Planning a wedding? We know there are so many things to consider, from finding the right venue to choosing a color palette. One thing that definitely shouldn’t fall by the wayside is including a guestbook in your best day ever. While you may think it’s an outdated addition, trust us when we say the right guestbook or alternative will make for a lasting memory for you, your new spouse, and all your guests. And we’ve rounded up some unique and exciting guestbook ideas for weddings that go beyond the classic style. So let’s explore why your wedding day needs a guestbook, how to get your loved ones to sign it, and even some real wedding examples for your inspiration board.
Why a Guestbook is a Wedding Must-Have
One common thread throughout weddings that all couples can agree on: The day will go by in a blur. Whether you have 50 or 500 people in attendance, you’ll likely have a hard time either way remembering who was there. A guestbook is the perfect keepsake to look back on from the big day, but it also gives your guests a chance to send you well-wishes. Because chances are, on the wedding day itself, you and your new spouse will have been caught up in the hustle and bustle and will only manage a few minutes with each loved one. Plus, guestbooks help with keeping track of who to send thank-you cards to and make a wonderful display in your home decor.
Ensuring Guests Sign Your Guestbook
Guests at your wedding will no doubt be mesmerized by all the decor, food, and other exciting things going on. But leading them to the right place, namely, for signing your guestbook, is essential. It’s always helpful to set the guestbook (or guestbook alternative) at the entrance of the reception, so consider setting it on the welcome table beside a sign that encourages your friends and family to leave their names, a quick note, or any other simple but sweet message (or even near the seating chart since guests will have to look in that area).
If you are opting for an alternative guestbook, leaving clear instructions means less confusion and hopefully more fun! It might also help to have someone stand by the table at first, like one of your ushers, to guide guests in the right direction and walk them through anything they need to know. For example, explain how an audio guestbook works and provide directions on how to leave a message.
Wedding Guestbook Alternatives You’re Sure to Love
Choosing the right wedding guestbook idea for your needs doesn’t actually mean you should stick with a traditional guestbook. These alternative options bring a mix of creativity and excitement that will draw your guests in, ensuring they don’t leave without making their mark.
1. Puzzle Pieces
You found your perfect fit, now so will your guests! Using the backs of puzzle pieces will make for a memorable guestbook, or you can even create your own custom puzzle through Etsy or other online shops.
2. Vintage Phone Audio Guestbook
Though this may be the first chance your younger guests get to use a classic phone, older generations will feel right at home with this choice. Many brands offer vintage audio “guestbooks” that let your nearest and dearest leave a voice memo that’s even more heartfelt and personal. Pro tip: Just make sure to direct guests to this phone before the bar opens so the messages stay short and sweet.
3. Polaroid Photo Book
Nothing beats a classic Polaroid snapshot, and this offers a peek into your day from your loved ones’ POV. Plus, you still get the feel of a guestbook with sweet, handwritten notes, but with something a little extra in the mini photos.
4. Custom Artwork
Hanging artwork in your new home together means that much more when it’s surrounded by your wedding guests’ messages. Go for something like this fabric art, or get creative with your canvas with stained glass, a tapestry, or an acrylic sign.
5. Jenga Tower
This one’s for the board game lovers. All you need is a blank Jenga tower and some Sharpies (preferably in a few different colors), and you’ve got yourself a budget-friendly guestbook that doubles as a date night in.
6. Digital Guestbook
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Looking for something that offers unlimited memories? A digital guestbook is something that anyone can use, and all you’ll need is to set up a few QR codes around your venue. And with Guestlense, you get handy, customizable features like photo captions, a private guestbook with passwords, and more.
7. Playing Cards
Have a different set of diamonds on your day, with a deck of cards that guests can make their mark on. They’ll get to choose their favorite cards to leave a note for the happy couple, but good luck keeping a poker face during your next game night after reading all the heartfelt messages.
8. Vinyl Record
Grab your favorite album on vinyl and some metallic Sharpies for a unique statement piece at your wedding. Vinyl records have that old-school cool factor, but one signed by all your friends and family members? That’s something that can’t be beat.
9. Fingerprint Art
Every fingerprint is one-of-a-kind, just like each person in attendance at your wedding. Plenty of designs work with this style, such as the “family tree” pictured above, a starry sky, or a field of flowers. Buy different shades of one color to create a masterpiece made of your loved ones’ fingerprints.
10. Treasure Chest of Advice
Ask guests to fill a suitcase, treasure chest, or other keepsake box with tips and tricks for a lasting and happy marriage. These notes will be the perfect memento as you two start your life together, and you can personalize your thank-you notes for the pieces of advice you received for a more personal touch.
11. Wooden Letter Sign
Monogram letters easily fit into any home decor, so how about a wooden sign guestbook? You can easily find a wooden letter at local home goods stores, online, and even in thrift shops for a simple but tasteful guestbook alternative.
12. Time Capsule
Ask your loved ones to capture the moment at your wedding with a time capsule. You can bury the jar and reopen it on your first anniversary to see how far you two have come, while also reminiscing on the big day’s best memories.
13. Wishing Well
While you won’t need an actual wishing well for this, the concept is still the same. Here’s a good example where guests left hanging notes and their wishes for the newlyweds, but you can also gain some insight into their minds by asking what their greatest wishes are, too.
14. Sign a Star
This is just one variation of many alternative ideas where family and friends sign a tiny decorative piece and add it to the bigger picture. They can drop the star (or moon, heart, and other shapes) into a clear case to create a beautiful souvenir you’ll treasure long after the wedding ends.
15. Globe/World Map
Love to travel? Share your love of the world with your favorite people with a globe guestbook. You can even highlight the places you’ve journeyed together so guests can see where you two have been so far.
