Wedding guest books are the perfect way to capture your guest’s presence and sentiments during your big day. After all, you’ll be too busy having the most important day of your life to remember all their kind words and advice!
Although wedding guest books are beautiful and traditional, there’s nothing wrong with wanting something a bit extra for your special day. If you’re looking for low-key but alternative wedding guest book ideas, look for further. We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 traditional but elevated wedding guest book ideas.
If you’re a guest, be sure to also check out our post on what to write in a wedding guest book for ideas on what to include when sharing your well-wishes.
What is a wedding guest book?
Traditionally, a wedding guest book is a bound book where guests can record their names and well-wishes during your wedding ceremony. Books are traditionally bound in satin or cloth, and will usually have the newlyweds’ names and wedding date printed on the front.
However, in recent years, there’s been a demand for alternatives to wedding guest books. Couples are looking for something unusual or quirky that matches their personality. So, if you really want to go off the beaten track, check out our post on 35 unique wedding guest book alternatives. If that’s a bit too funky for you, there’s nothing wrong with keeping things traditional but still special.
20 elevated guest book ideas
If you’re looking for a timeless but elevated alternative to a wedding guest book, look no further. Check out these 20 wedding guest book ideas to help commemorate your big day.
Simple but elevated
1) A velvet guest book
Instead of the traditional satin or cloth-bound books, consider opting for a velvet cover. This beautiful option will add a touch of glamour and decadence to your guest book. Plus, it’s perfect for an autumn or winter wedding.
2) A leather-bound guest book
If you’re a fan of folklore or fairy tales, consider opting for a leather-bound guest book. If you add a few natural accents like pressed flowers, twine, or twigs, you’ll have your very own Lord of The Rings inspired guest book! Perfect for a whimsical, Celtic, or forest wedding
3) A meaningful colour
Elevating your guest book can be as simple as matching the book to your wedding colours. For example, try picking a cloth or satin cover that matches the bridesmaid’s dresses, the colours in your bouquet, or even the colour of the groom’s eyes. So long as the colour is meaningful to you — that’s all that matters.
4) Keep it classy
If you prefer to keep things simple and classy, opt for a white satin wedding book with gold accents. There’s nothing wrong with going classic, and white satin is as classic as it gets for a wedding day.
5) Go minimalist
A minimalist wedding guest book can exude sophistication and elegance without overwhelming your wedding aesthetic. Choose a sleek and understated design, such as a slim hardcover notebook or a clean-lined acrylic guest book. Remember — less is more.
A picture is worth a thousand words
6) Use one of your photo albums
If you’re a fan of creating photo albums, consider bringing one of your special books along to the wedding. Try to find one that captures the essence of your relationship with a good spread of holiday snaps, Christmas photos, and embarrassing party pictures. Ask guests to sign their names and well-wishes next to your authentic memories, creating a beautiful blend of past and present.
7) Snap a polaroid
Instant cameras have become incredibly popular in recent years, and lots of your friends will probably have Polaroid or other instant cameras. Ask them to bring them along to the wedding and have guests snap candid photos of themselves throughout the reception. Compile them into a photo album and ask guests to sign their names and leave well-wishes.
This creates a fun and interactive guest book filled with spontaneous moments and heartfelt messages, capturing the joy and love shared on your special day in real time.
8) Embrace your favourite places
Create an especially made photo album full of landscape shots of your favourite places. Pepper some easter eggs from your relationship throughout the pages for a fun personal twist. For example, the location of your first date, where your partner popped the question, and even the exterior of the wedding venue. Ask guests to sign their names in the album and venture some guesses as to what each location means to you as a couple.
Don’t worry if you aren’t a great photographer — there are tons of pictures you can include from various sources. For example, stock photos, online image libraries, or even postcards. You can also enlist the help of friends and family members who may have taken photos of your favourite places during visits or holidays.
9) Do a group photo
If you don’t want guests to be bogged down by writing in a guest book, consider enlisting the help of your photographer to take one large group picture of the wedding party.
If the photographer has the technology to print the photo quickly, place it down on a large mat or canvas and ask guests to sign their names and leave messages around the photo.
10) Photo booth
Photo booths are a popular choice for wedding entertainment, and they also make for a fantastic guest book alternative. Set up a photo booth with fun props and backdrops, allowing guests to take silly and memorable pictures throughout the reception.
Set up a table nearby with glue, pens, and stickers. Ask guests to stick their photo reel in a scrapbook, customise the page, and write a silly message next to it. If you’re looking for a fun and creative wedding guest book alternative, this is the idea for you.
Go thrifty
11) Reuse your welcome sign
90% of the time, wedding welcome signs go to waste after the big day. However, if you’re an eco-warrior or just feel like being a bit thrifty, you can reuse your welcome sign into a fun wedding guest book alternative.
Place some markers or paint pens near the sign and encourage guests to write their names, messages, and doodles on the board as a memory of the wedding reception. It’s a simple yet impactful way to reduce waste and create a lasting keepsake.
12) Reuse vintage books
Collect vintage books from car boot sales, charity shops, and second-hand book shops for this sustainable wedding guest book idea. You may even have a few old books lying around at home!
Bring a pile of old books to your wedding reception and ask guests to write their names and messages inside the cover, the margins, or even on the front cover if you’d prefer. It’s the perfect way to give a new lease of life to these old works of art while adding a touch of vintage charm to your special day.
13) Go digital
Asking guests to snap their own pictures on their phones or cameras is a zero-waste way to create a wedding guest book. Find a website that allows you to create your own QR code which guests can scan to upload their photos and messages directly to a digital guest book.
Once created, simply print the QR code on cards and place them on each table, along with instructions for guests. They can then use their smartphones to scan the code and upload their photos and messages, creating a digital guest book filled with candid moments (and slightly blurry moments) from the wedding reception.
14) Unplug the reception
Some people prefer an ‘unplugged wedding’, where guests are asked not to use smartphones or take their own pictures. Instead, you could pay extra and have your wedding photographer hang around into the night to take unforgettable shots of the reception.
This way, you can be fully present in the moment without worrying about capturing every detail yourself, all for a guest book you may never read again. Plus, with a professional wedding photographer on hand, you’re guaranteed to have stunning, high-quality photos which capture the essence and emotion of your special day.
15) Reuse a tablecloth
If you’re a fan of textiles or crafting, consider repurposing a tablecloth as your wedding guest book. Choose a plain or lightly patterned tablecloth that complements your wedding theme and colours. Lay it out on a table with fabric markers or paint pens nearby. Encourage guests to leave their signatures, well wishes, and doodles directly onto the tablecloth.
Get creative
16) Paint-by-numbers
If your guests like to get creative, create a custom paint-by-numbers canvas featuring a meaningful picture of you and your new spouse. Set up the canvas at your wedding reception with paint colours, paintbrushes, and pens. Encourage guests to colour the numbered section of the canvas, following the paint-by-numbers guidelines. As they paint, guests can also sign their names or write messages in the margins or on the back of the canvas.
After the wedding, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind piece of artwork created by your friends and family. Hang the finished painting in your home as a cherished reminder of your special day.
17) Make your mark with thumbprints
Set up ink pads near your wedding guest book and ask guests to sign their name and add a fun thumbprint in ink. Each guest can press their thumb onto the ink pad and then onto the guest book next to their name, leaving behind a unique thumbprint.
You could even match the ink to your wedding colours for a cohesive and stylish look!
18) A self portrait
Set up pens, pencils, or felt tips near your guest book and ask guests to sign their names and draw a little self-portrait of themselves in their wedding gear. This will add a playful and personal touch to your wedding keepsake. Whether they’re a regular Picasso or all they can manage is a stick figure, each self-portrait will be a fun memory and a charming reflection of your loved ones’ individuality.
19) Keep it classy with calligraphy
If your guests are especially creative, you could ask them to sign their name using calligraphy ink. Beware that calligraphy ink can be a bit tricky to handle, so providing practice sheets or guidance may be helpful. However, if your guests are up for the challenge, their beautifully penned signatures will add an elegant and sophisticated touch to your guest book.
20) Ask for advice
Ask your guests to not only sign their name in your guest book, but to add their personal wedding advice or words of wisdom. Whether it’s a quick tip, heartfelt piece of relationship advice, or even just words of encouragement, each contribution will add depth and meaning to your guest book.
The bottom line on wedding guest book ideas
Wedding guest book ideas can be as simple or as complicated as you’d like. While the style of your wedding guest book may not feel like a big decision, remember it’s the little details that will make your wedding truly unforgettable.
So, whether you opt for a traditional guest book, a creative alternative, or a combination of both, the key is to create a keepsake that captures the love, joy, and memories of your wedding day. Pick something that feels authentically you and that you’ll be excited to look back on in years to come.
You Might Also Like…
- 35 Unique Wedding Guest Book Alternatives
- What to Write in a Wedding Guest Book?
- How to Make a Wedding Guest List (Who to Invite & Who Not To)
- How Many Guests Should I Invite to My Wedding?
