29 Wedding Guest Book Alternatives (#13 is our favorite)
We’ve scoured our back catalogue of real weddings as well as other online wedding sources we hold near and dear. Scroll down to go directly to our round-up list of 20 creative wedding guest book alternatives that are a tad more exciting to read through than a standard guestbook.
A wedding guest book no longer needs to be pen and bound paper. The form and shape of the traditional guest book has morphed to match changing wedding trends and tastes. Sure, the purpose of a guest book is to capture the names and well wishes of those special individuals who actually attended your wedding. However, we’ve seen many creative ways to accomplish this goal beyond pen and paper.
Let me ask you, which wedding guest book idea is more exciting?
- A standard hard cover book filled with blank pages
- A giant bottle of premium wine that guests can sign using a gold color felt marker
For Love & Lavender’s own wedding, we opted for #2!
L&L’s Wine Bottle Guestbook
Below is the picture of the unique wedding guest book Love & Lavender used at our wedding – a giant wine bottle! My husband and I love sharing a good bottle of wine now and again. So when Andrew went to Osoyoos for his bachelor party, he simply had to pick up a Jeroboam bottle of wine from one of his favorite Canadian wineries (Road 13 Vineyards).
Mind the eclectic mix of aluminum foil, wood popsicle sticks, and other sundry items on the table. They were all part of the wedding games we devised as part of our wedding reception.
What is a Jeroboam?
No, not a type of wine, it’s actually the official name for a wine bottle size … FOUR bottles of wine in one to be exact! That left plenty of surface space for our guests to write their names and well wishes using gold and silver color felt pens.
The plan is to let this particular red wine blend age to perfection, and then uncork it for one of our bigger wedding anniversaries surrounded by special family and friends. Its a meaningful guest book and one that we can enjoy and share years later. Let’s face it, four bottles is great to share between a husband and wife, but I can only imagine the morning after.
When it comes to your own wedding guest book, put on your brainstorming hat and choose something that is meaningful.
- Maybe you like wine like us and want to use an even BIGGER wine bottle size
- Perhaps you are soccer coaches and want your guests to sign a soccer ball
- Or, if you both love art your guests could sign a special piece of artwork
Whatever you choose as your wedding guest book, don’t have another dust collector sitting on a book shelf.
Creative Wedding Guest Book Ideas
Drumroll please! Creativity and weddings are a natural match. And when it comes to wedding guest book alternatives, in recent years we’ve seen some pretty creative and imaginative ideas here on the wedding blog.
Related:
- Polaroid Guest Books
- Photo Guest Books
- Jenga Guest Books
- Wedding Signing Boards
- Globe Guest Books
- Wood Sign Guest Books
- Rustic Wedding Guest Books
- Puzzle Guest Books
- Wedding Tree Guestbooks
Add a bit of fun to your wedding day by coming up with a unique alternative guest book idea.. Let us know if you have a favorite once you’ve gone through the list!
1) Wishing Tree Guestbook
Place beautiful cherry blossom, manzanita, or magnolia branches in a pot. Make cards with ribbons attached and ask guests to write their well wishes or advice and hang the cards on the branches. Makes for a pretty keepsake for around the house afterward.
Manzanita Tree
- A wow-factor guestbook
- Perfect for ornaments
- Wishing trees have traditional meanings from good fortune to health
Wire Wedding Tree
- Chose of base
- Metal construction makes this easy to display
- Multiple height options
Lasercut Wooden Freestanding 3D Wishing Tree
- Comes apart to store easily
- Wooden construction means guests can sign the tree or ornaments
- Perfect for a rustic wedding
2) Postcards/Mailbox
Assemble postcards of the city or state where your wedding is held. Ask guests to sign the back of a postcard and slip it into a unique mailbox. This guestbook type would be perfect for a travel-themed wedding!
3) Fill in the Blank Pages
We la-la-love this idea. Have guests complete a fun wedding mad libs.
4) Fingerprints Art
When I was looking for a guestbook for my wedding, a fingerprint tree was one of the ideas I really liked.
At your wedding, place a sign asking guests to “leaf” a fingerprint and sign their name. After the wedding, place it in a frame and display in your home.
Fingerprint Tree Guest Book
Such a sweet and unique idea! DIY your own background by drawing a tree with lots of empty branches on a poster.
- Lots of tree designs to choose from
- A literal personal touch
- Sweet way for guests to leave their mark without words
If you don’t have the time or skills to DIY this project, get yourself a fingerprint guestbook like the one above or below.
Couples Fingerprint Art
If you're looking to leave your touch on the guest book, this is it. This high quality print features both the bride and groom's thumbprint. Guests can sign around the fingerprint prints, leaving their mark along with yours. And since fingerprints are unique, this is certainly one of a kind.
- Mess-free ink kit included to easily capture your prints
- Multiple colors to match any decor
- Simple design would look great on your wall
5) Typewriter Guestbook
It’s not a new idea, but we still love vintage typewriters as guestbooks. Provide direction like asking guests to share some words of wisdom, and you’ll get more interesting responses.
6) Sign the Poster
Get a poster that means something to the both of you. Ensure the poster has a large border edge space for guests to sign. Leave instructs for guests to write a message and you’ll have a wonderful keepsake for years to come!
7) Polaroid Guestbook
Another spin-off of the photo booth guestbook is to let guests take Polaroids of themselves, mount them in a book, and sign next to their photo.
Find a Fujifilm Instant Film Camera on Amazon for a reasonable price.
8) Map / Globe Guestbook
Write instructions on a chalk board asking guests to “Send you Across the World” by writing their names and a favorite world destination – what a fun idea! You could also ask them to leave you some “Worldly Advice!”
If my husband had it his way, there would be maps all over our house. Since they don't always fit into my design, I tend to say no. That's why I love this watercolor map. Whether you're a couple who loves to travel or maybe you're always on the move, this map is the right choice for your guest book. Want an extra cute tip? Have guests write their favorite place to travel along with their names!
- Endless color combinations to match your decor
- Great for the couple that loves adventure
- All options are ready to hang and display
- Multiple sizes to choose from
- Ready to hang
- Perfect for international couples
If you both come from different states, this is the sweetest way to celebrate your roots. You have your choice of colors for the states and a heart will be placed over the cities of your choice. My favorite part? After the wedding, you'll still be showing off your hometowns by displaying this in your living space!
- Lots of colors, sizes, and customizations to choose from
- Perfect option for international couples
- Digital options for quick printing
- Neutral colors fit every decor
- Easily display in an office or library
- Use pins for travel suggestions
9) Wine Themed Guest Books
Customize wine bottle labels and have guests sign them.
Oenophiles (those who really enjoy wine) such as Love & Lavender will love this wedding guest book alternative! Guests can either sign their names and messages directly onto a bottle or via custom wine labels. Years later, pop the cork and drink to celebrate a milestone wedding anniversary. A wine theme guest book provides both a fun idea on your special day as well as an event to dream about and look forward to in the future.
Giving advice at a wedding isn't a new concept, but these wine bottles are a unique way to get it. Ask your guests to sign one of these wine bottles with a piece of advice, and you'll get to relive your wedding on your anniversaries as you pop a cork.
- Custom labels let you pick your own bottles
- A way to relive the best day of your life
- Includes pens for signing
Looking for a guest book for your vineyard wedding? You found it. This sweet wine bottle shaped guest book is a little easier to display. than the previous option, but still just as precious. And after the wedding? I think this would look adorable propped in the kitchen.
- Perfect for a vineyard wedding
- Plexiglass front protects signatures
- Comes with a stand
Reclaimed wine barrel heads look so sophisticated in homes, so it's not surprised that they also make lovely guest books. If you want something truly unique to do with it after the wedding, add some legs and you have a custom end table.
- Multiple stain colors to fit any decor
- Comes with an acrylic "Please sign our barrel" sign
- Genuine wine barrel heads
If you like to save wine corks too (I Google’d and couldn’t find a cool name for this type of collector!), this great idea to incorporate into your wedding guest book is pictured below. Guests sign a wine cork and place it into a shadow box.
- Laser-etched for longevity
- Another option for a vineyard wedding
- Comes ready to hang
A final option for wine lovers, this is a unique spin on heart tokens. Guests sign the small wooden hearts, and then it's ready to hang in your home. The solid wood design would look great as the centerpiece in a gallery wall — at least in my opinion.
- Customization options for all elements
- Guests can sign directly on the board
- Perfect for wine lovers
10) Save your Corks
Side note: My husband and I collect corks from bottles of wine that mean something to us. In fact, Andrew’s boutonniere was made out of the champagne cork that we drank on the night we were engaged.
Read more about that particular unique boutonniere here.
11) Wood Working Skills
Are either of you good at wood working? If so, use your talents to create a magnificent masterpiece such as the bench pictured below, which guests can sign. Certainly a hefty keepsake that you can add to your backyard and use for many years. If you are not so talented in the wood working field, you could always pretend and get one from amazon or etsy.
While not technically listed as a guest book, I love this idea. Similar to a dedication plaque for a bench, have your guests sign this classic bench. Then you can reflect on your special day while relaxing in your yard.
- Solid hardwood construction
- Unfinished so you can choose your own stain
- Would look adorable in a garden
If you're looking for something a little more rustic, look no farther than this handcrafted bench. With space for up to 200 signatures, your guests can find just the right space to leave their mark. You can also add an extra kit with everything you need to prep and seal the bench after the wedding, protecting the signatures for years to come.
- Handcrafted in the US
- Option to add a finishing kit
- Excellent communication to create just the bench of your dreams
12) Sign a Guitar
Does music play a big part in your life? Share your passions with wedding guests by having them sign a musical instrument, like a guitar.
13) Create a Custom Guest Book
Okay this idea is hugging the line of being a standard guest book …
Nonetheless, use your engagement photos to create a custom made photo book that your wedding guests can sign. I think it will be a treasured keepsake for the happy couple. I’m sentimental, so I actually think this is one of my favorite guest book ideas of all!
Create your own custom wedding book with Mixbook.
14) Wood Guestbooks
A rustic wedding needs a guest book to match the wedding decor. Nothing says rustic woodsy like a tree trunk slab. Have your guests sign a custom make wood slab for a keep sake you can hang on a wall … or in your husband’s man cave.
Here are a few fore ideas for non-traditional guestbooks made of wood:
A little bit rustic and a whole lot of classy, have your guests sign this classic wooden sign. Pre-stained and ready to display, this wooden sign would look great in every decor style.
- Both sharpies and paint pens work great on it
- Multiple stain options to fit your decor
- Choose the size that best fits your wedding!
When I was looking for a guest book for my baby shower, I actually landed a wooden sign just like this. The cut out name gives the sign dimension and looks snazzy in any decor.
- Sizes ranging from 18 to 30 inches
- Smooth surface for easy signing
- Ready to hang
Simple and rustic yet oh so beautiful. A rustic wedding needs a guest book to match the wedding decor. Nothing says rustic woodsy like a tree trunk slab. Have your guests sign a custom make wood slab for a keep sake you can hang on a wall … or in your husband’s man cave.
- A choice of size just right for your wedding
- Rough edge design is classy and rustic
- Great for big weddings: largest size has room for up to 235 signatures
Monogram letters are a popular design element, and no better way to make it unique than by having one as your guest book. Have guests sign their names and best wishes, then hang it in your home for a guestbook you'll cherish for years to come.
- Multiple color options to choose from
- Room for up to 150 signatures
- Any sharpie marker will work great for signing!
15) Games Guestbook
Who doesn’t love a good board game? Incorporate games into your guest book theme and get guests to sign their very own Jenga piece.
Ah yes, brings back fond memories every time I take one from the bottom and stack it on top!
Who doesn’t love a good board game? Incorporate games into your guest book theme and get guests to sign their very own Jenga piece.
- Engraved with name and date
- Great for game night
- A keepsake that's fun
Got a nice outdoor space? Upgrade the Jenga guest book above to this jumbo option. Guests can sign anywhere on these blocks then enjoy them when you invite them to a BBQ. It's a win-win.
- Perfect for outdoor entertaining
- Use time and time again
- Engraved designs are permanent
16) Custom Puzzle Guestbook
Maybe you don’t play board games, but you are always up for a quiet time with a puzzle. Get a custom puzzle produced, and let guests know to sign, “Without you our puzzle isn’t complete. Please sign the back of a piece.”
- Heart shaped puzzle connections for a unique spin on classic puzzles
- Option for up to 300 pieces
- Put together and frame for an extra special piece of art
If hearts aren't your thing, here is another option for a puzzle. With classic puzzle shapes, this guest book screams that you're a couple who really fits together.
- Great for game night
- Shows your guests they're a piece of your life
- Comes with a beautiful box to store or display
17) Heart Drop Guest Book
We love this heart drop guest book — such a cute way to collect and display guest names!
- Largest size fits up to 200 hearts
- Includes a stand
- Neutral colors work with every design
18) Rock / Shell Guestbook
Pet rock anyone? This may seem like a weird (and potentially free) idea. However, perhaps you both enjoy strolling along a beach and have collected numerous special rocks or shells along the way. A fun and different idea is to have guests each sign a rock or shell. Add them to your garden or keep them in a vase as a fun memento.
- Earth-friendly
- Rocks come pre-sealed
- "Wishing Stone" directions included
19) Football Guestbook
Sports fans or sports coaches will certainly love the idea of a pigskin at their wedding. Get your guests to sign a football, soccerball, or basketball to keep as a memory of your big day.
20) Recipes for Love
Last but not least, rather than giving a couple your best wishes I really like the idea of giving them advice on relationships and love. Let guests fill out their own recipe card for love.
A take on a wedding advice box, this is excellent for those with Type A personalities like me. With 9 thematic dividers, advice can be kept organized and easy to grab when you need it!
- Two box sizes
- Keeps advice organized
- Useful and display-worthy
This guest book options gives you so many options! Ask your guests to leave a tip for a happy marriage. Or maybe ask for vacation suggestions and pull one out every anniversary. Date night suggestions are a great option too, and something you can reuse throughout the years. Whatever you choose, your bound to get some fun — and interesting — signatures
- Jar holds up to 500 cardstock hearts
- Fun way to ask for guest suggestions along with signatures
- Simple design works with any decor
21) Record Wedding Guest Book
Music lovers we have you covered! With your first dance song written in the center of the printed vinyl record, all of your guests will be able to leave a sweet message around the sides. This will make a great keepsake to hang in your home and a great way to cherish your first dance song.
Vinyl really is the best way to listen, and it makes a super cute guestbook, too. Have your guests sign on your special day then display in a place of honor like any platinum record deserves.
- Old school music vibes
- Paper and canvas options available
- Three sizes to choose from
Whether music is a huge part of your relationship or you just really love your wedding song, celebrate a song that's special to you both with this music guestbook. Made to look like a Spotify song, this guestbook is at the top of our charts.
- Perfect for music lovers
- Would look great in an office
- You'll be able to easily change the photos
I hope you’ve been inspired by our round up of unique wedding guest book options ideas. Please let me know in the comment section below if you have come across another unique guestbook that we should know about.
Check out our Ultimate List of Things To Buy For Your Wedding Day post. Because even the best wedding planners can overlook a few items!
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What pens did you use for your wine bottle? We want to do that as well but know someone who ended up with a lot of smudged signatures on theirs.
Hi Erica,
If I remember correctly, we used a smudge-free gold color pen similar to this brand here on Amazon. It worked quite well on our large-format glass wine bottle!
Great ideas here.
Loved the blog
Absolutely love your blog 🙂
Thanks a lot, glad you enjoy it!
We did the matted frame that everyone signed. However, I like some of these other ideas.
What a great collection of guestbook ideas! Thanks for sharing!!!
Those are amazing ideas. I like the tree one the most 🙂
Love the chalk board photos, what a fun idea 🙂
Great ideas! Especially love the wishing tree and the typewriter.
Had actually never heard of the “vintage typewriter” idea before. My favourite suggestion here though is the chalkboard and photos! What an imaginative way to capture not only everyones thoughts on your day but you also have an original keepsake with a picture telling a thousand words.
in the UK we don’t tend to use wedding trees but I love the idea of using them instead of a traditional guest book. They can be placed into a scrapbook after the wedding with photos of those who wrote the wishes making a stunning memory book.
Really great ideas! I am going into wedding planning and with this economy it demands money saving creative plans. The wishing tree is my favorite!
Very creative. Love the Polaroid and tree guest book ideas.
I love these ideas, I hope some of my future bridal clients have them at their weddings!
Absolutely love these ideas! Brilliant – gonna so have one of these in my own wedding!
I have had my eye on the polaroid guestbook idea for a while. I love that one with the black pages and silver writing! Just need to find a polaroid camera and book now 😉
Very creative – thanks for the inspiration! I particularly liked the message tree…
Nice collection
really liked all the ideas very very much useful for an event manager to please their client..thank you very much.. stumble upon!
Absolutely Love Love Love these ideas. Thanks for sharing 🙂
I liked the chalkboard thing. Nice
these ideas are so creative and adorable!
Really unusual, fun and stunning guest book ideas. The typewriter is beautiful and would create another talking point for wedding guests!
Awesome blog! I’m getting married in two months but constantly looking for new ideas!
Absolutely love your blog.
So beautiful. Great ideas too.
Oooh, my favorite is the one with the pink typewriter. That is seriously cool.
I never thought of creating guest books like these before. VERY creative content!
This looks like something straight out of Etsy, great ideas though.
Charming! I adore the post cards!
great round-up! i’m digging the pink typewriter.
-e.
Super clever ideas!
Very cute ideas, I esp like the chalkboards and the fingerprint tree is so cute!!
I really love the idea of the postcards and the mailbox however I’m not so sure about #8. 🙂
+2 for the typewriter! Just did a whole article on vintage and retro wedding ideas, this would have been great to show! Such a fun idea… and I love the pink!
My writerly self is still in love with the typewriter; I plan to use it despite its nearly passe status. Ha.
XO
Carly
All this is Grace and Charm
I love the wedding tree and the postcards.
I really like the idea of getting pictures of everybody on the wedding day along with a word of advice or just a story, awesome idea!
loving all these ideas especially the typewriter!
favs are the wedding tree with thumbprints and the photobooth guest book!
Great ideas! I love the chalkboard idea also incorporating the photo booth!!
Really good ideas here! I’m seriously considering the postcards, we have a family tradition of sending them so it’s kind of perfect.
thanks for taking the time to share this