Beyond the Signature

Think notes, pictures and other scrapbook themes for a meaningful matrimonial tone

By Nola Sarkisian-Miller - CTW Features

As wedding keepsakes go, the guest book is one that probably doesn't generate a lot of sentiment long after the big event. Re-reading your guest's signatures as you reminisce on your third wedding anniversary isn't as exciting as, say, opening up a wedding present filled with one of your carefully registered-for gifts.

Spicing up the guest-book scene are new alternatives to creating a more personalized memento. TheKnot.com suggests adding more pages to the guest book to allow guests to pen a sentiment or two. In your invitations, ask guests to bring a picture of themselves or one with you to the wedding. They can paste the photo into the guest book and describe the scene, or write about their favorite memory of you. It's a way to travel down memory lane with fondness rather than embarking on a hokey, maudlin journey.

Nothing says wedding fun like a Polaroid. New York-based wedding consultant Stephanie Rose advises clients to have a Polaroid camera at your wedding reception and ask guests to take pictures of themselves in their party mood, place it into a scrapbook and scrawl a personal message beside it. Adesso Albums actually are designed to accommodate Polaroid shots with enough space next to the slots for a written message. Appoint a responsible friend to oversee the task. The cocktail hour is usually a good time to do this.

According to TheKnot.com, some couples forego the entire guest book concept and opt for a videographer instead. Guests can express their wishes and nothing gets lost in translation. The idea is to hire an assertive professional who can coax even the shyest relative into at least saying, "Congratulations," and knowing when to cut off the overly enthusiastic and soused groom's attendant.

If couples do insist on keeping the basic wedding guest book, then they can at least accessorize beyond its traditional white bindings. Themed weddings easily lend themselves to new decorating ideas, such as shell motifs for a beach wedding. Couples can also personalize a basic scrapbook with their wedding invitation, pictures and even dried wedding flowers or select their favorite high-end stationery and bind it into a unique book.

Weddings zip by in a blur as most couples will attest. So, whatever the lucky bride and groom decide on for their guest book, the idea is to create a reminder of their special day when it's long over and their memories need a little jolt.

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Image courtesy Martha Stewart Celebrations