No matter how big or small your wedding might be, the event is likely going to pass by like a blur. Since you will be busy with a million little tasks at once, you probably will not have an opportunity to interact with your guests for any significant amount of time. This is where the guest book becomes invaluable. Having a place where guests can leave a special message for you will help you look back on your big day and appreciate who was there. Take a look at these ideas to find the best guest book option for you.
Going With the Traditional Approach
A traditional guest book is a simple and straightforward concept. All you need to do is pick out a book that matches the color and style of your wedding. You may also want to find a book that provides enough space for each guest to write a personalized message to you and your partner. However, you may want to make the process simpler than that. A ledger that only offers room for guests to write their names can be helpful if you’re simply looking to keep track of everyone who was present at the celebration.
Recording an Audio Message
In recent years, couples have explored a variety of enticing alternatives to traditional guest books. If you’re looking for something unique, consider getting rid of the concept of the physical book entirely. Instead, let your guests record audio messages. Providing a tape recorder or similar device can be a fun way to get your friends and family members to leave you sentimental, sweet, or outright silly messages about your big day. Some couples have even infused a retro style into this option by providing rotary telephones attached to answering machines that guests can use to record their messages.
Capturing Friends and Family on Film
If audio sounds like a fun alternative to traditional guest books, you may want to take things to the next level by capturing friends and family on film. Video messages are an amazing way to feel connected to the people who attended your wedding. Not only will your loved ones be able to share how they feel about celebrating your big day, but they will also have the opportunity to showcase their wedding outfits. Opting for this type of guest book can also be fun because the messages can be compiled together and shared on social media for everyone to appreciate.
Taking a Quick Picture
Giving guests the option of using a Polaroid camera can also be a fantastic alternative to a traditional guest book. There are a number of different ways you can incorporate instant photos into this element of your wedding. You can have guests hang the photos on a wall and create a beautiful piece of decor for the event. You can include the camera alongside a classic guest book and ask guests to tape the pictures in the book next to their names. This option can be perfect if you want your event to have a vintage feel.
Mailing the Messages
In the digital age, the joy of receiving a physical piece of mail from a loved one has been almost completely lost. If you want to recapture the excitement of opening the mailbox and seeing something other than junk, consider creating a postcard station as an alternative to your guest book. All you have to do is provide postcards or cardstock with postage already included. You may wish to place a decorative mailbox alongside the cards that guests can put their messages in when finished. This option will give you something fun to look forward to back at home.
Finding What Works Best for You
Whether you love the traditional concept of the guest book or you’re looking for something a bit more creative, there are countless ways to go about finding an idea that works for you. No matter which option you select, you will be left with sweet messages from the people you care about the most.