Hi Arina,
I'm looking for an interesting guest book idea for my wedding. I found some mass-produced and designer guest books on the internet and at some of the local shops, but none of them appeal to me. I also want to avoid spending a lot of money on an extravagant white silk guest book and end up packing it away in my basement. What can I do to customize my guestbook, make it somewhat unique, and display it for years to come?
--Crystal, St. Louis

Crystal, congratulations on your upcoming wedding! I think your idea of creating or purchasing a unique guest book is wonderful. Believe it or not, in today's "customizable" wedding world, guest books are not on the top of the list. Most are simply purchased through a stationery store or on the Internet, but few are unique and reflective of the wedding. This is when you have to seek the advice and help of an expert bookbinder or invitation expert with bookbinding experience. If you ask any designer, most will tell you that bookbinding is one of the most difficult and challenging arts. I guess this is why it is no big surprise that professional bookbinders are hard to come by, but once you find the right one, the possibilities are endless!

Not long ago, I met a graphic artist and bookbinder whose incredible work literally amazed me. Her name is Joanne Kluba and she is the owner of Paper Birds, a company specializing in calligraphy and custom-crafted books and boxes. What is even more amazing than the painstaking process of creating a book is the attention to detail Joanne exercises when designing a custom book for a couple planning their wedding. Recently, Joanne completed a wedding album for an Irish bride whose reception took place in a beautiful castle in Ireland. The fabric of the book was wine colored to match the bridal gown. Additionally, there was embroidery on the bodice with the Celtic symbol for wisdom. Joanne reproduced this symbol for use on the wedding book and box.

According to Joanne, incorporating fabrics, symbols, and other artistic media, is all part of the customizing process. Many couples want something unique and reflective of their personalities. It is also not unusual for Joanne to add watercolor and illustrations to a particular book design. Ultimately, the bride and groom end up with a stunning coffee table book which can be displayed and since all the work is done on archival paper, the books will last, with proper care, for generations.

Another great resource to tap into for fabulous guest books could be your photographer. For example, Pamela Bredenkamp, owner of Signature Studio Creative Photography, can't get over the popularity of their latest service, photo guest books. The book includes various engagement photographs of the couple which guests can look at while they are signing the book. The book is signed in a playful manner, with no structured areas for "name" and "message". Guests simply choose a space to write their message and admire the various photos of the couple. There is no right or wrong way to sign the book. Some books even encourage guests to draw pictures and add other whimsical elements.

Tina Halturin, owner of Tina Halturin Photography offers her clients another interesting alternative to a typical guestbook -- a framed photo canvas. The couple can choose to have their engagement photo mounted and framed. The canvas can be exposed for guests to sign at the reception venue. The size of the photo and canvas should be based on the size of the guest list. The best part about this type of guestbook is that it can be hung anywhere in the new couple's home and enjoyed for a lifetime.

I hope these examples give you some idea of the endless and often overlooked possibilities on the guest book front!