A Scrapbook/Guestbook

I've never understood the concept of a guest book for one reason only. You're required to use some big furry pen and write in a book about as personalized as the one you write in at any other event. But this is my wedding. I want better than that. So here's the current guest book idea.

I want to find something in the scrapbook line and get enough pages for everybody invited to have their own page. Then, as people RSVP for the wedding, we mail them a blank page (or pages--I love the idea of the kids having a chance to do their own page) and tell the the theme of the wedding and ask them to decorate their page of the guest book in any manner they see fit. I'm hoping that by doing this, we get friends and family not only excited about the wedding, but also a bit sentimental. I want everybody to have the chance to express their feelings and thoughts and any stories or anecdotes they see fit to include.

Unity Candles, Important Family Members and a Potential Idea

I've always loved the idea of unity candles and I always think that the mothers in a wedding don't have a big enough part. So, here's another idea I've been mulling around. I haven't brought this to him yet, since I'm still not sure if it's a good idea or just a touch too sappy. But here goes.

I think I want to have my mother and his mother walk down the aisle arm in arm each carrying a single taper. When they reach the altar, his father lights the candles for each of them and they place them in the candle holders. It is these candles that are used to light the unity candle. I think that, just as having my father walk me down the aisle is a sign of our receiving his blessing, having all of the family involved would truly show the unity that will be our wedding.

Again, though, I'm still kicking this around. Thoughts are welcome.