REVEL: Idea of the Week: Icebreaker Favors

Feb

Idea of the Week: Icebreaker Favors

Posted by Saukok Feb 10, 2012 at 8:00 am

One of the greatest things about my wedding, now that it's nearly five years past, is that all of my closest friends and family now know one another. How? Read on.

We gave all our guests an icebreaker favor book in their guest bags when they arrived at our Caribbean destination wedding. The book contained one page on each of our 40 guests. It allowed everyone to skip the obligatory “How do you know the bride/groom?” and “What do you do”? Instead, it was “Oh! You’re the vet!” or “Wow, you’re here from India!” from the start. Our parents practically memorized it. Of course, the guests all tried to outwit one another with their responses so it was a hoot to read.

For those of you with big weddings, this will become a phonebook, so consider using it for a Rehearsal Dinner, Bachelor or Bachelorette Party, Showers, or Luncheons.

Here’s how to make your book:

Step 1: Anoint a member of the wedding party to spearhead the operation. In this case, my brother, a groomsman, did his duty.

Step 2: Compose a list of questions to send to all your (attending) guests. Gather all the guests emails. Email to them with a brief explanation of what you’re doing, and the questions list. Our list went as follows:

What’s your name?
What do you do?
How do you know the bride and groom?
Why do you think are perfect for each other?
Name 3 things we should know about you.

Step 3: Collect the responses, and collate into a book. Alphabetical order is probably easiest.

Step 4: Produce copies.

Step 4 can be as easy or involved as you like. My brother used good old Word. He figured out how to format the page so it prints out on 2 pages and you can fold the page in half to create a booklet (it’s not hard). He printed 40 copies in black and white, put a couple of staples at the spine, and called it a day.

To make it prettier, I suggest purchasing a journal or a pretty photo album. Format and print out each guest’s response so it fits on a page. Either insert into the slot (photo album) or mount onto each journal page. Ta Da! Here are a few cool options below.

See something you like? Click on the image for pricing and sources.

Got a similarly great wedding idea? Email us .

Mini Map Journals

Three mini notebooks with vintage map covers by Cavallini & Co. Includes one ruled, one blank and one graph paper notebook (96 pages each). Size: 4 x 5.5".

$11.95 for 3

Mini Flora and Fauna Journals

Three mini notebooks decorated with beautiful vintage images and ephemera, by Cavallini & Co. Includes one ruled, one blank and one graph paper notebook (96 pages each). Size: 4 x 5.5".

$11.95 for 3

Go Everywhere Journal

This journal has lined pages, combined with artwork by contemporary designers and illustrators. Printed with FSC-certified paper. 128 pages.

$8.95

Gold Mum, Batik and Crinkle Journals

A beautiful set of journals featuring three fine paper covers. Features Batik Mums on Turquoise, Gold Mums on Sea Green and Batik Rustic Green Turquoise Lokta fine papers. Each journal contains 80 unlined pages. 5" x 8".

$18.95 for 3

Le Tiger Journal

This charming letterpressed journal has a french fold cover, ribbon markers and 48 blank pages. Pages made of paper in a thick soft cream with a light texture. Matching cards available. Journal size: 5.5 x 8.5".

$16

Le Giraffe Journal

$16

Custom Foil Stamp Journal

Paper + cup's signature journals are available in assorted colors to match your whim. Paper bound cover is custom made to order and individually hand bound with fine imported Italian paper. Customize the cover with your own text and silhouette image for a truly unique gift. A grosgrain black ribbon is placed as a bookmark. 40 pages, 5.5 x 8.5 x .25 inches.

$50

Print Your Own Booklet

Get creative and design and make your own booklet, like this one from Behance. Spend most of your time on the cover, and print that in color. The rest can be basic. Or, have your stationer design a cover to match your invitations. Image: Behance Network

Mini Map Journals

Three mini notebooks with vintage map covers by Cavallini & Co. Includes one ruled, one blank and one graph paper notebook (96 pages each). Size: 4 x 5.5".

$11.95 for 3