how do we keep people from writing rude comments on our non-traditional guest book?

Are those people close to you? Can you spread the word politely ahead of time? I have to say it's pretty sad you think your nearest and dearest would do that....

SIDE NOTE: I also don't want to come across like I'm assuming all these fans are buttheads, but we have mentioned this idea to some people who actually are fans of the opposing team and they either have admitted they'll do it themselves or they tell us they're going to steal it off the table and burn it. So, maybe we're just being paranoid, but I just sigh and think, c'mon people! It's not that controversial! Just suck it up for a night! lol

I don't think you could actually stop someone. Maybe having a "guestbook attendant" stand there and mention that "the bride and groom ask that you sign only your name or well wishes?" You might still get people writing that your team sucks, but you already know that's a possibility! ETA: I have no idea who would want to babysit your jersey, but maybe there's someone who wouldn't mind?

I chose to do the same thing with my colors. I believe it's a wonderful idea. If you feel they will do such a thing then put up a sign asking politely not to do so. Again it is your day and about you and your groom

Don't do a guest book.

I don't really know how you can control what people write. Maybe just ask the attendant to request that they only sign the jersey - not leave an accompanying message?

To me, "steal it off the table and burn it" sounds like a (lame) attempt at humor rather than an actual threat. Do you really think people who love you, who you have invited to your wedding, would write something rude? Are these adults??

Caitlin I had a baseball theme wedding with rival teams. Our guestbook was a wooden baseball plate. There were a lot of die hard fans at our wedding and most people wrote GoxxxLove, xxxx. I don't think you have anything to worry about. I can see why you are worried, I was worried about little stuff like that too. But in the end people will be there to support you, not their team.

ETA and the steal it off the table thing (Sorry I commented before I saw your comment) I can understand why you would be worried about that too. We had a lot of people who made jokes about it. That is what happens when you do anything based off of a theme. I still keep to my original post and say, at the end of the day people won't want to hurt you and will support you.

I think if there are people you know that you honestly believe would deface your wedding guestbook like that, I would seriously be reevaluating my relationship with them.

I would highly suggest removing the guest book once people start having cocktails. I have seen a few with either inappropriate or just wonky stuff (three pages of the lyrics of a Black Eyed Peas song), and those contributions ALWAYS came after everyone had a few drinks. So, sign during cocktail hour and then put it away. Other than that, nope that is just the risk you take having a guest book. No one wants to be tethered to the guest book table instead of enjoying the party so don't have an "attendant."

EDIT: I also think most people aren't doing it to be rude really, they are doing it because they think it is funny at the moment and because their friends egg them on. So while it may be dumb fratty behavior, I don't think there is usually ill will behind it.

^ agree with @AlwaysMs to remove once drinks start being served. Hopefully, everyone will be in a good mood and not feeling rude. It is a wedding afterall...I would hope that people would know not to be disrespectful. If you are planning to put a sign near the guestbook maybe specify for guests to just sign their name?

If you are that concerned about guests ruining your guestbook I would end up just not having one or doing something different so it is not sport themed.

Maybe you could have a cute sign beside the jersey asking for "autographs only"?

Have your bridal party sign it before setting it out, and hopefully people will pick up the hint.

I highly doubt your adult friends would lack a sense of decorum and be that immature at your wedding. Adults know better.

Will you have a guestbook attendant? Maybe they could help monitor the situation.

I wish I could agree with La Grosera, but it's a fact-- adults don't always act like it, *especially* once the alcohol flows. I think your best bet is what others have suggested-- try and get everyone to sign early, then move the book.

Our friends did something similar but people signed the matting around the jersey, not the jersey itself. If it is white, it is easier to cover up rude remarks

Who are you inviting who might foul up your guest book? It sounds incredibly immature to talk about a sports team instead of the couple, but they're yout friends, not mine.

If you're really worried about this, skip the guest book. I would hope by the time we're talking about a wedding, the Rah-Rah, Go Team nonsense would take a back seat to a ceremony celebrating a lifetime commitment.

ETA: Yes, people become more idiotic as the alcohol flows, so do what lots of brides do. Put the guest book out at the entrance to the ceremony, and then put it away.

I read a story online, within the last year or so - don't remember if it was a wedding board, reddit?, etc. about a couple who asked guests to sign an adirondack chair. They planned to put a clear finish on it, to protect it. Some smart-aleck drew a large penis on the seat.

Needless to say, it was the big topic of conversation all night, people took photos of it/on it, and the couple ended up having to paint over the whole thing.

I assume no one will write (I'll use the Raiders for this example): RAIDERS SUCK LOVE, JIM AND PAM. But, you will Definitely see GO 49ERS! LOVE, JIM AND PAM.

If the second is still annoying to you, I'd recommend a different guest book.