How to Make a Ring Bearer Book

Every bride wants her wedding to be perfect, and it probably will be, but any number of things can go wrong. Most of us have seen television programs showing brides, decorations, flowers and food that didn’t turn out the way it was supposed to for the wedding. Heaven forbid any of those things should happen to you on your special day. Of course, you’ll do everything you can to make sure there are no disasters, and to guarantee this, forgo the ring bearer’s pillow. More than one ring bearer has been known to drop the pillow! For one thing, the pillow is often satin and that makes it very slick. Also, a pillow, by design, is awkward to carry in the palm of your hand. Add the fact that most ring bearers are small children and that can spell potential disaster! Do away with the pillow and have something a little more unique – and less likely to get dropped.

If you have the ring bearer carry a book instead of a pillow he can likely pull that off without a hitch. No ordinary book will do; have him carry the book that the guests will sign at the reception. That way, the book serves two purposes.

Although you can purchase a guest signature book at a party supply place, or a retailer that sells wedding items, you can save money if you buy an ordinary book and decorate it yourself. Places that sell journals and such often have a large supply of suitable books you can use. Inside, the paper should be lined to accommodate the signatures. Outside, the book can be covered with fabric or can be another type.

There are lots of things you can use to make a regular journal into the signature book for your wedding. Elegant stickers from a craft store offer you a way to decorate the individual pages of the book. Cover a word or image on the outside of the book by gluing on a large applique. You’ll find all sorts of appliques at craft stores and sewing supply stores.

Purchase a tassel and use it to make the signature book even more elegant. If possible, glue the tassel cord to the binding of the book. If there’s no room inside the top of the binder do to that, run a bead of glue down the inside back of the cover and lay the tassel cord in the glue. Allow the tassel to hang out from the top of the book as the ring bearer carries it.

To hold the ring, simply glue a ribbon to the binder of the book. Tie a ribbon around the book and make a bow. Center the bow on the front of the book and mark the area where the ribbon meets the spine. Apply a dab of glue to hold the ribbon in place. To add the ring, untie the bow, slip the ends through the ring, then tie the bow again.

The ring bearer can carry the book as he would the pillow, and he won’t drop it, because he can easily slide a finger or two under the ribbon on the bottom of the book. After the wedding ceremony the guest book can simply be placed on a table to await signatures. After everyone has signed it, tie it shut with the ribbon, and save your cherished keepsake forever!

Reference:

• More ideas here: www.marthastewart.com