Day #11 - No Ordinary Guest Book

The day of the "satin" guest book is over!  You already have their full name and address.  You sent them a wedding invitation, right? 

Couples are opting for more fun and unique ways to capture the "signatures" of their wedding guests.  They are having guests sign artwork they can frame in their new home.  Guest are writing love notes and date night ideas and placing them in keepsake boxes.  And they even signing sports memorabilia and blankets.  However you decide to capture names of you wedding guests have it prominently displayed so not to miss a person.  You'll thank me later...because once that guest book is packed up...you will never look at it again.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Photo credit - www.rushphotovideo.com

After The Wedding Gown Alterations

I have had brides that go through dramatic weight loss or have ordered a larger wedding gown. Then when it comes to alterations, they find the seamstress cutting away handfuls of their gorgeous wedding gown. Don't allow the bridal salon or tailor to keep your wedding gown "scraps"! They are yours...you've paid for them...and can sometimes use those scraps within your wedding decor. Take a look:

Handle to your bridal bouquet

Tie, vest and/or pocket square for the groom

Purse or money/card bag

Accent your guest book

Don't let pieces of your gown go to the scrap pile cemetery, do something with them if you can.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits: bouquet - www.karentran.com; groom tie - www.iweddingsource.com; purse - www.charlottegeary.com; guest book - www.weddingaccessories.net)

Sassy Guest Book Alternatives

In February 2011, I did a blog on a couple of guest book alternatives, but plenty of new, fun ideas have appeared since that post.  Take a look at some of these "alternatives" to replace your standard pretty book and pen at the reception.

Provide markers and stamp pads for guests to leave their thumb prints.
Then ask them to decorate their "mark" with their name and smiling faces! #CRAFTY

How fun is it to ask your guest to name your future children?!?!
I can only imagine the names guest's would list, especially after a couple of drinks. #CREATIVE

Have your guests circle words in a dictionary that describe what they felt on your wedding day.
Then shelve it and reflect back on the day every time you use those words. #THOUGHTFUL

Leave these little books on each guest table asking them to come up with some date night ideas.
You'll certainly use some of these ideas as you embark on years 2 and 3! #FUN

Until next time...WEDologize!

(photo credits: Name Our Kids - www.lovestruckevents.com; Thumb Prints - www.OhAmanda.com; Dictionary - www.southerliving.com; date night - www.stylemepretty.com)

What To Do With Dress Scraps?

I have had brides that go through dramatic weight loss or have ordered a larger wedding gown. Then when it comes to alterations, they find the seamstress cutting away handfuls of their gorgeous wedding gown. Don't allow the bridal salon or tailor to keep your wedding gown "scraps"! They are yours...you've paid for them...and can sometimes use those scraps within your wedding decor. Take a look:

Handle to your bridal bouquet

Tie, vest and/or pocket square for the groom

Purse or money/card bag

Accent your guest book

Don't let pieces of your gown go to the scrap pile cemetery, do something with them if you can.

Until next time...WEDologize!

(Photo credits: bouquet - www.karentran.com; groom tie - www.iweddingsource.com; purse - www.charlottegeary.com; guest book - www.weddingaccessories.net)

Did I Forget Your Birthday? (Day#2)

Instead of the ordinary guest book where guests sign their name and leave their address (as if you didn't already have it), use a calendar and have your guest sign their name under their birth date.  That way, you'll be able to send them a lovely card or sweet message when their special day comes around. Check out this creative idea from Martha Stewart Weddings.

Until next time...WEDologize!

Fun Guest Book Alternatives

I have been asked recently by several of my 2011 brides...do you have an guest book ideas other than the book and pen format? Below are two of my favorite, interactive ideas.


Consider creating a scrapbook of your guests photo and special note. It's a simple idea, but you would need to ask a few family members or friends to assist in accomplishing the task. Basically, you would need a scrapbook, a couple Polaroid cameras, double-sided tape and colored markers/pens. Someone would take a picture of the guest(s), adhere the photo to the book and the guest would write a message next to their photo. This alternative is a GREAT keepsake for the couple and one I'm sure they'll enjoy as they read the messages together.


The second alternative is creating a tree and allowing your guest to hang well-wishes from the branches. The make the tree you would need some branches, a vase or decorative container, glass gems or marbles, moss and a few flowers for accent. For the guests to leave a message, on the display table, leave some decorative cards with ribbon attached and a few colored pens. Once the reception has concluded and you have returned from your honeymoon, you can read the messages and keep them in a scrapbook or photo album to read over and over again.

Until next time...WEDologize!


(photo credits: www.blog.thebrideandgroom.com; www.theknot.com)