So what do you really need for your wedding? Here are some items you need or are optional. 

(Some of the links will take you to affiliate links where I receive a small commission on purchases).

Bathroom Baskets- don't need them but they are nice to have. 
Click here for bathroom basket ideas.

Table Numbers- Yes, you need them. Your guests need to know where to sit! Check here for table numbers. 
Yes, you need to do assigned seating. In my experience it is always a disaster if you do not assign guests to a certain table. 

Card Box- Need it! Or something to put your cards in. Check here for some card box ideas. 

Guest Book-  Not necessary but it is fun to have special notes from your guests to read later. Check out traditional guest books and guest book alternatives. 

Cake Knife- If you are planning to cut a cake, then you need a knife. I recommend registering for one or borrowing one from a family member. I had a bride that used the same cake knife that had been used in her family for generations! It was really sweet and there was a card with the knife that had the couple and their wedding date that used it. You can also just order one from Amazon. 

Champagne Flutes- No, you do not need them. But if you receive a set as a gift, you should use it. If you are doing a champagne toast and do not have a set, ask your venue if they have them. 

Favors-  Nope! If you want to do them, go for it! But it is not something that is expected. I highly recommend something edible! So many trinket favors get left behind after a wedding. Cookies or candy are rarely forgotten! Here are some fun favor options.

Phone guest books have been so popular this past year! It is such a fun way for guests to wish you a happy marriage. 

Check out Life on Record for their selection of phones. 
Here is how it works: 

1. You sign-up for your LifeOnRecord account and receive your account information. You will be given a toll-free number to start using. 
2. Using your phone, you record your personal greeting (what your guests hear when they call in). This is heard both when people call the toll-free number, and will also be heard if guests use the rental vintage phone.
3. You communicate your LifeOnRecord telephone number and invitation number to callers, and let people know to use the vintage phone.
4. Everybody calls in.
5. You notify us that you would like your keepsake created (or you download your recordings on your own).
6. Your account continues to stay open for 1 year after your sign-up date.

Life on Record has so many styles to choose from. 

This one comes in quite a few different colors. 

This one is my favorite! How fun would that be to use? 

The recordings are a fun alternative to a guest book that you can keep forever and it is not something that takes up space! 

Planner tip: make sure you take the phone out of the box and understand how it works. If you do not have a Coordinator on the day of your wedding, be sure to designate someone to set it up,  know how it works, and will box it up at the end of the night. Be sure to have clear instructions for the guests as well!

Check out these fun, easy, and inexpensive guest book alternatives. 

​(The images are clickable to Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

There are so many different options for non-traditional guestbooks. But I am going to share the traditional guest books that I love. Later this week we will get into the fun alternatives :)  Some couples have a traditional book for a keepsake and have another non-traditional option for guests to sign or record a message on. 

​So here are some of my favorites. Bonus- most of them are from small businesses!

​(The images are clickable to Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

Don't forget pens! I keep these Sharpie pens in my emergency kit for this reason. So may people forget pens.