Wedding Guestbook Etiquette
There are so many little details to wedding planning and etiquette that it's easy to overlook something small like a guest book. While this isn't an essential element to your wedding, it's one that helps capture your day in a very special way---with thoughts from your family and friends. Additionally, a guest book becomes a very useful tool when you go to send thank you notes.
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Traditional or Unique
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While there was a time when guest books were basic white, the growth of highly personalized weddings has increased the types of guest books available. Now, you can get books that match the color of your bridesmaids dresses, for example, or ones that you tailor to suit the theme of your wedding. Then, too, thanks to the digital era, you might even consider a photographic guest book.
The basic rule of thumb in making this decision is the overall feel of your wedding. A formal wedding benefits from a formal guest book, placed neatly on a silver tray with a pen. Informal weddings have a lot more flexibility, so don't be afraid to get creative.
Choosing a Guest Book
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Part of the reason for having a guest book at your wedding is to capture memories and moments. So, when you're looking at your options, make sure whatever form your guest book takes offers plenty of room for people to put their thoughts down. You can turn your guest book station into a wedding favor location too by getting customized pens that guests keep after they sign the book. That makes the whole process more interactive.
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Location
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It's very important that you keep your guest book in a location where it's readily seen and available and where the station won't back up guests awkwardly. At the wedding proper, the book usually goes to the right or left of the main doors. At a reception hall, the same location is fine as is near the coat check or front door.
Enlisting Help
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It's perfectly acceptable etiquette-wise to ask an usher to help gather signatures for your guest book. Have someone stand with the book, offering the pen before seating at the wedding. That same person can go table to table at the reception asking for input. This greatly improves the chances that your guests participate (and no one gets missed).
Guest Etiquette
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So, what should guests write in the guest book? Keep it personal. This is a very special day, and those little details count. Note this is not the time to get too cheeky or settle an old score. Think about what you would want to read in your wedding book, and then write accordingly.
Size Limit for Photographic Guest Books
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Photographic guest books are unique. However, because most only have about 30 pages available, this option is not recommended for a large wedding.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit wedding guest book image by SKYDIVECOP from Fotolia.com
