Till death do us part?: Guest Books

I have (not just) a few thoughts on the guest book. Speaking from my own experience, my husband and I never open ours. It’s a pretty dust collector in our living room and that’s about it. And I don’t think we’re the only ones. I’ve never once been a guest in someone else’s home where I thought “Hey! Let’s look at your wedding guest book, that would be fun!” Have you? And then if you’re really honest with yourselves, have you ever been to a wedding, wrote a note in a guest book, and thought to yourself “This note is so touching. So heartfelt. They’ll love reading this later.” No, I’d be you haven’t! Almost ever single one of my notes in the guest book is exactly the same as the ones that came before it. It goes something like “Cheers to Kimmy & John on your happily ever after. We love you! Love, West & Andy.”

But, with that said- NOT ALL GUEST BOOKS ARE CREATED EQUALLY. And I think there can still be a place for them at weddings. So what’s my recommendation? Skip the photo album (whether it’s polaroids of your guests or engagment photos of yourself) and go with a coffee table book. Invest in a gorgeous coffee table book with content that already interests you or is uniquely related to your wedding. Think about your wedding location, a hobby you both love, or just something that goes with your home. Have your guests write something in THAT. On one hand, it will be unique and interesting for them but on the other hand, it won’t rot away in a drawer or collect dust on a shelf (like in my case).

Would love to know your thoughts on this and if you think I’m spot on…. or way off the mark.

Cheers,

West