Guest Book Alternatives

A recurring theme I am starting to pick up on among my blogs and within the wedding world---> how to follow tradition while somehow spicing it up at the same time?? Well, the Guest Book is no exception to this conundrum. Many guests jot down their name and that is it in the Guest Book, how is that fun? The bride and groom already have a copy of their guest-list, why do they want to see it in the guest's actual handwriting? How about a Guest Book you will actually want to look at again after the wedding weekend has concluded? Nay, how about a Guest Book that might actually be functional and multi-purpose? Now that's what I'm talkin' about... let's explore your options:

1) Photo Album Guest Book:

This is an awesome idea, because everyone loves a picture book! I know my husband generally doesn't like to read books unless they have pictures in them... But I digress. There are a couple fun ways to accomplish the Photo Album Guest Book idea. Many people incorporate a Photo Booth into their Receptions now, a fun way for guests to pass the time during cocktail hour while you're taking your professional photos with the Photographer. Photo Booths for weddings are available everywhere, and if you have a great Wedding Planner, you should be able to rent a Photo Booth without breaking your budget.

So, the guests hop in the Photo Booth, take some cute, fun, wacky, silly faced pictures and when they're done, out pops TWO copies of their photos. Now you're killing two birds with one stone, (you've taken care of a "wedding favor" for your guest as well as their guest book entry): guests get to keep one copy of their photo booth slideshow and one copy easily is slid into your Guest Book with an area for them to write a fun note. How much better can a Guest Book be? You've got documentation of what your friends were wearing and what they said on your wedding day, something you will look at with your grandchildren years from now and say, "That was Tommy's grandma back in the day, goodness look at her hair!"

2) Signature Platters:

This Guest Book option is functional and can be displayed anywhere. Very easy to do, go to your local ceramics and firing store and pick what platter you like best. You can even customize them with your monogram or picture. Have the platter on display where your traditional Guest Book would be at the Ceremony, (many couples take it to the Reception as well so their guests aren't in a rush and can take their time writing a meaningful message). After the wedding, insert the platter into your oven and wah-lah, the signatures and messages are baked in time, never to be erased! (Careful not to drop the platter!) I know of couples who have put their platter on permanent display in their china cabinet while other couples have used it as a serving tray for many meals. If you don't have a local ceramics store to pick out platters and fire them, then check out these websites for ideas and products: www.celebrationplates.com (the platter Images above copyright (c) 2000-2009 Just Wright Designs, LLC) and www.ForeverandAlways.com

3) Signature Photo Frames:

Similar to the Signature Platter idea, a signature photo frame is very easy as well. These frames and mattes can be purchased at Target, Michael's, Hobby Lobby, and many other retailers for very decent prices. Have a photo of you and your fiance blown up to whatever size you like, then get a frame with enough matte around the photo for your guests to sign during the wedding. This can act as your Guest Book, but many brides still have a traditional Guest Book when they do this option. Sometimes, couples will put an engagement photo in their frame for during the wedding signing session, then afterwards they change the picture to one from the actual wedding. Whatever picture you choose for this frame, it is a great way to be reminded daily of everyone who loves and supports your new marriage. After the wedding you can hang this memory anywhere in your house for your house guests to appreciate and even remember fun times from your wedding.

4) Artistic doodlers Guest Book:

This option allows your guests to have a relaxed but fun way of recording more than just their names. The Guest Book page is set up like an Elementary School project. There are questions such as, "How far did you travel to come to this wedding?" and space for your guest's answers. There are other fun questions for your guests to answer and you can even put pictures of your guests or yourselves in this Guest Book as well!

Check out: www.guestbookstore.com

Another way to customize your ceremony:

-Monogrammed Runners, check out www.FairytaleRunners.com

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth!

I don't know about you, but I am not the biggest fan of mass-produced monogrammed nick-knacks. I really enjoy giving gifts that actually pertain to the person receiving the gift. Sure, I'll admit I gave all of my bridesmaids monogrammed slippers... BUT, (not only did they wear the slippers on the dance floor at my wedding), they actually wear them frequently, like them and enjoy them. What I dislike are all the bells and whistles that wedding websites convince brides to buy. Some of it is fun, but most of it is redundant and unoriginal.

So, how to be unique and special? Consider your wedding location: are you having a destination wedding? Are you having a special theme wedding? To show your gratitude to the people who helped make your event great, a functional item might be just right.

For example, one of my great friends is planning her July 2010 wedding in Minnesota. She grew up on a lake and their wedding is very much going to be a 'lake-side' wedding. Her fiance plays for the NHL and is very gear-conscience. She had the brilliant idea to give her bridesmaids Sperry Topsider boat shoes. Not only can the girls wear them during the wedding weekend festivities, but they are also great quality shoes that will last for years to come.

If you're having a simple affair that isn't really theme-driven, consider the bridesmaids and groomsmen and whoever else you are buying gifts for: what are their likes and dislikes? It is totally kosher to give a gift to your Maid-of-Honor that has nothing to do with the wedding. If she is enamored with a certain Farmers' Market in your neighborhood--plan a special trip to the Market together and buy her groceries. Or if you are artistic, paint a picture of the Farmers' Market during a busy morning... there are a multitude of ways to turn an uncomplicated pleasure into a daily reminder of your appreciation to her.

A spectacular option is to give gifts related to a cause. I knew of a bridesmaid's mom who had Breast Cancer, so the bride and groom's gift to whole wedding party was to donate money for everyone participating in a local 5k for Cancer research, very cool. This is not only for a purpose and will help research, but it is also a great way to bond with your wedding party in non-wedding related events. Not to mention cardio exercise is a ridiculously good way to blow off some steam and wedding-related stress.

Another great idea, depending on your budget, is Wine of the Month club. Many people out there enjoy a good bottle of wine, what better way to remind them monthly of your appreciation? There are many "of-the-month-clubs" with other products such as cheese, fruit, book, album etc...

So you see, thinking outside the box has its short term and long term benefits ;)