The ugly truth is that guest books aren't all that great. Guests file in and sign their name, and for most weddings, only one or two pages are used. Of course, a great idea is the matted wedding photo, where you have your guests sign the mat with their thoughts and best wishes.
Would you like another great alternative to a guest book? We've got one for you!
This is a wildly popular alternative to a guest book: The Irish Blessing Stone Tradition. (originally featured on thedesertbride.com, a now defunct website) It's rich in meaning, and costs next to nothing. You'll need about as many palm-sized smooth stones as you'll have guests, a white or silver waterproof paint pen, and a pretty basket.
Couples in Irish tradition married by a body of water because these places were considered sacred. Guests of the wedding were invited to toss stones into the water along with their wishes and blessings. Keep this sweet tradition alive by inviting each of YOUR guests to write their name and wishes on a stone, then drop it into the dish of water on the table. After the wedding, dry the rocks and keep them in a glass vase or basket as a sentimental decoration.
What do you think? As a Maine wedding photographer, I would love to see more meaningful guest "books". Have any good ideas of your own? Share them with us!
3 comments:
What exactly do the directions say? Could you post the text? I can't read the small print! Thanks!!
"Couples in Ireland were often married next to a lake, river or holy well as these were thought to be sacred places. Wedding guests were given small stones to cast into the water and make a wish or blessing for the couple's future.
Please sign your name and any well wishes on a stone using the markers provided. When finished cast the stone into one of the glass jars as a symbol of this ancient tradition and a blessing for our marriage."
I can't read the last paragraph. :(
Tip:Be sure to let the writing on your stone dry for about 10 seconds before casting it into the water to preserve your message.
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