Signature Mat

[EagleGirl]

Need some advice on a signature mat for a wedding. I plan to use a 5x7 print and was wondering if an 11x14 mat or 16x20 would be better. There are supposed to be around 200 at the wedding. Also, how do you display the mat where it can be signed easily? Tabletop easel?

[S-Man]

I was just at a wedding where they put it next to the guest book as soon as you entered the ceremony/reception hall. It was son the same table as the pictures of their engagement shots and bridal sessions. They had like a 5x7 on what looked like an 11x14 mat, but they only had around 120 people. Not only that, they had to ask the DJ to ask people to sign it, as many were overlooking it. I like the Idea though.

[kenw]

protect the print, or be prepared to replace it after all have signed it. Some will 'slip'....

[dcnctx]

16 x 20 will allow much more legible comments and planning. As the mat becomes crowded, the comments can become less pleasant in appearance. (e.g. comments rotating around others, comments that don't read well because the autographer has run out of room, etc.) They can be on tabletop easels or stand-alone easels; both work well and usually on or near the gift table. Have the family sign first and or the best man and maid of honor or someone as to provide an example for the guests to know what to do. Sharpies laying near the photo help people to avoid using their own writing instruments which may smear or botch the overall appearence of the mat for several reasons.

I use Bay Photo for my signature mattes and present it to the couple well before the wedding and allow them to decide how and where they want to display it.

For reference, here is a Bay Photo "sigmat" from my last wedding.