Dutch tradition for you to borrow? A Wishing Tree

By Ilona Peltz
Posted May 8th 2008 11:00AM

A "wishing tree" is a traditional part of Dutch weddings, and an interesting alternative to the guest book.

Guests are given a paper leaf or piece of decorative card attached to a rib-bon when they arrive. During the reception, they write their best wishes to the bride and groom. The couple gets to read them before hanging them on the branch. After the wedding, the couple can use the branch as a center-piece or decorative item in their own home. Eventually, couple can take the leaves/cards off the tree and make a collage of them or put them in a scrap-book. Whatever you do with it, you'll have a tree-full of warm wishes to sa-vor for years to come.