Traditional Wedding Guest Books are often perused after the honeymoon, then placed lovingly on a shelf in the couple’s home and left to collect dust until their golden anniversary. I know that this is the case with mine, at least. I often wish that we had come up with a more original way to commemorate the presence of all of our friends and loved ones on our wedding day. Perhaps if we had, we would have looked at it more than one time since then. I have collected a few ideas that fall into the “Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda Done That!” category for me, and I hope that they inspire you to create a piece of memorabilia that you will treasure!
Idea #1: Get a canvas from a local art supply store, and provide guests with paint brushes and different colors of paint when they arrive for your wedding celebration. Have everyone sign the canvas, and afterwards get it framed so that you can display the colorful memento in your home!
Idea #2: Purchase a large map (poster size) or photo (or take one and have it blown up) of your wedding location, and have your guests sign it. Then, frame and display it as a reminder of your special day and place! This is an especially good idea for destination weddings.
Idea #3: Provide small, pretty pieces of paper or cardstock for your guests to write notes on at some point during the event. Ask for messages of marital advice, thoughts on love, or memories from your wedding celebration. Put the notes in a decorative box or vase to display at home, and pick a few out to read when the mood strikes.
Idea #4: This is a variation on an Irish Celtic tradition that I like. Apparently, when couples were married near lakes or other bodies of water, as was often the case, guests would throw a pebble in the water as they left the wedding ceremony and headed for the reception, and they would make a wish for the couple as they cast the stone. In order to turn this custom into a creative take on the guest book, provide decorative stones for your guests to sign. Have them depositGo to full post
