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Guess Who's Signing the Guest Book?
What makes your wedding different from anyone else's? The guests, of course. The guest book is one time-honored tradition you may wish to incorporate into your creative wedding. A guest book can lovingly record who is in attendance, and their wishes for you. It makes a charming and sentimental keepsake.

Begin by purchasing a beautiful guest book in white satiny fabric or leather—or decorate the cover of a hardbound blank book, if that's your style. Place the book where it is accessible to all your guests. You might even post a couple of teenagers nearby to remind guests to "please sign in."

Something True
The guest book originated in the eighteenth century. From its place of honor on a table by the front door, it kept track of who had visited in the days when exchanging social calls was de rigueur for members of the well-to-do classes. Some pretty impressive lists could be built up in the old days at homes of great social standing! At a wedding, the guest book is less of a "who's who" and more of a "we were there."

Have a little fun with the book, if you wish. A straightforward list of names, one right after the other, while "historically accurate," is less interesting than asking each person to contribute something of themselves. One Connecticut family I read about asks visitors to their home to sign their names in the guest book, then shut their eyes and draw a pig without peeking. You could try a variation on this theme by asking guests to sign in, then close their eyes and draw a heart with an arrow through it. After all, they say love is blind!

Creative Corner
Do you want guests to get wordy? People often have trouble thinking of anything more profound to say than "Best Wishes!" Help them to get a little more personal by giving them a topic to write about. For example, you could ask guests to "Tell us where you think we'll be in 10 years." Or suggest that they answer, "What are your wishes for us today?" You could even say, "Please leave us your definition of love." You'll get remarks that are sentimental, witty, ribald, intimate, and meaningful. What fun this guest book will be to read later! Be sure to give guests clear instructions related to the guest book. Type or print these directions neatly on a heavy white card and place them next to the guest book.


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