{"id":92652,"date":"2022-05-22T11:00:23","date_gmt":"2022-05-22T10:00:23","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/whimsicalwonderlandweddings.com\/?p=92652"},"modified":"2025-04-17T11:17:16","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T10:17:16","slug":"wedding-guest-book-ideas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedissimo.com\/blog\/wedding-guest-book-ideas\/","title":{"rendered":"45 Wedding Guest Book Ideas – Show-Stopping Alternatives"},"content":{"rendered":"

The wedding guest book<\/strong> is a great way to get a lasting message and memory of your wedding by your guests. Traditionally, books are used for guests to leave messages and there are hundreds of cool designs to purchase out there.<\/p>\n

But how about an alternative guest book idea<\/strong> to incorporate into your wedding?<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Tora Baker Photography via Celestial Cowshed Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

Fun & Unique Wedding<\/em> Guest Book Ideas<\/h2>\n

I have rounded up some of my favourite memory capturers from real weddings<\/a> featured on Whimsical Wonderland Weddings. From pebble to surfboard guest books to wishing trees, benches and envelope wedding guest books<\/strong>, there will<\/em> be something you will fall for today.<\/p>\n

Let’s get your creative juices flowing.<\/p>\n

\u2192 This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase \u2013 at no additional cost to yourself. <\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

1. Quilt<\/h3>\n

For the sewers or the snugglers, how about a quilt guest book<\/a>? You could ask guests to sign a quilt patch<\/a> and then embroider the message to ensure it lasts forever. It would also look amazing on your sofa or bed, pride of place.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Story & Colour<\/a> via Homespun Fun Country Barn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Typewriter<\/h3>\n

The typewriter guest book<\/a> is a fun and retro way for guests to leave messages. Try looking in charity shops, car boot sales, online marketplaces or Etsy<\/a> for second-hand typewriters. Simply add paper and a sign to instruct guests. Viola<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"Typewriter Photo: Gemma Giorgio<\/a> via Cream Blush Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Pebble<\/h3>\n

Buy some pebbles<\/a> and ask guests to write their well wishes on them. Pop in your guest book jar<\/a>, before taking home to keep, or scattering on the beach. Such a perfect guest book idea for beach lovers.<\/p>\n

\"Pebble Photo: One Thousand Words<\/a> via Sopley Lake Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Luggage Tags<\/h3>\n

How many uses does the humble luggage tag<\/a> have? Well, one more idea, couples are using them as sweet note cards for their luggage tag guest book<\/a>. Peg on a line or make into collages to keep forever.<\/p>\n

\"Luggage Photo: Kate Gray Photography<\/a> via Rainy Summer Barn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

5. Record Player<\/h3>\n

Music lover? Then this record player guest book<\/a> is for you where guests sign their names on a vinyl record. You can then frame and enjoy in your home.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Crazy Happy Love<\/a> via Kilmore Country House Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

6. Jenga<\/h3>\n

Incorporating entertainment into your guest book is a sure-fire winner. You could use a Jenga wedding guest book<\/a> like the couple below.<\/p>\n

Or even think about using your own favourite games? Monopoly or Scrabble anyone?<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Jade Maguire Photography<\/a> via DIY Boho Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Envelopes<\/h3>\n

Another simple and ingenious idea. Stick guest book envelopes<\/a> onto a board, let guests write secret messages and spend the next morning opening them together. Perfect.<\/p>\n

\"Guest Photo: Will Patrick<\/a> from Bonhams Barn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

8. Globe<\/h3>\n

Love travelling? This globe wedding guest book<\/a> will really look the part on your wedding day but also displayed in your home afterwards.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: The Kindred Collective<\/a> via Kindred Barn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

9. Plate<\/h3>\n

A simple but retro idea of a display plate guest book<\/a>, which will sit pride of place on your wall post-wedding. Just lovely.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Siobhan Beales Photography<\/a> via Barn Upcote Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/h3>\n

10. Message In A Bottle<\/h3>\n

Secret messages to be stashed in a bottle guest book<\/a>, which you could open on your anniversary. Really sentimental and something to look forward to too.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Aden Priest Photography<\/a><\/span> via Navy Winter Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

11. Fingerprint Tree<\/h3>\n

Fingerprint trees are really popular at weddings. You can buy kits or create your own. How about tree alternatives, such as balloons or planets in the sky? Grab a free fingerprint tree<\/a> download here to create your own guest book.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Sarah-Jane Ethan<\/a> via Newton Hall Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

12. Photo Frame<\/h3>\n

This photo frame guest book<\/a> is a perfect way to display your beautiful wedding photographs when they arrive.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Simon Murray Images<\/a> via Crug Glas Country House Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

13. Bucket List<\/h3>\n

A bucket list guest book<\/a> is a fun way for adventurous couples to enjoy their first years as a married couple. Not for the faint-hearted, will you do all the suggestions?<\/p>\n

\"Bucket Photo: Stevie Jay Photography from Arches Dean Clough Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

14. Tea Towel<\/h3>\n

A school day classic, the tea towel guest book<\/a>. Don’t just ask guests to sign, ask them for a portrait for the full experience.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Kate McCarthy Photography<\/a> via Victoria Warehouse Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

15. Bench<\/h3>\n

A bench guest book<\/a> is perfect to use for years and years. Place in a pretty spot and read the messages each and every time.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Kirsty Mackenzie Photography<\/a> via Summer Wedding with Pet Pug<\/a><\/p>\n

16. Travel Map<\/h3>\n

Ask guests to add messages to a map guest book<\/a>. A fun and striking alternative idea to brighten up your home too.<\/p>\n

\"Travel Photo: Emily + Katy Photography<\/a> via Creative Village Hall Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

17. Table<\/h3>\n

Instead of a coffee table book, why not turn your coffee table into a guest book<\/a>? Such a lovely statement piece for your lounge.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Nicola Casey Photography via Mismatched Marquee Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

18. Wooden Heart Jar<\/h3>\n

A pretty jar guest book<\/a> complete with wooden hearts, the cutest idea!<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Mark O\u2019Brien<\/a> via Morden Hall Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

19. Artwork<\/h3>\n

Instead of a framed photo, how about a framed artwork where guests could then sign the border?<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Shutter Go Click Photography<\/a> via North Yorkshire Pub Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

20. Wooden Box Cards<\/h3>\n

A beautiful keepsake wooden box guest book<\/a> to store on a special shelf or in your memory box.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Lisa and Neil<\/a> via Haughley Park Barn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

21. Jigsaw<\/h3>\n

The idea of a jigsaw guest book<\/a> is lovely. Seeing the tapestry of all your loved ones joining as one.<\/p>\n

\"Jigsaw Photo: Jessica Reeve Photography<\/a> via Llanrhaeadr Springs Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

22. Shelf<\/h3>\n

Grab a plank of wood, some sharpies and you have a shelf guest book<\/a> ready to display in your home.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Tied Photo & Films<\/a> via Farm Wedding Ontario<\/a><\/p>\n

23. Postcards<\/h3>\n

Find postcards for a guest book<\/a> that is personal to you. You could choose a hobby, locations or even vintage style cards.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Holly Driver Photography via Fairy Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

24. Hammer Nails<\/h3>\n

A unique idea I’ve only ever seen once. Ask guests to hammer a nail into a log, it’s certainly interactive and a great talking point on the day.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Stott and Atkinson<\/a> via Industrial Glam Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

25. Surfboard<\/h3>\n

If you love catching waves then a surfboard guest book<\/a> will be a really fun idea for your wedding.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Claudia Noelle Photography<\/a> via Washington Lakeside Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

26. Wishing Tree<\/h3>\n

Leaving wishes on a wishing tree guest book<\/a> is not only a lovely way to relive memories but makes for a gorgeous display.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Two Pair Photography<\/a> via Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

27. Snowboard<\/h3>\n

Perhaps you are a fan of the slopes? A snowboard guest book<\/a> would really make a splash.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Bridgwood Wedding Photography<\/a> via Individual Tipi Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

28. Guitar<\/h3>\n

This guitar guest book idea<\/a> is perfect if you are a dab hand on the strings. How about using another instrument or an instrument case that you use?<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Photography34<\/a> via Wiltshire Barn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

29. Sign A Teabag<\/h3>\n

What a fantastic idea! A tea bag guest book<\/a> for every time you make a brew.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Lisa-Marie Halliday Photography via Damerham Village Hall Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

30. Initial<\/h3>\n

Grab yourself a wooden letter guest book<\/a> and ask guests to make their mark.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Oobaloos Photography via Kingscote Barn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

31. Pick a Word<\/h3>\n

Lovers of literature will adore this wedding guest book idea. Ask guests to pick a word from a book on display that gives meaning to their message.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo Potters Instinct Photography<\/a> via Homemade Country Tipi Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

32. Social Media<\/h3>\n

It’s always great to think about things that reflect you both. Obsessed with social media? Well, why not have a Facebook or Instagram theme guest book table?<\/p>\n

\"Guest Photo: HBA Photography<\/a> via Fun Tipi Wedding<\/p>\n

33. Colouring In<\/h3>\n

Having guests make your own wedding artwork is the best idea. I love this colouring in poster guest book<\/a> idea. How about a graffiti wall or paint by numbers? Let’s hope your guests stay inside the lines.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Paul Joseph Photography<\/a><\/p>\n

34. Wishing Well<\/h3>\n

A wedding wishing well guest book<\/a> is the loveliest idea. So sweet.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Rebecca Wedding Photography via Whimsical Woodland Autumn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/h3>\n

35. Instant Photos<\/h3>\n

Have a photo booth using an Instax or Polaroid camera and get our guests to stick or pin-up their photos beside a message as a guest book<\/a>. It keeps your guests entertained and looks cute.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photos: Sally T Photography<\/a><\/p>\n

36. Race Registration<\/h3>\n

Do you love to race? How about this alternative race registration wedding guest book idea?<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Damian Wills<\/a> via French Theme Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

37. Replace Your Face<\/h3>\n

A fun and interactive guest book game, replace your face! Make sure you snag a guest book sign<\/a> for instructions.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Melissa Beattie<\/a> via Beautiful Barn Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

38. Drop Heart Frame<\/h3>\n

Rustic and beautiful, a drop heart guest book<\/a> frame is such a beautiful memento.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Albert Palmer Photography <\/a>via Floral Vineyard Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

39. Wooden Pallet<\/h3>\n

Wooden pallets for the win. Is there anything that they can’t be upcycled into?<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Naomi Jane Photography<\/a> via Rustic Spring Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

40. Dual Purpose<\/h3>\n

Think of ways to have a 2 in 1 decor option. The couple below asked guests to sign their wedding seating plan. Brilliant. Saves money and DIY time as well as good for the planet.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Jay Mountford<\/p>\n

41. Canvas Art<\/h3>\n

What’s this? A piece of art made by your loved ones? Epic idea! Grab a canvas<\/a>, an easel<\/a> and some art supplies<\/a> to set this one up.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Natalia Case Photography<\/a> via Frickley Lake Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

42. File Card Box<\/h3>\n

Keep things simple with a sweet wooden filing box<\/a> where you can categorise your memories with your guests.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Lucy Dracott Photography<\/a> via Northbrook Park Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

43. Racing Helmet<\/h3>\n

Are you a fan of cars or racing? Get your helmet or gear signed to display forever!<\/p>\n

\"Guest Photo: Nicola Belson Photography<\/a> via The Old Mill Aldermaston Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

44. Audio Guest Book<\/h3>\n

New on the block are the retro and cool audio guest books for recorded messages – genius!<\/p>\n

\"AudioPhoto: Mirl & Co<\/a> via Industrial Spring Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

45. Books<\/h3>\n

And of course! The wedding guest book<\/a> itself. A pure classic which you just can’t go wrong with if nothing else floats your boat.<\/p>\n

\"Wedding Photo: Miss Gen Photography<\/a> via Yellow Navy Wedding<\/a><\/p>\n

Wedding Guest<\/em> Book FAQ<\/h2>\n

\u2728 What is the point of a guest book?<\/h3>\n

A wedding guest book is a way of recording your guests’ attendance<\/strong> of your day. It’s also a great opportunity to ask them for their well wishes or advice messages to read back and enjoy after your wedding.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udcd6 What is inside a wedding guest book?<\/h3>\n

Inside a wedding guest book, usually are blank pages. These are for guests to sign their name, add an instant photo or write a meaningful message<\/strong> to the happy couple.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udca1 Do we need a guest book at our wedding?<\/h3>\n

There are no rules when it comes to having a wedding guest book. It’s purely personal preference if you would like a guest book. It’s a great way to relive your wedding, but if you don’t want one, skip it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 Where should the guest book be at a wedding?<\/h3>\n

The wedding guest book should be placed at the reception<\/strong>, ideally at an entrance or by the bar. A place with ample room for guests<\/strong> to write messages, but ideally in a place where guests will see it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\u26a1\ufe0f What do you do with a guest book after the wedding?<\/h3>\n

After the wedding, you can keep your guest book<\/strong>. Depending on the type of gust book you choose, you can display it or store it<\/strong> safely away to bring out on anniversaries or special occasions.<\/p>\n

\u2764\ufe0f What can you do instead of a guest book?<\/h3>\n

There are so many different wedding guest book alternatives. Incorporate interests and hobbies and ask guests to sign objects. Guests could do a drawing, have fun colouring in, leave marriage advice or ideas for adventures. The way you display them is really up to you, from jars and bottles to frames and jigsaws, the ideas are endless.<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/p>\n

Now you should have all the ideas and know-how to create your dream wedding guest book. It's time to get planning, buying or making your guest book idea ready for your big day. Hooray!<\/p>\n

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Further Reading<\/h4>\n