A register, or guest, book is usually placed at the entrance to the visitation room and/or funeral/memorial service, and is signed by the guests before entering.

Much like a guest book at a wedding, this serves as a permanent record of those who attended the event, and will be kept by the family.

Many people fail to see value in a register book, as they can’t imagine ever looking at it again. It’s important to keep in mind that the register book is also for the guests, as much as it is the family… it allows them to participate in small way, and show their support and presence.

Funeral providers will charge a large markup on register books and other memorial packages, with basic books starting around $50.

A practical alternative it to purchase a guest book, or plain journal, from a local book or stationary store. There are often several options, starting at $20.

One way to get a bit more value from your register book is to invite guests to share a memory of the deceased, instead of simply signing their name. Where they met, their favourite memory, something that was unique.