Guestbook Help!

[Jaci]

I'm so sure I've asked this before, but I need more help.

I have no idea how to make my guestbook work. I really want to do a photo guestbook, but I want to do it using my digital camera rather than polaroids, so they won't be ready to write on at the reception.

I also have all these scrapbook tabs that I bought at JoAnn's when they went out of business.

What I'd like to end up with is:
A digital photo of every guest
A scrapbook tab filled out by every guest

So that I can put the tab in a scrapbook on top of each guests photo.

Now I really just need help with the logistics of getting this done. I'm thinking that doing this at the reception is the best way. There will be a small time between the ceremony and reception where guests will gather in the foyer at my reception hall.

Here are my thoughts:
Either leave a scrapbook tab on each guest chair at the outdoor ceremony, but then I'm afraid that no one will know what to do with them.

Have the scrapbook tabs at the reception hall, and my guestbook attendant can hand them out. I will have a sign explaining what to do with them also.

Then the attendant can snap a photo of them with my camera.

So? Any suggestions? Will either of my ideas work? Will people be confused when they don't have to sign the guestbook at the ceremony? Should I include some little sentence in my program "Please remember the guestbook, it will be at the reception hall"?

Help!

[*heather*]

J, what if you set up a special area at the reception with the tabs and the camera, and make sure each guest files through at some point? Like school photos...you could have your mc announce it.

[Aramelle]

What is the size of the scrapbooking tabs? Are you intending that guests will simply sign their name, or are they large enough that most will probably write more of a message? If it will be just a signature, I think it would be best to have it set up just like a regular guest book, and have the attendant snap their picture as she collects the tab. However, if guests will be writing longer messages, that could quickly lead to a line, and many guests will likely skip over the guestbook table and not return later. In that case, it may be better to place the tab at each person's placesetting and have your attendant go around the room, snapping pictures and collecting the tabs.

[Jaci]

I'd think it's big enough for a message, but I could just encourage a signature, that would probably make it easier.

Serves me right for trying to combine too many things at once (photo guestbook/wishbowl).

heather, that's another way to do it, I know my DJ would announce it, plus, there will be some mingling time before the reception, so I'm not sure there'd be a line because people could just take the tab and write on it at a table or something.

It's not like I won't know who is who in the photos, so it doesn't really matter if the photos and tabs stay in the correct order.

[KathyandJer]

We're doing something similar - I have tags that I cut out in various sizes and shades of purple. I'm leaving them with a wish bowl near the front entrance. Also, one of the photographers will be there encouraging people to fill out a tag and snapping their pictures. Only thing I worry about is someone writing some advice and not signing their name :lol:

[mrrr]

I'm doing the same exact thing! I'm a little worried about all of it as well. I'm going to have the table with the wishbowl and instructions as to what to do. I'm going with digital as well, since polaroid would be too expensive. We're having a friend take pics of the guests as they come into the church. I'm sure we'll miss someone's picture or someone will forget to sign their name. I'm hoping I can figure it all out when I put together the scrapbook.

[Jaci]

I will have to let you know how it all works out!

[Coze]

Hi hi-

I think it would be perfectly acceptable to have the DJ announce the situation and have an attendant responsible for going around and making sure that people are clear on what to do with the tabs. I would suggest, however, that they be at the place settings instead of being at the ceremony.

TTFN...
D.J.

[Jaci]

Coze, what about having the tabs as the guests enter the reception? Then one (of my two) guestbook attendants can hand them out to make sure people get them, that way, if anyone has any questions, they can ask the attendant.

[Coze]

Hi hi-

That would be totally coolies too!!! As long as there is someone that people can reference toward if they have questions.

TTFN...
D.J.

[njbride06]

Coze, what about having the tabs as the guests enter the reception? Then one (of my two) guestbook attendants can hand them out to make sure people get them, that way, if anyone has any questions, they can ask the attendant.

This is what I was thinking, like actually have someone hand them to the guest so they know what to do.

If they could manage, maybe the DJ can announce right away what your guestbook attendants are doing and hopefully people will come over in the beginning.

I'm thinking have the attendant take their picture first, then have a table where they could fill out their tab and put it in an envelope, bowl, box, etc. This way you know you def get the picture...b/c I could see people filling out the tabs if they are at their table, but not making it over for the picture.

Having the two attendants would be good b/c one can do the explaining, tab handing out, and tab collecting while the other takes the pictures.

Just another thought, not sure if you want it this way...but maybe by your wishbowl, put a note to the guests to sign their name on their wishes too, b/c you could eventually to the guestbook and add the wishes by the guest pictures also. That's if you want it all in one place, maybe you have other ideas!

[Jaci]

thanks njbride! You've offered some good suggestions. I'm definitely thinking handing out the tabs will be the best idea, because you are right, if they are at the tables, who knows if the people will make it to getting their photo taken. I like the idea of putting the sign by the wish bowl also, otherwise you are right, people won't sign their name!

One good thing about my reception (though there are lot's of good things!) is that there is a lobby where people will gather before they are allowed into the actual ballroom, so I'm going to make sure my host couples know not to open the doors until people have signed/taken a photo and possibly mingled for a few minutes. It's going to take us a few minutes (okay about half an hour) to get to the reception site (since we are having a horsedrawn carriage) so they should hopefully get done with the photos by the time we get there...

Now I just have to find someone to man the cameras...

[KathyandJer]

One good thing about my reception (though there are lot's of good things!) is that there is a lobby where people will gather before they are allowed into the actual ballroom, so I'm going to make sure my host couples know not to open the doors until people have signed/taken a photo and possibly mingled for a few minutes.

That's a great idea-force people to sign! Could also bribe them - sign or no dinner :laugh3:

Any chance the attendants could have a list of people in attendance and check off who has signed? Then they know who to bug all night :poke: didja fill it out yet? :poke: :poke: didja get your picture taken yet??

I would worry that tags on the tables might get smudged or water drops or something else that you don't want to put in a scrapbook on them!

[km]

:computer:

I would have 2 attendants, one for the cards, one for photos near the doors of the reception if that will work. Just don't be disappointed if everyone does not do both. I am sure your guests will find it fun and be gracious about it.
:wavey:


http://www.bloomflowers.com/images/Events/Weddings/LevCards.jpg

http://www.imagehostplus.com/v2/is.php?i=417712&img=Forsyth_registration_table_.jpg

[Jaci]

kiamarie, that photo is gorgeous!

Alright, FH and I went to our reception site to get the details straightened out (I just love the site coordinator, she's so awesome!) and we were allowed to snoop around and we figured out how exactly we are going to do it, though we still need to decide on an exact location for the camera and flash. There is room, but no matter where we put it, unless it's in another room, it might be in the way a wee bit.

So what we are going to do is have a camera and a studio light set up by a table. One person will be taking the actual photos and another person will be handing the tags out to the people in line. There will be a "tag collection device" (fishy bowl probably) on the table by the camera for people to put them in there, along with a little sign that says something to the effect of "Write your wishes to the Mr. and Mrs....and don't forget to sign your name!" (hahah, if anyone has any ideas for wording, I'm all ears!) PLUS, I'll have a sign on an easel for the photo guestbook AND I'll make sure the DJ announces it during dinner and right before the camera and stuff comes down (shortly after dinner).

How does that all sound?

I do like the check off part...I'll probably do that, but what about the non RSVPers? hehehe. Who knows

[km]

:computer:

an idea for the cards:

http://www.davidbeahm.com/images/images/pic_21.jpg

http://www.davidbeahm.com/images/images/IMG_4346.jpg

It is a fun and elegant set-up which could entice your guests to do the cards and photos.

:wavey:

[Jaci]

oh wow! Now I just have to figure out a tree :P There might be something at the site I could use.

[mrrr]

Here's some wording:

A marriage is more
than one day and tossed rice.
Grab a pen and some paper
to write your wish or advice.

Expressions of Love

Please Share Your
Best Advice, Sentiments,
Congratulations, Predictions or Words of Wisdom
for the Bride and Groom.

Please share with us
your wisdom about
MARRIAGE, LOVE, AND LIFE

Take a few moments to write us a message.

Be it a wish for our future or
advice from your experiences,
your thoughtful words
will help us remember this special day.

Now grab a pen, make a wish and help them out,
Let them know what love and marriage is all about.
Give them advice laughs and more …
Maybe they’ll listen and see what’s in store.
Thoughts, experience and wisdom will do…
Help make their lives a dream come true.
Now close your eyes, smile and make a wish!
Write away and drop it in the bowl or dish!

From each of your experiences
comes a very treasured gift;
a piece of hidden knowledge
we didn’t know exists.
Please share with us your wisdom
about Marriage, Love, and Life;
how to be a loving husband
or to be the perfect wife.
Please write your thoughts & gestures
to share with us for life;
for the greatest gift of all
is the gift of your advice.




Please grab a pen and some paper & write what you wish.
Just remember to sign your name before putting it in the dish.
And when this night has long come to its end,
a book we will have that's written by all our dear friends.





Our guestbook is this wishing well
So signing your name sure would be swell
And write, perhaps, a wish or two
That your wish for us will come true

Then, when our wedding day has passed
Our memories of this day will last
For when we look at it we'll see
Well wishes from friends and family

[Jaci]

mrrr! You rock, thanks so much for those, much better than what I came up with :P

[mrrr]

No problem! Glad to help.