16 Sep
2008
Posted in: Decor & Design, DIY & Templates, Latest Trends
By Candice    4 Comments

Reinventing the Guestbook: Platters, Quilts, Canvas and “Wish Jars”

I was thinking yesterday about the traditional wedding guestbook. I want to ask all my married readers: what did you do with your guestbook after the wedding? My guess is you need a super-sized swifter to lift all the dust off. Most couples file their guestbook away somewhere and never open it again, which is unfortunate, especially for those who spend good money and thought on custom designed covers and binding. So why should you purchase something that will serve little-to-no purpose after your wedding? Sure, it is a keepsake, but what is so great about a bunch of signatures? Nothing. Does that mean you should give up your guestbook? No, not at all! What it means is you should think outside the box, reinvent what the guestbook is at your wedding, and figure out what purpose it will serve after.

Some of my favorites are items that guests sign: platters, a canvas engagement photograph, a quilt made for the couple. These are all reusable items that won’t be gathering dust somewhere or stuffed in an old shoe box. Some of my favorite platters are featured below. I’ve never had a thing for gimmicks or themes, so I wouldn’t recommend your standard platter with a bride and groom in the center. To me, that won’t translate well while entertaining for thanksgiving dinner. However, a platter with your married monogram, initials, or an excerpt from your vows is extremely beautiful!


Be sure to click on the thumbnail to see the full-sized version!
Platter #1: Serendipity Crafts | Platter #2: Say Anything Ceramics

I’ve also seen a bride and groom ask married couples to send in a photograph from their wedding with the R.S.V.P card. At the wedding, the photographs were displayed on card stock which was removable from a book or hung on a tree. The couples left beautiful messages and words of wisdom next to their wedding photograph, and it was used as a keepsake for the bride and groom. Here is an example from Room Service Home:


Be sure to click on the thumbnail to see the full-sized version!

Another idea which has become really popular over the years is to have a “Wish Jar.” This is what I prefer best, because if you’re craftly like me, you can take all those wishes from your wedding guests and display them. You can have them mounted and framed in a fun collage or you decoupage them on canvas , using glazes and paints to infuse some personality. Another idea? Place them in your wedding scrapbook! What is great about the Wish Jar is you can customize the jar and use it in your home for décor or as something functional. Also, don’t get hung up on the word “jar.” As long as you can place a card in it and remove the card with ease, you’re good to go. So vintage jewelry boxes or hat boxes made a unique spin on the “jar”, as do bird cases, ice buckets, and glass bowls. You can also have fun designing the wish cards where your guests will write words of wisdom! You can tie in the design of your invitations, place cards and menu cards, or go for something completely unique. Here are some ideas for your “jar”:


Be sure to click on the thumbnail to see the full-sized version!
1: Birdcage from Anthropologie Home | 2: Crate & Barrel | 3&4 Pottery Barn

Having a fall inspired wedding? What about a pumpkin for your collector, or even some fun hollowed out gourdes.


Be sure to click on the thumbnail to see the full-sized version!
Image from Better Homes and Gardens, but thanks to Jamie for posting it on her blog.

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4 Comments

  • Jaime September 16, 2008 at 2:17 pm

    LOVE the guest book ideas – you’re so creative. :) I think my favorite is the platter idea with the couple’s monogram on it – you’re right, it makes it easier to use year-round that way, good thinking!

    Also, thanks for the mention, you’re a sweetie. ;)

    Have a lovely!
    -Jaime

  • Erin@BrideDesign September 18, 2008 at 1:27 pm

    Such great ideas! I did the wish jars for my sister’s wedding last year and it was a huge hit. Your jar choices are a really fresh take on the idea though, very cool. If I were to do it all over again, I think I might do the tray…then I could see those lovely sentiments all the time. Fun!

  • Elizabeth September 18, 2008 at 8:45 pm

    Some of our brides have done a combination of 2 or even three of these ideas. We have found that monogram platters are by far the most popular but theme designs are a very close second. :)

    Thanks so much for the mention Candice!

    (p.s. Jaime – I love the shower curtain idea!)

  • grareepoeli December 19, 2008 at 3:17 pm

    Hello! simply super resource

So, what do you think?