How much is expected of a guest book attendant?

Question

I am getting married in a couple of weeks and am wondering what kind of involvement is usually expected from the person chosen to be guest book attendant. Obviously, the person we have chosen we love and respect so we would not want them to have to miss out on much of the ceremony or reception. I understand it is their duty to greet guests and ask them to sign the guest book, but how long are they expected to do this? For an hour, or longer? And when are they expected to do this? When guests arrive and/or during cocktail hour? (Our ceremony and reception are being held at the same venue) Any advice on this is much appreciated. Thanks!

Answer 1

I've never heard of this.I guess all places are much different.I wouldnt have a guestbook attendant.I would just have people sign the book when they walk in.I'm sure they will see it.

Answer 2

It varies in each wedding but generally the guest book attendant is there to welcome the guests and have them sign the guest book about an hour before the ceremony. (Sometimes the guest book attendant also hands out the programs. Personally I think that is a lot to do for one person so I would have a separate person hand out programs) Then a minute or two before the ceremony starts, he or she should sit down so they don't miss it! As for cocktail hour, I've seen it where the guest book attendant will stand by the guest book for the first 15 minutes or so to try and get the remaining guests who didn't sign before the ceremony. I've also seen where the guest book is just placed in an easily visible spot and guests who haven't signed yet will know what to do.

Congratulations!

Answer 3

oh god, forget it altogether.  no one signs anything meaningful in the book anyway, why do you need a book full of some people's signatures that came to your wedding?  that's why you hvae pictures and a photog, so you can remember who came.  asking someone to stand by the book and ask people to sign it is awful, unless you're trying to punish that person

Answer 4

Leave the guest book unattended by the gift table and as people leave their gift's they can sign it.  That way no one misses out on your wedding.  

Answer 5

My Aunt did this for my wedding. I would say have them get people before the ceremony when they are coming in. Another good time is when you have your pictures done and they are waiting for the reception to start. After the meal when everyone is at their tables is another good time. The guest book attendant can make the rounds to the tables with the book in hand. Don't stress so much about the guestbook. Most of the guests will probably sign on their own, as it is usually tradition to have one.  There are a lot more bigger things to worry about. :) Good luck with your nuptials!  

Answer 6

The person needs to stand there when the guests start arriving to greet them, ask them to sign the book, and direct them toward the ushers who will seat them.

They can then go sit down right when it is time for the wedding to start. After the ceremony, I would recommend having the person take the guestbook and place it near the gift table at the reception, so that if anyone missed signing in the first time, they can sign it there, but she should just place it there and go enjoy the reception. There's no need to stand with it all night long, just before the ceremony starts!  

Answer 7

They do not have to miss anything! They sit at a table at the entrance to the reception, usually just inside the door - greet the people and ask them to sign the guest book if they don't realize that is what they are to do. Usually the attendants should be there shortly before cocktails begin, and stay throughout cocktails. Once dinner begins, they do not have to stay at the table any longer.