Need your opinion on my guestbook!

kap617

So I already know what we're doing for our guestbook--we're doing one of those fun fingerprint trees.  I think they're so darling! For those of you that don't know, it's a drawing of a tree and guests use stamp pads to leave a fingerprint on the tree (to look like a leaf) and write their name underneath.

One of my best friends had one for her summer 2010 wedding (her friend owns a company that makes them, Bleu de Toi.  I want to say they were the ones that came up with the idea, but I really have no clue.  They were just the first I saw that did them).

Anyway, I digress.

So my guestbook came in on Friday (blank tree + stamp pads)!  I had it shipped to my parents house in CA, but my mom took a picture and sent it to me.  Here it is!

So here is my question/issue:  I originally asked for it to say "James + Katie" under the tree, but asked to change it to "Katie + James" a few days later, as I learned that usually the woman's name is put first (in general, etiquette-wise--like with correspondence and stuff).  As you can see, they must have forgotten, because James' name is first.

I can't decide whether to leave it as is or ask them to redo it.  Part of me thinks it looks fine the way it is (I'm leaning that way actually), but other other part of me wants it to be the "correct" way of having my name first.  I don't really care about etiquette, but for some reason, I just like to do things the "right" way, if that makes sense.

What would you do?  Thanks in advance!

P.S. For those that are curious, here is how a fingerprint tree guestbook looks when finished:

gc8412

I think it looks great!  I personally don't think it is a big deal, for my save the dates we had my fiances name first, then mine (I just think it sounds better).  That is interesting, I haven't heard that the woman's name should be first, where did you hear that?

I have only heard about addressing invites, where it is Mr. and Mrs. Husbands Name, then last name.  But I don't know much about this at all, haven't even thought about invites yet!

kap617

I forget where I read it, and I can't seem to find anything too legit now, but here's something on wiki answers (not very reliable, I know, but they seem to cite credible sources!).  

Clicky.

Come to think of it, I may have read it in my Emily Post wedding etiquette book.  Who knows.

Phoenixashes

That is a really cute idea. I love it. Yea I think if you like the way it looks, stick with it. I've recieved personal mail both ways so IMO I don't see it as anything to stress yourself over. And if your family isn't a stickler to etiquette , or their not familiar with that particular detail it'll be no sweat.

redsoxchick148927

Thats such a cute idea! I'm sure when people are stamping their finger and writing their names they are not even going to notice that his name is before yours or vise versa if you have it changed.

[Deleted User]

That's beautiful! I think it's fine the way it is--this sort of thing is already kind of out of the realm of traditional etiquette, so having the names switched is probably fine.

sarah260

Looks great!  I say leave it if you like it! 

bmetz34

I think just leave it.  I know it's technically supposed to be the other way around, but I don't think most people know that.  I don't always put my name first, especially when it's just initials, because then it would be B+J and then I laugh like a 12 yr old boy at the BJ idea.  I'd say it's half and half for our stuff.

maccor16

That is such a cute idea! I say just leave it, it looks great!

Lauren1102

Very cute idea! I would leave it as it is unless it ends up really bothering you, then I would change it!

LibraShawn

Never seen a guestbook like that! I love it! I too am on the leave it as it is band wagon. Looks fine and I wouldn't even had noticed if you hadn't said anything.

kap617

Thanks everyone!  As I said, I am leaning toward just leaving it, and I probably will.

Like some of you, I think of how our initials look, too!  Leaving it as is makes it say JK, which isn't quite as bad as BM or BJ (haha), but I don't want it to seem like we're just kidding about our wedding!

sasha213sw

I like it the way it is....I vote to leave it as it is. Very cute by the way. I also wanted to do something like this from a vendor I found on Etsy!

gymbugmj2k

OK so, this is the way i've always understood it:

for the wedding:
the bride's name goes first, then the groom (for things like announcements, invitation wording, etc)

after the wedding:
the man's name goes first with the whole Mr and Mrs, etc.

so to me, your guestbook will most likely be hanging in your house somewhere, where it would be perfectly acceptable to have his name first.  sooooo i'd just leave it!


Then again, what do I know... we're Mark and Mary, so we're M&M either way! =P

colstj1

If I were you I would leave it. Although usually the girls name does go first, nobody will notice unless they are planning a wedding themselves and know ettiquite inside and out. So, I would leave it that way. Looks great!

calindi

The whole point of etiquette is to make sure no one is offended, and I can't imagine anyone getting offended by the order of how you list your names for something personal like that.  Don't worry about it.  If it really bothers you, go ahead and ask them to change it, but I honestly don't think anyone will notice or care.  I always have to stop and think, "Okay, is it my name that goes first or his?"  So I'm sure I'm not the only one!