This is a thread that was started in our old BlissWeddings.com forums by labeadel on 04/06/2005.
**************************************************
posted by labeadel
Instead of having a guest book, we are going to have one of those matte frame things that we put one of our engagement pics in that everyone will sign the matte area around it. Will we need an "attendant" to stand by the pic at the reception? We were going to just have it on a table, maybe near the gifts. Thoughts?
**************************************************
posted by SuzyBride
We are having both. A guest book at the wedding and the pic with matte frame at the reception. I will probably have someone standing by the picture at the beginning of the reception to make sure everyone knows what its there for, hopefully people will catch on!
**************************************************
posted by TheaterDiva1
I'd feel funny about having an attendant - it sounds like one of those busy-work pity jobs. I'd clue in 2-3 friends/relatives and have them sign early on. Other people will see it and follow suit.
-Maggie
**************************************************
posted by labeadel
I thought the same thing Maggie! I was hoping that you guys didn't tell me I should have one, b/c I didn't want to assign that task to anyone! I may ask my niece (she will be 11) just to watch over it and ask people to sign it, but she doesn't have to stand next to it. How does that sound? You think she'll be old enough for that?
**************************************************
posted by syringa
If you will have the mat at the ceremony location, the ushers can ask people to sign it when they greet them and before they seat them.
**************************************************
posted by marchbride05
We had the matte and the guest book too. A good friend of mine "watched" both of them. You don't have to have someone do that but if you have the matte you will either need to tape off the edge or have someone or a sign tell people not to sign too close to the edge. If they do, the frame will cover up what they have written. We also had people try to sign with different colored pens (not the one that was on the table). That might not be a problem for you but if you're picky like me, it might be.
**************************************************
posted by munchkin
the other problem with the matted photo is that some people might decide to get goofy on you and you'll end up with weird little cartoons and scribbling on it. One of my cousins did the same thing, and a lot of the kids ended up scribbling all over it. I think she actually had devil horns. That may not be an issue for you. I would have someone casually watch it to make sure no one is being idiotic.
**************************************************
posted by krstna1972
I would like to have the matted frame also to serve as my guest book ... but I thought that one of the members had a good point ... that someone may be a freak & do cartoons or scribble or something that they may think is funny after a cocktail or two. So I wonder if maybe we should have it at the actual WEDDING......rather than at the reception? although maybe not bc everyone may not go to the wedding, but to the reception. But they'd better damn well go ... my dress is SMOKIN'!!!!
fallbride
**************************************************
posted by munchkin
hehe, aren't you wearing your dress to the reception too?
**************************************************
posted by presswhat10
this was years ago, but my uncle had me and my cousin (we were 10 and 14, respectively) watch over the guest book and just make sure people were signing it. it worked out well. I think people's reactions tended to be "oh look how pretty she is/they are! oh, sure, i can sign the book" type thing. I think having your neice do it is a great idea.
**************************************************
posted by Lizbet
I looked after the guest book at my uncle's wedding, when I was 12. And, his son is going to be my book attendant at my wedding. My cousin is 19, but for my guest book I am having him take pictures (polaroids) of the guests and have them sign words of wisdom and encouragement by the pictures, so it requires someone a bit older.
**************************************************
posted by feb-bride
That's different, Lizbet. You're giving him a "real" job.
I think it's insulting when people ask adults to be guest book attendants when the sole duty is watching an inanimate object. It just smacks of "pity job" to me.
**************************************************
posted by labeadel
Awwww, a "pity job" is the best title for it! But I'm sure my niece will love it! She will really want to be involved.
**************************************************
posted by feb-bride
Is your niece a kid or an adult?
I don't think it's too bad to ask a younger person to do this (say between ages 8 and 12), but I think it's rude to ask grown people to do this chore.
**************************************************
posted by marchbride05
I think it depends on the person. My friend is 25 but she is very friendly. She welcomed people at the church and asked them to sign the guest book. I think she enjoyed the job to tell you the truth. We picked her because of her personality. She is very welcoming and sociable. My husband and I wanted to involve her in some way because she is a good friend to both of us. I think some might see it as a pity job but not all will. We made sure we got her a corsage and thanked her for it. If a friend asked me to do something in their wedding; I would be happy to help out. Maybe that's just me.
**************************************************
posted by labeadel
My niece is 10. I am thinking that because of your suggestions that I will have the pics/matte at the entrance to the ceremony at first. Hopefully most people will sign it there. We may move it to the reception just for the first hour or two in case some people didn't get a chance to sign at the ceremony. Since we're expecting some major drinkers, I thought it was a great suggestion to make sure to take it away before the "drunks"
can get their hands on it.
Guest Book attendant
Linear Mode
