Fairytale Wedding

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the traditional satin, lace, ribbon and bows, but 2010 weddings are all about bold color, texture and artful folds. Folds? Yup, I said folds.  That origami swan cloth napkin is nothing compared to the stylish pleats available this season.  You’ll see it in gowns, floral design and even wedding guest books!

So if you’re the bride-to-be who’s been waiting for a modern, bold, artsy style wedding, you’ll readily find wedding decorations, accessories such as sexy satin sandels with a row of looped ribbon, or jewelry items like drop earing that resemble a glass ball tree ornament or asian party lantern moreso than a traditional pearl jewelry set.

With the holidays quickly approaching it’s easy to and almost impossible not to have to back-burner your wedding day plans.  Depending on when you’re big day is of course!  If you are having a winter wedding, a Christmas or Valentine’s day celebration then you may be interested in appropriately themed wedding accessories, such as this collection pictured for a winter wonderland wedding.

Of course themed wedding guest books don’t end with the holidays, there are flowers such as calla lilies, daisies or roses for a garden party, butterflies for a spring fling, Celtic styles for the Irish (or Irish at heart), beautiful faith embellishments for a spiritual wedding, happily ever after for the fairy tale themed wedding . . . the list goes on and on.  So whether you’ve chosen a specific theme or not, you’re sure to find a guest book and pen set that will fit the occasion.

Before deciding on the type of wedding guest book that’s right for you, ask yourself what you want long-term from your wedding guest registry.  First of all, do you even want a guest “book”? Would a signature vase, platter or photo matt that you can display in your home after the big day suit your personality or lifestyle better?

Obviously, wedding guests books aren’t just “books” anymore!  There are ”well-wisher” cards and instant photo scrapbooks, where the guests are encouraged to give their blessings and/or advice.  So think about what you will do with your wedding registry list after the big event and let that help you decide what the right wedding guest book is for you!

The moment I read about an idea for a wedding guest registry table, I knew I wanted to put my own spin on it for my wedding.  The bridal portrait had been taken with the bride wearing her grandmother’s wedding dress.  The picture was in a large, old-fashioned frame and set on an easel beside the guest book table.  On the table next to the guest book was her grandmother and grandfather’s wedding portrait.  

I wanted my wedding guest book and table decor to match this concept. I wanted something more modern but elegant and nothing plain or old-fashion looking (since that’s not me!). Plus, both my mother and fiance’s mother had bridal portraits taken in more modern (for the time) gowns, so I’ve decided I’ll display all three portraits in large, modern frames behind my guest book on a round table.  (I’m very close to my fiance’s mother, so this feels like a nice way to include her.)  I will use several brighter colors (that compliment my wedding colors) for the fabric on the table.   My guest book table will be in the entry of a long hallway to the ceremony, so it gives me the ability to have a sort-of “stand-alone” display.  I’m very excited about this idea!

While planning our wedding, many of us may not consider our accessories as part of the wedding decor.  Even though mix and match is doable, it should be within the scope of the wedding theme or style.  I know I find myself overwhelmed by the many options of wedding accessories and I love so many styles! Everything from sassy and unique to sophisticated and elegant.

I began planning my wedding with the hopes of having a fairy tale wedding theme.  I was very excited to find so many wedding accessories that were embroidered with “Happily Ever After…” such as ring bearer pillows and even unique wedding guest books. But I recently found myself in a pickle trying to coordinate everything.  After contimplating my colors for awhile, it came down to ivory and gold or red and turquoise, based on the availability of coordinating items out there.  Most of the wedding accessories that I like are white.  I was lucky enough to see the ”Happily Ever After” Collection I was going to purchase at a bridal show and I noticed that the accessories are all embroidered with orange and silver thread.  Right now, I’m really just happy I decided to give myself plenty of time to browse before the final wedding plans must be made!

I can’t think of a better way of honoring loved ones, a way to make them feel special and a part of your wonderful day, then a photographic display on your wedding cake or guest book table.  Childhood or wedding day photos of generations of family members is a thoughtful memorial.

A twist that one creative bride put together was a display of several unique photographs.  These included photos of eachother’s set of parents when they told them the news of their engagement, a collage of images of bridesmaids and the bride at a bridal shop trying on different dresses,  a picture of the groom as a boy with his father and grandfather fishing, one of the couple with many of their friends that we’re attending their wedding camping, etc.  The picture frames all coordinated nicely with each other as well as the camouflage style wedding guest book and pen set to go along with the “outdoor” green and blue wedding theme.  They hung a banner behind the small circular table that stated, “Making More Memories” along with their names and wedding date.

If I had to choose one great thing about today’s wedding world, it would be the diversity.  Finding the perfect gown, wedding accessories and bridal jewelry is a real possibility.  Although a bit overwhelming at first, you start to realize that, yes, “perfect” (what I really want) is out there.   There’s no settling for this bride!  Unique wedding accessories with personality and style that truly reflect ”you” are available to the modern bride.

Accessories that are outgoing, dramatic or sophisticated.  Truly vintage bridal jewelry set or just a vintage-look? (I’ll never tell!)  Like retro, bright colors and large flower petaled prints? I’ll bet your flower girl will look adorable in a pastel colored dress!  How about a camouflage ring bearer pillow or jet black bridal garter?  If you don’t want a traditional guest book, consider a signature picture frame or platter.  My point?  Don’t be afraid to show your style modern bride, because there’s no right or wrong on your special day!

Over the past few years we have watched the traditional wedding guest book evolve into a truly amazing lifelong keepsake.  From scrapbook and instant Polaroid guest books to signature picture frames, platters and vases.

More than just a signature, guests write messages to the newlyweds on cards. These cards can be inserted into specially designed “Well Wishes” wedding guest books featuring clear sleeves for holding the cards.  There are several variations of these intriguing books, including envelopes instead of clear sleeves and mini “Wishes”  books sold in sets so that you can distribute them at each table to disperse your crowd and encourage guests’ participation.

Speaking from experience, I can tell you that there are a million things running through a bride’s mind on her special day. The dress and the makeup are crucial, of course, and she can’t help but think of the near future – what married life will be like. Then there’s the question of photographers, vows, and the reception going off without a hitch. In theory all of these things have been taken care of well in advance, but it’s hard not to dwell on the details.

With all of these unique issues to think about, there’s very little room left to consider guests. These are clearly the most important figures in your life – those that you love and trust enough to invite to witness one of the biggest events of your life. Since you could never hope to remember every detail of your guests’ experience, it’s nice to live vicariously through them at a later date. A wedding guest book gives them a way to communicate their congratulations.

You will need to begin by taking into consideration the location of your table.  Do you have  a large amount of space to work with or a tight space.  Tight spaces are a little more difficult to work with, but it is possible. A speaker podium stand does nicely in nearly any tight area indoor or out.  A counter height end table or corner stand may also be a perfect fit in certain areas.  If the style of the table doesn’t suit the surroundings of your wedding, you can always cover it.

Of course your guest book table should be convenient and easily spotted by your wedding guests.  The table should be near the entrance and should match the surrounding building and other decorations.  If the space available for the guest book table isn’t convenient to the entry, have a guest book attendant available to help make sure every guest has the chance to sign in their attendance and good wishes.  If you will have a theme, the wedding guest book and pen set that you choose should match or at least compliment it.  If you have plenty of space in the building or outside area, the next thing to think about is how much you would like to fit on the table.  Naturally a long rectangular table can hold the most or provide enough table top to spread out your items.  A round table is clean and intimate and may or may not need as much room as a longer or square table.  If your entryway to the ceremony or reception is large and open, consider putting the guest book table in the middle and include a centerpiece or floral arrangement in the center of the table top.  Sprinkle flower petals around the guest book and pen, this is especially nice if you have a small table without space for a centerpiece.  Add a soft, romantic feeling to your table with lights under the skirt of the linen or around the top of the table area.  This is truly spectacular for an evening or outdoor ceremony!  Flower or Ivy garland may also be intertwined with the lights, or use ribbon and/or tulle.  Perhaps photographs of the bride and groom or family members can be included on the table for guests to admire while waiting to sign the guest book.  Use satin material and bunch it around each photo then place votive candles or figurines around.  Depending on your space, two round tables may make a nicer exhibit then one long rectangular one.  If you will have wedding ceremony programs, you may wish to fan them out on the end of the table top, closest to the ceremony area and after the guest book.