Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas and Alternatives

     

Most couples usually pop into a stationary store and purchase the standard wedding guest book. I mean why wouldn’t you? It’s simple and ideal for the occasion.

There have been occasions where the couple forgot to purchase the guest book and a friend or relative had to sprint or frantically drive to the nearest stationary store to get one. However it doesn’t have to be so. The guest book can be just as special as your pictures and decoration.  In recent times more couples have been looking for unique guest book ideas or alternatives for their big day.

There are many ways to personalize your guest book. You can make it to reflect your wedding theme, personal tastes or relationship. Let your guests leave heartfelt messages, sweet thoughts, memories or hopes in a special way.

BOOKS

If you both have an interest, career or hobby that you both like then you could purchase your favourite book and have your guests sign. These can work very well. Select the right pen (gel pens are great for glossy paper) and make sure the page layout have enough open space so that people can leave a message or sign around the text or pictures. You may also need more pages or leaflets for your book depending on the number of guests you’ll be having. Below are some neat book ideas:

• Cookbook
• Song book or music album(s) leaflets
• Reading book
• Scrap book
• Photo book – the paper page album can be filled with photos from your childhood; photos when you were dating, engagement or pre wedding shoot.

But a 'guest book' doesn’t have to be in the form of a book. Below are some 'guest book' alternatives that could be ideal for your occassion.

POSTERS

You may want to use posters for your guests to sign (if your into that). Again, you will need to select the right pen and colour for the words to be seen. Later this could be framed and hung in your home. It could be a poster of your favourite:

• Musician/band
• Movie
• TV Series
• Game/Sport/ team

PHOTOGRAPHES

Mounting boards

The signed mounting board is quite popular. Some couples have a pre wedding shoot (before the wedding) and the photographer will then add in a signing board for the couple using the photos from the shoot. On the wedding day guests are invited to sign around the picture. The couple or friends can also make these themselves by using past photograph of the couple and sticking it on a large paper/board. The guests can sign around the photo and later it can be framed for the couple to hang in their new home.

Photograph of the guests on arrival to the reception

You can select someone to snap a photograph of each guest arriving at your wedding ceremony/reception using a polaroid or digital camera. Guests can either write on the photograph itself or they can stick the photo in a blank guest book page and write a message beside it.

Photo booth

Create your own photo booth using a digital camera, a tripod, paper or a chalkboard. Guests can write their message on the paper or board and display it in the photo. You could either use a camera with a timer so that guests have time to set up the shot or select someone who will be responsible for taking the shots.

Past Photographs

You can include an insert in your invitations asking guests to bring pictures of them with you/both of you. On the day they can paste the photos in your guest book and describe the scene or write about their fondest memory of you.

SMALL CARDS OR NOTES

Guests can write their message or wishes on either colourful craft /quality cards or a small pieces of paper put them into an envelope (if you prefer). They can then place them in a container such as a glass fish bowl, glass jar, glass vase(s), baskets or a box during the reception. Loose cards or notes are a great way of avoiding queues to sign one book.

Guest book boxes

A box can be decorated in tune to your wedding theme. Guests can write on a predesigned card and place the card in the box provided.

Wish trees

This is another popular guest book alternative. It can be as simple or decorative as you would like. The guests are to write a wish on a small piece of paper or card and then tie it to a tree/branches using ribbons or pieces of string. These wishes can later be stored in a memory box.

Washing line of photographs or notes

Someone can be responsible for taking the pictures of your guests or guests can write notes on coloured card/ paper ,which can then be pinned/pegged up for everyone to see. Later it can be placed into a blank guest book. This can double up as decoration as well an alternative guest book.

PROPS AND THINGS

Seashells

At the reception on a table you can place a box/bag of shells with gold-leaf markers and a glass container such as bowl or vase. Guests can be invited to sign the shells and place them in the glass container.

Jigsaw puzzle

If you and your partner like jigsaw puzzles then you can purchase a blank wooden jigsaw puzzle. Each guest can either use one piece of the jigsaw puzzle or its box to sign or write a note. The couple can later put the puzzle together and reminisce.

Smooth rocks or pebbles

Smooth rocks or pebbles can be used for guests to sign with paint-style oil markers or enamel-based metallic pens. It can then be placed in a glass container and later immersed in water when placed at the couple’s home.

Canvas

If you’re a fan of art and want your guests to get involved then this option could be ideal. You can purchase a canvas and prop it up on an easel and guests can sign and illustrate it using felt tip marker, paint brushes and paint. This will defiantly be unique.

Typewriter

If you’re concerned about being able to read your guests handwriting then the typewriter might be preferred. You can make the typewriting table a feature at the wedding where guests can get a chance to type out their messages on preselected cards or personalized letterheads. This can later be filed away for future review.

Unique crockery

A bisque platter or crockery can be purchased from a local pottery shop and guests can sign it with a special pencil or marker. After the wedding it can be returned to the shop to have it glazed and re-fired. The couple can later use it as an ornament in their home.

Fabric

Small squares of a variety of fabrics can be hung on a pieces of string and guests can be asked to sign them throughout the reception. Ensure that words can be easily read on the various types of fabric. After the wedding day a seamstress or quilter can saw the squares together to create a sentimental quilt.

If you’re not interested in your guests leaving you messages but would prefer to capture their name and signature the finger print tree is a nifty idea. Each guest will make their mark with their finger print which they then sign. You can provide them with one colour ink or more depending on how colourful you want it to be.

TRAVEL

For those who are having a destination wedding or love to travel you can consider another idea.

Large map of the world, country or region

A map of the couple’s special place(s) in the world can be placed at the wedding reception for guests to sign. Later it can be framed and hung in the newlywed’s home.

The Globe

Guests can be asked to sign or write wishes on a plastic version of the globe with a marker. The couple can read the wishes whilst spinning the globe.

Personalised Passport

An immitation of a passport with the couples picture can be a unique guests book alternative. The guests can sign or write in the blank pages of the passport.

Suitcase

This can be another great feature option at your wedding. Guests can be given a postcard to write on and then placed in a vintage suitcase. By the end of the day the suitcase should be full of postcards with well wishes.

Postcards

A variety of pre stamped postcards can be given to the guests to write short messages that will greet you when you return from your honeymoon. You can both open one a day or wait to read them on your first anniversary.

Flag

Guests can be asked to write or sign on a flag. The flag could be a national flag or a team’s flag or a variety of flags. Later this can be framed and used as a wall hanging.

Whatever idea you choose it is advisable to get someone responsible for your guest book /alternative. Ensure that the MC makes an announcement about it and tells them where it can be located. Also get some of your friends or relatives to start the ball rolling by initiating the signing/ writing, others will soon follow.  On the whole, enjoy every bit of your wedding day and create the memories will last. 

Please leave a comment and tell me your favourite idea, and if you have or are using any of these ideas for your own wedding.

Ghana UK Based Achievement (GUBA) 2010

 

The Ghana UK Based Achievement (GUBA) Awards took place on Sunday 24 October at the Porchester Hall in Bayswater, London, England. This event had been organised by the Nudent Quality Solutions. 

This was the first year of the annual awards ceremony. GUBA was formed to acknowledge and celebrate the best of Ghanaian businesses, associations and personalities based in the United Kingdom. Over the years, UK based Ghanaian individuals and businesses have not received as much recognition as they deserve, however GUBA is set to change that.

The visionary of GUBA was Dentaa, one of the most popular TV personalities of OBE TV.  Dentaa has over 10 years of experience in the entertainment industry. Recently she hosted one of the most popular Ghanaian talent search show 'Mentor IV'. 

                                                  Dentaa at GUBA image by fabphotography

The Patron for the GUBA Awards was none other then John Pantsil who plays for Fulham FC and Black Stars. He has recently set up a charity called the Pantsil Peace Kids Project (PPKP) which was also GUBA's nominated charity. The aim of the charity is to help promote peace by developing the physical, mental and social inclusion of children through football. The project focuses on African children between the ages of 8 and 12, who live within high risk conflict zones. John Pantsil noted that footbal was the number one sport in Ghana because 'it is the only game that unites Ghanaians,' adding that most children preferred playing football because it was a fair game.

                                               John Pantsil image by fabphotography

16 individuals and businesses where honored at the ceremony and they sure were proud to be Ghanaians. 

The Ghanaian Nurses Association (GNA) were the most enthusiatic group to be nominated. They took away the Best Association Award.

Belinda Owusu was awarded the Rising Star Award and Karen Boadu was recognized as the Best Student Achiever. Lecticia Obeng received the Pioneer Award.

As the only woman nominated in her category, Ama K. Abebese won Best Media Personality based on her signature talk show 'On the Sofa', which was also nominated for Best TV programming. Ama K has recently moved into film and will be starring in her first lead role in 'Sinking Sands', premiering in Accra, Ghana on 13 November at the National Theatre. 

                                      Ama K announced as winner image by Peter Hogan

Black stars received the Recognition Award for the part they played in the World Cup. The 2010 FIFA World Cup was held in South Africa. It was the first time it had been played in Africa, and many people were hoping that an African team would progress to the semi-finals. The Black stars became the third African team in history to reach the World Cup quarter-finals. They were greatly welcomed home by thousands of dancing and singing fans on their return back to Ghana after their game. Deputy Sports Minister Nii Nortey Duah told the players, 'You've really held high the flag of Ghana and the entire African continent." 

                                    Castro De Destroyer Featuring Baby Jet Asamoah Gyan: 

                                                               performing African Girls at GUBA 

                                                                   The highlight of the evening

                                                                   (image by fabphotography)

The Lifetime Achievement Award went to Osibisa. Founded in 1969, Osibisa were one of the first African bands to become widely popular. The legendary band from Ghana made 20 studio albums; merging jazz, funk, fusion, Caribbean, R&B, Latino and African rhythms. The best known albums are: Osibisa (1971), Woyaya (1971), and African Flight (1981). It was a proud moment to see some members of the group on stage to receive the award.

                                                                 Osibisa image by fabphotography

A massive well done goes to the organisers of this event for having the determination to carry out this version and daring to step out. It goes without say, there is a wealth of talent within the Ghanaian community. 

I cant wait to GUBA 2011- BRING IT ON!!

MADE OF HONOUR

THE MAKINGS OF A MAIDE OF HONOUR

Every bride needs a right hand man, a confidant, otherwise known as a Maid of Honour (MOH), to help her with preparations for the Big Day. However this role is not for the faint hearted, it needs to be undertaken by the right person, otherwise it could create more stress then its worth. When choosing the Maid of Honour, the bride should carefully consider the person who is best suited for the job from their family and friends.

There are different strokes for different folks, thus every bride has a different expectation of their Maid of Honour. It is best for the bride to know what she wants so that she can effectively communicate it. 

THE SELECTION PROCESS

Etiquette standards for selecting a Maid of Honour have relaxed over the years. The guide says that the sister nearest in age to you should be your Maid of Honour. However if your sister is much younger or not responsible enough to take on the role then you have to look elsewhere. If you would rather have a friend or another family relative take on that role then its better if you talk to your sister about this first. It may be more suitable to give her another position such as bridesmaid. Be sensitive to peoples feelings by communicating better to those around you.

It is now socially acceptable to have Co-Maids of Honour, Matron of Honour, Chief Bridesmaid or even a brother or male friend as Honour Attendant. If you are torn between your friends, you should think about sharing the role of the Maid of Honour. For example, one of your friends might be best suited to organise/ host your hen night, and the other can organise the bridesmaid activities or say a special reading at the church ceremony.

Take your friends personality into consideration. A strong personality might overshadow you and a shy personality might pacify you and not giving you an honest answer. 

QUALITIES TO LOOK FOR

There are certain qualities that a Maid of Honour should possess:

• Trustworthiness 

Your Maid of Honor should be someone who you can tell your worries and secrets to knowing that they wont repeat them without your permission. Overall trust would have been earned if worth and integrity have been proven over time.

• Responsible

There are a lot of tasks that the Maid of Honour will need to undertake.  An individual who can take care of their own matters, answer for their own action, agree to do something and do it, does not procrastinate and makes good judgement is best suited for this role.

• Time Keeper

An individual who is generally good with their time. If a meeting has been scheduled for 6 pm you can depend on them to turn up on time not to arrive an hour or two later.  The Maid of Honour will also need to help the bride and bridesmaids keep to time.

• Organised

Her ability to organise work is important. She will need to keep everything in order and remember important dates and documents.  

• Team Work Ability

Planning a wedding requires team work from a variety of people (both party families, bridesmaids, groomsmen). All team players need to work together to achieve a successful wedding. The Maid of Honour has to keep the peace within the team and not be the fire starter.

• Leadership Skills

Using her organisational and team work skills she will need to lead the bridesmaids through various wedding preparation activities. The Maid of Honour should be able to encourage others without being arrogant or too bossy. 

• Financial Availability

Most brides try to find out cost cutting ways to stay within their budget. Unless you have the additional money to pay for your Maid of Honour and bridesmaids etc, your Maid of Honor should be at a financial place where she can foot the bill of her dress and perhaps the cost of your bridal shower and any other smaller additional costs. In saying this be sensitive to her financial concerns. If you want to offer her financial support try not to come across as being patronizing. 

[Ways to offer financial support: You could cover the cost of alterations or the cost of her gown or accessories]

• An Encourager

Being in the limelight does not come naturally to everyone and the attention that a wedding can bring can be quite daunting. A bride needs a positive person who can encourage them every step of the way. Being around an overly pessimistic person can make one feel like their walking constantly with a dark cloud over their head. The Maid of Honour should be proactive and try to find solutions to problems rather than just finding faults. Problems may come but its how it is dealt with that determines a successful outcome.

• Emotional Availability

Planning for a wedding can take you on an emotional roller-coaster  and you need support during the process. Your Maid of Honour should be emotionally available to you. However if she having a difficult time herself it maybe hard for her to be there for you and could cause tension within your friendship. Save the heartache/ headache and find someone else who can be there for you emotionally.

• Physical Availability

The Maid of Honour will need to be on hand to either help answer phone calls, put together invitations or go shopping with you. It is possible to have a long distance Maid of Honour as long as she can help in some way from her location and make time in her schedule to help you out. 

If you find out that the person you had in mind to be your Maid of Honour is pregnant or will be a new mum by the time it is your wedding, then its best if you ask her  whether she would want to take on the role or not. Not all pregnant women will feel comfortable waddling down the aisle, bending down to try and straighten the train with their bump and leaky breasts. If she declines the offer she will be at least be grateful to you for having her in mind. 

MAID OF HONOUR DUTIES

- She helps the bride pick her wedding dress.

- Pays for her own dress and accessories.

- Hosts the hen's night or bridal shower.

- Signs the Marriage Certificate.

- She carries the groom's ring.

At The Wedding Ceremony

- Helps the bride with dressing and assists with the train,

- Assists with the bridal veil.

- Holds the bride's bouquet during the ceremony.

- Carries an emergency kit with needle and thread.

 - Carries extra nylons, a roll of tape etc...

 - Holds a copy of any special prayers.

 - Holds a copy of any readings for the ceremony.

 - She stands by the bride at the altar.

 - Supervises the bridesmaids.

At The Reception

- She is seated at the table of honour with the bride and groom.
- During the reception, she mixes with the guests.
- Is photographed as part of the wedding party.
- She dances with the best man at the reception.
- She helps the bride with her train during bridal dance.
- Helps the brides with train during photography.
- Gathers the single women for bouquet toss.
- Assists the bride in dressing for the honeymoon.
- Returning clothing items to the bride's home after the reception.
- May receive a shower gift and wedding gift from the bride.

Maid of Honor Duties Source: www.perfect-wedding-day.com 

Check out wedding.theknot.com for answers to your Maid of Honour (MOH) Questions.

I sincerely hope this has been useful to brides-to-be and those who have been given the role of being a Maid of Honour (MOH). It is a position that should be considered as a privilege and honour. If duties are carried out well, both the bride and her MOH will be left with fond and lasting memories.

HAVE FUN & ALL THE BEST!!

Wedding dress shopping Pt 2

Wedding Dress Silhouettes & You

There are so many choices available that it is easy to get confused and frustrated when wedding dress shopping. Not every dress is equally suited to every bride. Knowing what shape you are looking for saves time, money and effort. However you have to know the shape you are in order to find the shape your looking for. Knowledge of the shape of your body will determine the kind of dress that will enhance your overall appearance. 

Knowing Your Shape

The best way of knowing your shape is by focusing on your silhouette (the outline of your body). There are 3 basic body proportions that are based on body measurements- Linear, Curvilinear and Curved. These body proportions are presented in 5 ways - triangle (pear, spoon, bell), Inverted triangle (apple), rectangle shape (square, ruler), hourglass and rounded.

Image Source:www.beautybyyourdesign.com 

Linear- minimal shaped waist with dominate shoulders and sometimes a bust line.

Presentation: inverted triangle (apple), rectangle (square, ruler) and rounded. 

Curvilinear- partially to a well defined waist with a more narrow shoulders, bust line and fuller hips.

Presentation: Triangle (Pear , spoon, bell).

Curved- a well shaped waist with equal proportions on the top and bottom.

Presentation: Hourglass shape.

The simpler way of checking your body shape is by getting expert advice from a sales person at the bridal store or you can do it yourself by going online: www.calculator.net/body-type-calculator.html It only takes 5 minutes and all you need is a measuring tape.

Wedding Dress Silhouettes 

Here is a guide of some basic popular wedding dress silhouettes and what body type they work for.

A-line 

The styles name comes from the triangle or A-shape between the narrow bodice and outer edges of the wide, ungathered skirt. The close fitting bodice can be strapless or have any type of neckline. The seam may be higher or lower than the natural waistline. A rounded jewel neck is a good choice for brides who wish to emphasize their bust.

Best for: Brides with small waists and those wanting to hid broad hips and large thighs.

Body type: inverted triangle (apple), rectangle (square, ruler), diamond, rounded, triangle (pear, spoon, bell) and hourglass shapes.

Image Source: www.projectwedding.com 

Empire/ Grecian Goddess

This style of dress has a very high waist. The raised waist creates a long line. The skirt can either be slim or slightly flared.  

Best for: The cropped bodice flatters the small-breasted woman. This style is ideal for the slim and petite brides.

Body Type: inverted triangle (apple), diamond and rectangle (square, ruler) shapes

Image Source: www.projectwedding.com 

Ball Gown

The traditional wedding dress with fitted bodice and a floor length voluminous skirt with a petticoat. Usually worn in a more formal setting such as a church. This style can overwhelm a petite or particularly buxom bride. A strapless bodice is ideal for brides wanting to draw attention to their face, collarbones, shoulders and arms.

Best for: Brides with a small waist-line and at least average height. Its great for hiding tall hips.

Body Type: inverted triangle (apple), rectangle (square, ruler), diamond, rounded, triangle (pear, spoon, bell) and hourglass shapes.

Image Sources www.media.onsugar.com 

Sheath

This style is a straight line, fitted dress from shoulders to the ankles. A boat neck follows the curve of the collarbone and can flatter women with smaller busts.

Best for: Tall or petite, slim-hipped brides.

Body type: Inverted triangle (apple).

Image Source: www.projectwedding.com 

Mermaid / Trumpet

A narrow fitted dress designed to show off a brides curves. The bottom flares out like that of a mermaid.

Best for: Tall slim brides; creates height for petite brides.

Body type: Inverted triangle (apple), rectangle (square, ruler) and rounded, triangle (pear, spoon, bell) and hourglass shapes.

Image Source: www.projectwedding.com 

Short / Tea Length

Short dresses that have a hem that is above or just slightly below the knee. This style is ideal for a more casual, less traditional wedding.

Best for: Brides with great legs and fabulous shoes!!

Image source: www.prlog.org 

REMEMBER: Try and go wedding dress shopping with one or two people. This can be useful in getting another perspective on the dresses as you try them on. Any more than two people can cause confusion in your decision making process. You are the one who has to wear the dress, if you try on a dress and you don't love it but another person thinks it looks good on you, then go with your gut instinct and keep looking. If you find that dress that does not fit into the categories that I have mentioned, but you look and feel great in it AND the price is right then GO FOR IT!!

Enjoy your shopping experience. 

All the best.