One of the questions we get asked is whether using Joy Anthology as your alternative guestbook means you can do away with the traditional guestbook attendant. It’s a question that makes complete sense - after all the idea of Joy Anthology is that you’re enabling your guests - as well as your loved ones who can’t be there - to take “in the moment” photos, reflecting the fun they’re having at your wedding or special event and their love for you.
There’s no pen that might run out of ink, no need to hold the book steady while someone carries their child with one arm and signs the book with their free(ish) hard, and nobody who needs to encourage Aunt Bernice to read the book later, after everyone has had a chance to sign it. So, why in the world would you need a guestbook attendant?
Instead of thinking about your guestbook attendant as first runner-up wedding attendant, or a role you can give to that cousin you don’t really know but are apparently obligated to include in your wedding, imagine a new role for the guestbook attendant. Imagine:
Someone to talk up how amazing your custom keepsake will be when it’s on display in your home
Someone who can explain that you’re forgoing an actual book, and are going with a fun, modern, and easy to use alternative
Someone to remind your guests to be sure they click on your custom link and submit their photos
Someone who can be sure your Joy Anthology reminder posters are catching the attention of your guests as they arrive
Someone who can help your guests who are, umm, selfie-challenged, in taking a really great picture
Someone who can help a guest straighten out their tie, pocket square, or anything else that looks a bit out of alignment.
Someone who can politely and discretely let a guest know they’ve got a bit of something visible in their teeth, have a leaf that’s clinging to their hair, missed a button or a zipper, or have a visible bra strap or undergarment.
When you reimagine your guestbook attendant’s role, you can quickly see how important that person will be for Joy Anthology to be the memento you want of your wedding, anniversary, or other special day. They’re going to ensure your keepsake includes all of the special people you want to remember in the years to come.
With that in mind, you should pick someone who knows how to take great photos on different mobile devices, can easily convey your enthusiasm for your keepsake to the rest of your guests, is very approachable and friendly, and will talk to people with tact and discretion when needed.
Our advice? Yes, you want to have a guestbook attendant. But instead of giving that responsibility to some cousin you don’t really know, give it to a good friend or family member you can trust to play this very important role on your special day.
