A: The Sign-in book or Guest book really is a wonderful tradition, but it’s understandable that to some Brides it becomes just another wedding expense.
The tradition of the sign-in book goes back a LONG time. It was originally kept as a record of all that witnessed the union of the Bride and Groom. It eventually became more of a keepsake or heirloom for the newlyweds, than an offical record. Now a days everything and anything goes when a sign-in book is concerned. From a bowl of wishes, to signing a matted picture. A unique mix of advice and memories, or a full size photo booth where the guests can snap pictures of themselves and attach their “John Doe” to a more visual sign-in book. I think that no matter the style of wedding, (or the style of the couple,) the sign-in book is an important fixture to the event. It is usually the guests first introduction to your event. You can only make a first impression once so why not give it a little thought. Even if it not high on your priority list it’s nice to at least have a simple record of who attended.
If you decide that you want to make your sign-in book more of a feature there are a lot of amazing and unique ideas that can order or DIY or ask weddding planner to provide.
Here are a few of my favorites that came to mind or that I have seen lately at recent events:
This is one that we have been customizing for brides recently: The Bride and Groom get to pick out up to 4 or 5 different colors & patterns of fabric. The guests then “sign-in” using special fabric pens (that wont wash off) on 8” square of fabric. Once the event has ended we pick up the quilt squares and put the throw blanket together. It is then delivered the the Newleyweds as a finished throw or quilt styled blanket. It is both fun, interactive and practical. At my own wedding we received 3 or 4 quilts, and 10 years later they are still treasured items. It will become a conversation peice and a cozy reminder of such a special day
PRICE: VARIES depending on the type of fabric and finish used.
SPLURGE: $150-$250 O&Co. will purchase the fabrics approved by the client, prep the squares and set up the sign in book station for the wedding. We will then finish the quilt and deliver it to the Bride and Groom following the event.
SAVE: $65-$85 If you have a family member that is wanting to make a quilt for you already, sit down with them and figure out how to incoorporate the Sign-in Quilt idea into the gift. It may end up only costing you the price of the fabric or possibly nothing at all if it is done as a gift.
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