Guest wedding books are a beautiful tradition that allows for a nice memoir of your wedding day. These books, however, often get packed down and are never looked at again. Modern day weddings often go against tradition with the addition of creativity and sentiment. There are many ways to document the attendance of your guests without a book.
1. Message in a Bottle
You can provide a decorative glass bottle and some scrolls of paper at the check-in table. Leave instructions for your guests to write advice, dated night ideas, or fun memories on the papers. Then have them roll up the papers and insert into the bottle. You can later use this bottle of messages as a centerpiece or shelf decoration ion your home. You can take out the messages and read them whenever you need a good date idea, or to reminisce. For extra decorative value you can burn the edges of the papers for a more authentic look. Ribbons can also be provided to tie around each scroll.
2. Wall Art
You can easily turn your guest list into a beautiful piece of art for your wall. A tree with leaves is a popular option. Purchase a print of a tree trunk with empty branches or draw your own. Hang up the picture at your check in desk or simply provide paper leaves for people to sign in on. You can then adhere the leaves to the blank picture when you get home, insert in a frame and hang on your wall. There may be some other type of picture or design that is meaningful to you and your spouse. Get creative and make this idea your own.
3. Games and Puzzles
You can find many budget friendly supplies at the hardware or craft store for this idea. Small wooden pieces can be signed and used as game pieces. A jigsaw can be used to make a plain wooden puzzle to put signatures on. You can have guests sign individual puzzle pieces if you wish. The entire puzzle can also be presented as a whole, allowing people to sign wherever they want. When signatures cross over the puzzle piece lines it will create a more realistic type of puzzle to enjoy later on. Some may also choose to frame the finished product. Pieces can be displayed in a decorative bowl for a nice decoration, as well.
4. Cards
Individual, index sized cards can be printed out with different blanks for information. Each guest can fill out the card with their names and how you met them. You can provide another blank card for advice or memories. These cards can later be stored in a photo album or used to create a wall hanging.
5. Picture Perfect
If you love scrapbooking, the guest list is the perfect starting point for your wedding book project. Polaroid cameras are still a lot of fun when used to capture on the spot candid shots. Have a friend or family member man the check-in table, armed with a Polaroid camera. Once the pictures of each guest are prepared, have them sign the bottom. Assemble the pictures in your scrapbook later. You can also hang them up at the reception for everyone to enjoy.
6. Stones
The use of smooth, decorative stones has become popular, as well. People can add their signature and sentiments to a stone and place in in a nice jar or bowl. This will make a nice home decoration for years to come. It will also be an interesting conversation piece for when you have company over. This can also be done with small pieces of wood in various shapes.
7. Holiday Themed Decorations
Couples that have weddings close to major holidays can often get away with some seasonal influence. A spring wedding might be enhanced by some faux Easter eggs for guests to sign and put in a basket. This decoration can then be brought out every year to decorate the home. A handmade Christmas wreath can be set out and guests can sign ornaments to stick into it. Hanging tree ornaments to be signed are also a great choice for winter time weddings. These can be used every season as a beautiful memory and reminder of the wedding day. Any holiday that your regularly decorate for can be used as a theme for the guest sign in.
8. Personal Interests
This idea can be as simple as you like or also very elaborate. Think about something that is important to both you and your spouse. If you are doctors, you could have the guests sign a lab coat. Musicians may have a nice instrument that can be signed. If you are both sports fanatics, provide a ball, hockey stick, or jersey to be signed.
9. Sew Pretty
Quilts may seem like a thing of the past, something our grandmothers spent time doing. There are still people who can be hired to make quilts, however. You may even have someone in your own family that is willing to help with this project. Pick out some fabric in the colors that you would like to accent your home. Cut the squares ahead of time and provide these for guests to sign. You can then have them sewn into a beautiful quilt after the wedding. For an extra embellishment, you may be able to find someone that is able to embroidery over the signatures for even better durability.
10. Furniture
This idea may not be for everyone, but it is both practical and artistic. There are many stores that sell unfinished furniture. A coffee table or end table would work great for this project. Bring the piece of furniture to the wedding with you and provide a permanent ink writing utensil. Invite your guests to cover the piece with their signatures and personal messages. You can later add a protective coating or a glass top to protect the images. Be sure to stain or paint the piece before the signatures are added. Otherwise, the color may compromise the signatures.
Your wedding should be a fun place to use some self-expression. Tradition is nice, but don’t let anyone talk you out of something that will make the event more meaningful for you. Take the time to think through ideas that will provide you with lasting memories. The guest book is a great tradition to replace with a fun alternative.
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