Your wedding reception is such a joyous celebration, filled with lots of friends and family – but it can be challenging to spend quality time with all of your guests. After all, you’re the star of the show and everyone will want to personally wish you well. Enter the guest book! A guest book is a great way for friends and family to leave special messages for the newlyweds and also gives you a record of all the people who shared in your special day. Even though you many not have been able to visit with them, you still know they were there celebrating with you. Down the road you’ll be able to look at this keepsake and the memories will come rushing back.
The guest book is usually located on a decorated table just inside the reception entrance, with signage so that your guests know what to do. But your guest book doesn’t have to be a literal book. You really just want a record of the people who attended, and there are lots of creative ways to accomplish that:
- Photo album. If you're having a photo booth, take Polaroids of your guests to add to the photo album, and then have guests sign their photos and write a message. This Personalized Photo Guest Book Sign goes perfect with this idea.
- Framed art. Frame and mat one of your engagement photos to hang in your home, and have guests sign the mat. Check out this DIY Sharpie Wedding Guest Book Trays where guests sign the trays and you get to use them in your home as a keepsake.
- Shadow boxes are a popular element in place of a traditional guest book. This DIY Wedding Shadow Box Guest Book is a great example. Or you can even just purchase one like this Heart Drop Box Wedding Guest Book.
- Puzzle pieces. Invite each guest to sign the back of a puzzle piece, and then you and your husband can assemble the puzzle later.
- For a beach or nautical themed wedding, have guests sign an oar.
- Date night ideas. Print out small cards for guests to write date night ideas. You'll have so many unique date ideas to draw from! Create a Date Night Jar Station for a fun and interactive experience for your guests.
- Have guests sign a bottle of your wedding wine or champagne, and then drink it on your anniversary. You can save the bottle forever!
- Jenga. Have guests sign a piece of wood from this Wooden Block Wedding Guest Book before celebrating your big day.
- Decorative letters. Ask guests to sign large wood letters (your initials, a monogram, a special word). This unique idea will make a fun decor element in your home.
If you are looking for a simple and traditional guest book, this Personalized Two Hearts Wedding Guest Book and Pen Set may be for you.
Tip: No matter what type of "guest book" you choose, use a permanent marker or non-smudging pen and have several easily accessible for your guests to use. To make things a little more interesting, consider requesting advice and stories instead of just signatures. You can use pre-printed papers or cards with leads like:
- I remember when the couple...
- My best advice for a happy marriage is...
- Mad Libs style fill-in-the-blanks. Such a fun way for guests to offer advice and give congratulations!
Put a little extra thought into your guest book - it's worth it! From a classic book to something a little less traditional, your guest book (or activity) will help you relive special wedding moments for years to come. Top off your table with decor such as this Calligraphy Guest Book Table Sign to catch guests attention so they are sure to participate!
Three months to go! While you're thinking about your guest book (or alternatives), be sure to spend some time choosing gifts for your wedding party. And it's also getting close to bridal shower time! If the shower hostess has never thrown a bridal shower, share this guide with her. We'll also help you navigate the rest of your wedding stationery!
See more tips for every phase of your planning process in our Month-by-Month Wedding Planning Guide.
Article written by: Heather Clark
