The New Guest Book

Let’s face it the traditional wedding guest books are simply a place for your guests to sign-in and that’s about all they do.  Wouldn’t you love a few more lines of  congratulations, advice or words of wisdom from your guests? Wedding guest books are getting a bit more creative, so if not for the words of wisdom from your guests, at least you get a memorable keepsake.

Have your guests sign in on some of these fun alternatives we found from Brides magazine:

1. River Rocks, to display in a glass bowl

2. An album, filled with photos shot during the reception

3. Quilt Squares, to be quilted together later as a keepsake blanket

4. A jeroboam (three-liter) champagne bottle, to be sipped on your first anniversary

5. A poster-sized photo of the reception location (mounted and set on an easel)

6. Cards, to be hung from tree branches

7. A meaningful object to the couple, (a guitar, a globe, a surfboard, etc.)

8. A long scroll of paper that’s been inserted into a typewriter

9. A video, guests won’t be able to sign it, but can leave verbal messages from the heart!

10. A platter, to later display or use at home

Tip: be sure to provide the appropriate writing tools for whatever option you choose!

Whatever style or option you choose, remember, a wedding guest book is only as good as the number of people who sign it. So remember put it somewhere eye-catching!

• Make sure to set your guest book, or alternative to, on a table near the reception-site entrance, this way everyone can see it and send their good wishes your way.
• Grab your guests’ attention by decorating the table with flowers, candles, photos, or whatever fits into your theme and budget.
• If possible, designate a person to carry the guest book from table to table afterward until you’ve gotten all of your guests’ wishes and thoughts!

source: Brides Magazine, March 2010