Guestbooks with a Twist

It's a lovely memento of your wedding day...but you wouldn't believe how many people forget to bring it out! The guestbook is a beautiful way to remember your big day.

It's a lovely memento of your wedding day...but you wouldn't believe how many people forget to bring it out! The guestbook is a beautiful way to remember your big day, with special messages from those with whom you shared it.

If you decide to have a traditional guestbook, make sure you test the pens first! Black pages are nice, but remember to buy fade resistant pens. Plus, if you're using glue, use a suitable adhesive that will not eat through paper or photographs.

For a spin on the traditional, here are some unique guestbook ideas:

1.    Have your ushers or wedding coordinator take a Polaroid photo of each guest as they arrive. Have someone paste the photos into an album, and at the reception, designate someone to pass the book around and have each person write a note next to their picture.
2.    Put up a large, empty photo frame on an easel. On a table next to the easel, have a bunch of pens and the frame's mat. Invite guests to sign the mat. When your photographer provides you with your wedding shots, pick your favourite to be blown up and placed in the frame, with the signed mat.
3.    Designate a trusted friend, with a steady hand, to capture video messages from your guests.
4.    Purchase a large canvas, heaps of paints (washable!) and brushes. Invite your guests to try their hands as artists. After the wedding, you'll have a piece of art that captures how everyone felt on your big day. Even ask your guests to sign their part of the painting so you know whose brilliant work is whose!
5.    If you're having your wedding at a vineyard, ask the venue's management if they have corks you can use. Put a cork and pen at each person's place setting and ask them to sign their name on the cork (if there's room, they could write a small message). Have someone collect all the corks. After the wedding, take it to a framing shop and have them make a corkboard out of your guests' notes!