Years and years ago, a wedding guest book encouraged and assisted newlywed couples in remembering who attended their wedding, organizing thank-you notes, and beginning a formal address book for all future contact. In today’s crazed and frenzied modern world, the majority of wedding guest books end up being set aside in some dirty old nook. If you want to make your guest book something special, significant, and memorable for all parties, then follow these wonderful tips and ideas.

First of all, be certain that everyone who enters signs the guest book. That’s a pretty surefire thing to do, but a lot of people forget to do it. Have an attendant on hand to assist in the signing process. A member of the bridesmaid or bridal party is a good person to assist in the sign-in process. Bring the guest book around to the rehearsal dinner, reception, and dinner. Make sure everyone signs it no matter what. This sacred memento will stay in your family for years.

Another savvy tip is to make your guest book personal. This is simple. Instruct your guest to write down their names, addresses, and a short congratulations speech. Have them write down their favorite memories, advice, or even use your invitations to request guests to bring photographs of your previous shared times together. Guest books can be the culmination of years of friendship, and you can peruse it later on in life.

Don’t limit your wedding guest book to simple words. Make sure that photos and such are included too. Slots for Polaroid pictures are great. Snapshots of your guests are super fun to look at in later years. Polaroid instant photos are the route to go here. Your guests should be aware that they’re having their photos taken. Wedding invitations can contain photographs of the couple. Make it a photo-friendly event with lots of super snapshots from your friends, family, and relatives.

Wedding invitations don’t have to be boring. Spice them up, imbue them with your personality, and make them as beautiful as you and your prospective spouse are going to be. There are only so many ways that you can personalize a guest book, but the whole process begins when you send out personalized wedding invitations. People need to know that your wedding is more about family and less about formal procedures. There’s nothing quite so poignant as a loving story.