Is this guest book idea too messy?

Philly999

One of my bridal mags suggested that instead of a guest book, guests leave notes for the couple on little cards that have just enough text to get them started. So, instead of being faced with a blank card, the guest can finish off a sentence.

For example, "You know you're in love when..." or "I'll always remember when..."

I love this because I think it puts less pressure on the guests (I hate feeling like I have to instantly think of something witty) and because I think people will say more interesting things.

I'd rather have a book than a bunch of cards though, so I was planning to get rubber stamps made that would have those opening lines, so people could stamp the book and write their message. I was about to hit "order" when I panicked that the ink pads would be an accident waiting to happen. We won't have too many kids at our wedding, but still...an open ink pad in a place where people will be wearing dressed up might be dangerous, no?

Anyway, please let me know if I'm overthinking this! 

sarahk915

We're doing the "well wishes" book, with little blank cards (business card size).  I glued small envelopes to each page of a scrap book (without sheet protectors), so the guests will put their card into an envelope after writing whatever they want.  That way, we don't just have a mess of individual cards.  Just an option to consider 

aegrish

personally, I dont think guests need scripted prompts to get them to write you a message.  Now for my shower, we had a "leave your advice/share your thoughts poem" on each table, with blank note cards and envelopes.  Stamps and ink could get messy, and guests may not want to follow the prompts.  Most people are creative and caring enough to write things on their own.  Are you looking for advice, memories, best wishes?  There's poems all over the internet that you can use to 'suggest' to your guests what type of note you're looking for, I am just not a fan of asking guests for specific responses.

aegrish

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_reception-ideas_this-guest-book-idea-messy?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:5Discussion:cdc67190-e803-4a1f-a447-a9ab50010b06Post:da3bda6d-1b0a-4e0d-9112-3a599c658dbd">Re: Is this guest book idea too messy?</a>:
[QUOTE]We're doing the "well wishes" book, with little blank cards (business card size).  I glued small envelopes to each page of a scrap book (without sheet protectors), so the guests will put their card into an envelope after writing whatever they want.  That way, we don't just have a mess of individual cards.  Just an option to consider  :)
Posted by sarahk915[/QUOTE]

I saw that too but I could only find it for $80!  We opted for a box of hallmark notecards instead and I  think that cost us under $10.

ajroark

I don't think it will be too messy, but I'm also not a fan of the "scripted prompts" idea. I feel like guests would be confused and may not know how to finish the sentence? That's just my two cents. In terms of messiness though, I wouldn't be concerned.

trix1223

Meh.  Not a fan.  I think that people won't participate as much as you hope they will.  And having to choose a stamp, then think of something pithy and memorable on the spot.....I just think it would be more annoying than inspiring.

When I'm a wedding, I want to visit with friends, catch up with family, dance with DH, enjoy the food and drinks.  I really don't want to scrapbook, create, rubber stamp, or journal.  Sorry.

And to be honest, people are always looking for "unique" guest book ideas.  You know what happens with "unique" guestbooks?  Mostly the same thing that happens with traditional guestbooks.  You look at them for awhile, and then they end up on a bookshelf or in a drawer as your life moves upward and onward.

My opinion, but I think people WAY overthink guestbooks.

But good luck to you.

OuachitaTrixie

I had the good fortune to be in charge of this type of thing for a friends baby shower.  I spent hours writing (calligraphy!) the first half of the sentence on every page of a journal that was to be passed around while she was opening gifts. 
The result was only 4 people out of about 50 finished the sentence in any sort of logical manner.  Most didn't write anything.  Some just signed it like it was a regular guest book. 

If your crowd is in touch with their emotions and can express them in a cogent manner then it will probably be a huge success.  If they never liked literature in school and think that standing on the same rug as someone else counts as "touching" then your going to have an empty memory book.

BRITTANY143dsl

My sister did this but the cards had the half sentences already printed on them. You could make different sayings on different cards and they could choose which card. not messy and has choices!