the beads around it.
2. The jars on the table were found at Gordman's, the words cut out using a Cricut, then attached to the jars with mod podge. I used the jars to hold the tags and the pens.
3. Instructions were put in a frame. Some weddings use a poem as instructions, but we just invited guests to leave a wish for the couple.
4. The tags were "large blank tags" from Hobby Lobby. The fronts of the tags were stamped with a flowering branch stamp and had a clear label that said "I wish...". On the backs, I glued squares of scrapbook paper. Sheer ribbon in coordinating colors completed the tags.
Behind the tree, I used a mirror, with the words "wish tree" on it. To get the look of frosted glass lettering, I used a kit from Hobby Lobby and stencils.
Strands of iradescent garland around the tree and a lace tablecloth on a small wooden table finished the look. All the details together made a Wish Tree Martha Stewart would be proud of!
