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!
