Table setup for signing Guest Book quilt squares at a wedding?

Question

The wedding coordinator told me that she was providing a 6 ft table for the signing of quilt pieces to be made into a quilt after the wedding.

Just wondering how you would set the table up . She said someone could stand there and explain what to do or have a flyer printed up with instructions. I thought about having the other fabric I'm using in the quilt laying out or maybe a picture of a quilt that had been signed . Not sure what to do to make the area look decorative, etc. Help

Answer 1

you should have someone 'man' the table and assist those guests who may be somewhat confused about it all.  [you'd be surprised how many that could be-lol].  also to make sure the guests use the pens you will provide and not walk away with them.

have a photo of a quilt already done so that guests will see what it is you are trying to do. also please, please, make sure your guests use the right pens - please don't use just any old indelible pens, you need a really good ink that will keep its color and brightness!  we used pigma micron pens in assorted colors and the ink has stayed fresh and dark all these years.  we also had an assortment of the pigma brush pens so that those few guests who were artistic could do a quick drawing of some sort and then sign their square!  it makes a beautiful quilt.  pigma pens can be found in most any good stationery store, or art store.  good luck and happy quilting!

Answer 2

I agree, I would have a pic of a quilt on an easel. Would also frame a printed 'info and instruction' sheet to be placed on table in the middle of 'scattered' quilt pieces. Maybe a nice fern on corner of table and don't forget the Sharpies!

Answer 3

Quilt squares! That's a GREAT idea!!!!

Have a younger guest sit and take care of the process (a younger teenager would be a great idea).

Just put a vase of flowers on the table and a bunch of fabric pens strewn about-no pressure. It will be great!

(Also, remember-many guests don't even think to look for a guest book. Make sure your ushers get on the guests about signing it. If the usher tells them to go sign it before they escort them in, then you'll be sure they all get over there! I only had about half my guests sign my wedding guest scrapbook-I wish I had told my ushers to remind guests to sign it!)

Answer 4

You could have a picture of the quilt in a nice frame placed on a easel by the table.  You should have someone stationed at the end of the table to explain what you would like them to do.  You could have the table covered with a nice table cloth and maybe a nice green plant or a vase of fresh flowers that go nicely with your wedding.  Hope this helps, and congratulations on your day.

Answer 5

I am also doing this for my June wedding. We are placing this at the reception on a table right inside the door. I bought a bunch on the markers made for writing on material and am planning on also getting some of that puffy fabric paint in our colors. I'm putting the stuff in little baskets. I am having someone man the table,  just like you would with a traditional guest book, but am also having a poster with instructions as I wont expect my friend to stand there all night, and, knowing my family, there will be people who show up late.

Good luck and have fun!

Answer 6

have the matrie D and staff at the banquet help you out - they can pass the quilt along and explain on the "how-to's" of the quilt

Answer 7

Make sure the fabric that people are signing is prepared correctly so it will be as easy as possible for them. Iron a piece of freezer paper to the back of the fabric. This will keep it flat and smooth, and will make it MUCH easier to write on. Provide a variety of fabric markers for your guests. Test them before using them. You want to be sure they won't bleed on the fabric (don't use Sharpies), they will not wash out later (some need to be heat set before washing), and they are bright and dark enough to show up clearly. I've used several different brands of markers, and my favorite is Pigma Micron. It comes in different colors, has a super fine point, is washable once it has been heat set, and it is fairly easy to find in craft or fabric stores. If you want a slightly wider pen, look at FabricMate. They are best if heat set and come in several colors. They're a little faded compared to the Pigma, but still quite good. DecoFabric pens by Marvy/Uchida are very dark and have a much thicker point. They're comparable to a Sharpie, but will not bleed as much. They also need to be heat set after drying overnight. Marvy/Uchida also makes a thicker version called the Fabric Brush Marker. Because of the thicker, flexible brush tip they're better for drawing and coloring than writing text. They also require heat setting.

Place a few completed squares on the table so the guests will have some ideas. Draw pictures, sign names, write little quotes or memories - show people exactly what you want from them. If you don't, all you'll get is signatures.

You definitely want someone at the table at all times to answer questions and encourage people to participate. Don't monopolize one person's time, though. Young people do well at this - especially girls around 10 - 15 years of age. Recruit pairs to work together, and don't ask anyone to do it for more than an hour. If possible, try for a couple of half hour shifts. Provide chairs so the guests can sit - it's difficult to write much while standing in heels, leaning over, trying not to drop a purse.

To get as much participation as possible, have you thought about putting prepared fabric pieces in a basket and making the rounds of the seated guests? Do this early, before the meal and the loud music. You could give the supplies to several people at a table and wait while they decorate their pieces. Don't leave and pick them up later - you'll lose pens and probably won't get many completed pieces.

As for decoration, the prettier you can make the table, the more attention you will attract. Don't use up so much space that there isn't room for at least two or three people to sign blocks at the same time, though.  If possible, utilize the wall space behind the table. Hang a quilt - it doesn't have to be a signature quilt, although that would be ideal. Even a regular quilt will draw attention. If you can't hang it, try draping it over something. You can also make a small table topper, even just a nicely finished block, using the other fabrics from your signature quilt. It will look nicer than just a stack of fabrics, and it doesn't have to be complicated.

Answer 8

I've never heard of that! But, I just got done telling my fiance about it.. and we're thinking about it now.. so, first off.. thanks!! lol

So, I'm thinking you could have a groomsman (an usher essentially) keep post there and explain things to people.  Or, maybe a chalkboard on an easel with brief instructions drawn up (maybe the chalk colors in your wedding colors?).   Maybe lay all the unsigned quilt pieces out on the table decoratively and a wicker basket at the end for the signed ones to be put in?

Either way, I think it's a great idea and it will be beautiful no matter how you set it up!

Hope I helped! Congratulations! And good luck!

Answer 9

Have a picture of an already signed and made quilt, and instructions printed in a frame, however, I would also have a junior bridesmaid sit at the table as people enter and have them sign the fabric.  Have different colored Sharpies if you want, or just use all black.  Just have some flowers or ferns at the ends of the table also.  You can have it at the table right after the guests place their packages, so that way no one will have their hands full and they won't miss the signing table.  Also, have the DJ announce it at least once to make sure everyone signs it.