Guestbook

I imagine for most people the wedding guestbook is pretty close to an afterthought. Something to pick up last minute because 'it's supposed to be there'. Or some choose to have guests sign the big engagement photo to to justify why we all have an engagement shoot [we're doing it of course, but what the heck are we going to do with the pictures?? Good question.].

But for me, the guestbook is one of the only traditions I find worthy of not ditching [buh bye garter/bouquet toss]. My grandmother [seen here] started a guestbook on her wedding day back in 1946 and so much more than that ever since. She used it to record our recovering mormon family's births, marriages and deaths in leu of a bible. And has had guests at all family gatherings and holidays record a short message.

A typical entry features my youngest aunt describing her 10th birthday where Sister Lenny gifted her a chicken. You can also see evidence of my mother meeting her future in-laws. Family lore states that my grandfather thought highly enough of her to appraise her like one of his horses: "Well, she's got good teeth". This book literally connects me to the meaningful events and people that came before, and I couldn't imagine a more special tradition to continue.

My grandmother's appears to be a hand-bound book with a wooden cover. I'm all about the DIY, but this is one I'll leave to the pros.

And boy, did I find a pro! Esty seller Lacuna in Portugal makes these STUNNING books out of antique wood with heavy recycled paper.

And, if you're into Tim-Burton/Nightmare-Before-Christmas-esque calligraphy, you can have your names and wedding date engraved on the front!

Not sure if I should wait to get it as a bridal shower gift, or just run out and get one right this second.