A wedding guestbook is a customary keepsake where it records all the visitors of the bridal event and their wishes or messages toward the newlyweds. It is impossible to track guests who shared the matrimonial experience with the couple; the guestbook is then signed by visitors to prevent confusion about the attendance. Currently guestbook comes in different styles and hues. There are even some attendance records that appeared in sets that include a unity candle or a pen.
How to Choose a Guestbook
1. Choose a booklet that matches with the theme of the wedding. For instance, “a guestbook with religious poetries matches with a traditional wedding scheme”.
2. Have the wedding guestbook customized with a unique monogram or a picture of the bride and the groom. It is a keepsake; it would be great if the booklet is decorated. Attaching a ribbon or lace that matches with the color of the bridesmaids’ garments can be an example of personalizing the guestbook.
3. An attendance book must have enough space for all the bridal boarders to sign including the messages. Traditional books have lines where the involved parties can mark on keeping the sheets organized. But there are casual leaflets where they can write almost anywhere they want adding a little fun in extending their message.
4. Choose a pen that can be appropriately used for signing. Black ink is adequate while using multi-colored ink makes the guestbook seem untidy. Permanent markers can be used on ceramic platters.
Be advised to place the book conveniently at the entry so that guests can write on the wedding guestbook before entering the hall. Put a sign or anything that indicate attendants to inscribe the book. For instance “Please Sign Our Guestbook”. These are helpful especially if the couple is using an alternative attendance sheet because some guests won’t realize it is a guestbook until they were told.
Signing Guest books
An old-fashioned wedding guestbook require the visitor to indicate his whole name and address including contact details such as a phone number. Casual books would most likely ask people to include their messages for the couple. Extending a memo should be thought carefully, the best way to sign the leaflet is to write from the heart. Also try to avoid penning messages that are too personal because weddings are happy events, and it is a bad idea to attempt insulting the couple.
1. By looking at the format of the guestbook and observing how other guests sign the sheet, the visitor will have an idea on how to sign it. A simple “good luck” message will be decent enough but there are some that asks for a longer message.
2. Socialize with other attendants and relatives of the marrying twosome to gather information on what to include in the message. Another option is to look at the pictures or videos while formulating a note.
3. Note a few words on a pad or try to practice writing the message in private.
4. Return to the guestbook and sign, do not feel daunted by people after you and avoid communicating so that disruptions and mistakes are prevented.
Many newlyweds will eventually forget where they hid their attendance booklet; modern couples have other options replacing the book. Videos where guests can express their missive on filmed clips. Scrapbooks can be signed by guests but unlike the traditional guest books, a photograph album can be used as a display. Ceramic plates can be signed and also be used as a home décor. Sometimes there are even digital guest books like the ones found in websites.