25 Alternative Wedding Guest Book Ideas Your Guests Will Have Never Seen Before
From fun wedding guest book alternatives inspired by Jenga and other games to quirky wall art ideas and fingerprint trees, be inspired by these unusual wedding guest book ideas
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Rather than a traditional book, there are plenty of fun wedding guest book alternatives out there that mean your guests can be more creative with the messages they leave. Plus, you and your new spouse will have so much fun after the wedding reading through all those special messages!
One of the best parts of getting married is bringing all your loved ones together to celebrate your special day. After spending so much time creating the perfect experience for your guests, a wedding guest book is a lovely way to capture their wedding wishes and the special messages they want to share with you and your new spouse. From alternative wedding guest book ideas to DIY wedding guest book ideas, there are plenty of ways to make these memories last long after the big day.
Whether you love the idea of a wooden heart guest book, personalised records or a message in a bottle, there are so many ways to put your own spin on this wedding tradition. Browse our favourite alternative guest book ideas to find unique wedding guest book ideas, a creative wedding guest book or a non-traditional wedding guest book that suits your big day.
25 Of The Best Guest Book Alternatives
A traditional guest book isn’t the only way to capture messages from your wedding guests. From audio recordings to personalised keepsakes, these wedding guest book alternatives offer creative ways to remember the day and the people who celebrated with you.
- Displayable Guest Book Alternatives
- Practical Guest Book Alternatives
- Sentimental Guest Book Alternatives
- Interactive Guest Book Alternatives
- Funny Guest Book Alternatives
- DIY Guest Book Alternatives
- Everything You Need To Know About Guest Book Alternatives
- What Can I Use Instead Of A Wedding Guest Book?
- What Are Some Unique Guest Book Ideas?
- What Can Guests Sign At A Wedding?
- What Is A Good DIY Guest Book Alternative?
- How Can I Make My Guest Book More Personal?
Displayable Guest Book Alternatives
If you’d rather have your guests sign something you can hang on the wall or style on a shelf than tuck away in a drawer, these displayable guest book alternatives turn their messages into part of your home.
1. Wedding Fingerprint Tree Guest Book – Lilly Pea Designs
This gorgeous idea for a guest book is sure to leave a lasting impression, literally! With it, your guests can leave an ink impression of their fingerprints on the watercolour illustration, which creates leaves on the branches. The A4 print is suitable for up to 50 fingerprints, while up to 90 can fit on the A3 print. This unique alternative to a guestbook can also feature personalised text and be framed. A finer liner pen can be included as well, so guests can sign their names and couples are allowed to choose from different colours. With a rainbow palette to choose from, you can pick one to complement your wedding theme!
Expert take: While this print idea is ideal for smaller weddings with up to 90 guests, if you are planning a large celebration, it may not work as well. If you really like the idea, though, there is nothing stopping you from getting multiples which you can then hang in your newlywed home!
2. Personalised 12” Framed Vinyl Record Wedding Guest Book – Etsy
Now, this is an idea we can jam along with! This personalised record can feature the song for your first dance. Your loved ones can sign it and leave well wishes for you and your partner. For those who love music, this is an ideal alternative for a traditional wedding guest book, and it can be displayed in your home later to remind you of your memories.
Expert take: For those who love music, this can fit nicely into a related wedding theme or let you and your partner express your personalities on your big day.
3. Personalised Watercolour Wedding Fingerprint Guest Book – Etsy
We love the idea of your alternative guest book actually being a piece of art that has been created by all your loved ones. Fans of the Disney movie Up! will adore this balloon-style print. The print doesn't come with inks so you'll need to source these before letting your friends and family leave a fingerprint to make up one of the balloons. You can choose the size of print you'd like as well, making it ideal for even larger weddings.
Expert take: Guests might not appreciate getting their fingers a little messy with the ink, but it is sure to please plenty of youngsters and is a great way to encourage a lively and joyful atmosphere.
4. Personalised Wooden Letter – Not On The High Street
Not only does this clever ideal allow you to collect your family and friends' autographs, but it can be used as a decorative item in your home later! The sign can be customised with your name and wedding date, making it even more special. Couples can also choose between different sizes and fonts to ensure that the sign fits their wedding theme.
If you want, you could even get multiples in different sizes to fit more names and create an interesting visual effect.
Expert take: This design blends rustic and contemporary styles together in an effective way, making it versatile for a range of wedding visions.
5. Rustic Pine Tree Wedding Guest Book – Etsy
This impressive alternative to a traditional guest book would be perfect for a rustic-themed wedding day. Your guests leave their names next to the tree branches to create a beautiful piece of statement art you can keep. The bottom of the print can be customised with your names and the wedding date as well. Couples can choose to have it printed on paper or a canvas and there are multiple size options.
Expert take: The tree on this elegant print only has so many branches, so if you don't want guests signing in the white space and are planning to host a large celebration, you may consider getting more than one!
6. Star Map Wedding Guest Book Sign – Etsy
Love, they say, is written in the stars! This gorgeous idea includes the star constellations from the first date, the day you got engaged along with the predicted night sky for your wedding date. Guests can then write a message onto the board, and it’s something pretty and romantic you can hang in your home.
Expert take: If you have this displayed on a stand, you will want a sturdy one to make it easier for guests to leave their notes.
Practical Guest Book Alternatives
These practical guest book alternatives are easy to set up on the day, with minimal fuss for you or your guests, so everyone can leave a message without holding up the celebrations or needing much direction.
7. Wooden Wedding Guest Book – Amazon
If you can’t quite tear yourself away from a traditional guest book, then add a rustic touch with this wooden ring-bound book. It comes personalised with your wedding details and is printed in the New Forest right here in the UK.
With blank pages, guests can get creative with the notes they leave, even giving them space to leave drawings, doodles, photos, or other mementoes next to their names. The accents are hand-drawn and may be customised to fit your wedding theme. Other colours are also available.
Expert take: This is a traditional route to go, so if you wanted something more show-stopping, this might not be it. If you're after subtle, bespoke customisation, though, you've come to the right place!
8. Wedding Guest Advice Cards – Etsy
We wouldn't be surprised if a number of your guests have stories worth sharing, and this guest book idea is an ideal way to get them talking! Be it grandparents, aunts and uncles, friends, parents, or many others, their experience can be nuggets of gold to a newlywed couple setting off together.
Plus, the cheerful and simple font combined with the floral decorative colours make these advice cards well suited for an event celebrating love.
Expert take: If guests have nothing to say, they may not take the time to leave a note at all, which could mean missing out on a few signatures.
9. Wedding Guest Postcards – Etsy
Take a trip to the past with these postcards as a guest book alternative. The set is shipped with 22 postcards, but the stand and markers isn't included. The designs are available in terracotta or almond green colours to suit your wedding colour scheme. They're ideal for a shabby-chic wedding theme, but also suit other wedding ideas.
Expert take: You'll need to find a box of some kind for guests to drop these in, but that might provide another design opportunity!
Sentimental Guest Book Alternatives
For a keepsake that captures the memories that made your wedding special, these sentimental guest book alternatives give your loved ones a chance to leave something more personal.
10. Wooden Memory Card Box – Etsy
Weddings are about making memories, but this wooden memory box is about making sure they are stored for safekeeping! It includes cards for your guests to leave a note about their favourite memory with you, marriage advice, and more, which can be filed away under different dividers. After your wedding, you can then revisit these little notes and happy moments left behind by your loved ones, allowing you to cherish not only the day but them as well. There are eight sections in all, with sheets of card available per section.
Expert take: The front of the box can be personalised with your names and the date of your wedding.
11. Personalised Guest Book Jar – Etsy
There is something especially sweet and romantic about this alternative to a guest book. This glass jar idea lets your guests write well wishes on wooden hearts to be dropped in for you to discover later. The design would work especially well at a countryside or rustic wedding or if you have Mason jars throughout your décor. It comes with 100 hearts for guests to sign, ensuring there is plenty for your loved ones.
Expert take: You will have to find something else to hold the blank hearts, but this could offer another decorating opportunity.
12. Gold Glass Guest Book Alternative – Etsy
We think this pretty and elegant gold and glass box is the perfect wedding guest book alternative to something more traditional. It will look beautiful in your wedding photos, and guests can leave their special messages on the blank gold hearts that it comes with. The box comes with 160 gold hearts, ensuring there is plenty for your guests.
Expert take: With multiple guests opening and closing the box, you could end up with a guestbook covered in fingerprints. It may be best to ensure the lid gets left open!
13. Message in a Bottle – Etsy
If you have a nautical-themed wedding, this guest book idea is especially well suited. The bottle comes with 80 paper scrolls for your guests to write their notes, which they can tie up with the jute string. A tent card explaining what to do is also included. This is a great way for guests to leave notes in private if they so wish, which can make the messages even more meaningful.
Expert take: Tying and untying the notes might be a little cumbersome, but the visual effect makes it worth it.
Interactive Guest Book Alternatives
Give your guests some entertainment while they leave you a sentimental message with these interactive guest book ideas.
14. Wedding Rings Personalised Guest Book – Natural Gift Store
This wooden heart guest book alternative lets your family and friends leave their names and notes on wooden hearts to be dropped inside two interlocking rings. To make it bespoke, your names along with your wedding date can be added. Then, after your big day, you can display the guest book to remind yourselves of all the memories.
It comes with 100 hearts and is ideal for weddings of between 100 and 140 guests. Each attendee can sign their own, or couples can share a heart. For an additional £14, couples can purchase a sign to be displayed next to the rings with the words 'Create Memories, Sign a wooden note.'
Pros & Cons: Being crafted from wood, this guest book idea stylistically works best with rustic-themed or casual weddings.
15. Wedding Guestbook Tumbling Blocks Game – Not On The High Street
If you and your partner love to play board games, this wedding guest book idea might just be the one. You can have your names, the venue, and the game blocks personalised. Guests can sign the other blocks if they wish, and the game could even be left out for loved ones to enjoy during your event. It gives you the option of a double gift box which can fit a bottle of wine alongside the game.
Expert take: Depending on the atmosphere you want at your wedding, games can be a perfect complement or too casual if you are aiming for that black-tie ambience. After all, the little details can make all the difference in the kind of tone you want to set on your wedding day!
16. Custom Wooden Tree Guest Book Alternative – Etsy
There is something especially whimsical about this idea for a guest book! Guests can write their names and a note of well wishes on wooden leaf and leave it on the wooden tree. It makes for a nice decorative element to your wedding's design, and the trunk and leaves can complement different colour palettes. The tree comes with as many as 160 leaves and there's the option to purchase markers and a guest book sign.
Expert take: If you have a nature-themed wedding, this idea is especially fitting, helping to bring a little bit more of the outside in.
17. Wedding Globe Guestbook – Not On The High Street
We are over the moon about this guest book alternative and think your guests will be orbiting around it with many compliments! They can sign the globe and leave you with a decorative item populated with their signatures and well wishes. It has an elegant stand and visually appealing typography, elevated enough for a wedding event.
Given that your loved ones mean the world to you, we are sure this will become a treasured heirloom for your to cherish for years to come.
Expert take: This globe does feature map-related text, which may make some of your guests' notes difficult to read.
18. Oak Wedding Puzzle Guestbook – Not On The High Street
This wooden jigsaw is a romantic alternative to a traditional guest book. We love the idea that all the happy wishes and messages from your nearest and dearest come together to make a complete puzzle. Plus, it gives your loved ones another activity to do and the chance to reminisce.
It is a great way to enhance the ambience of your festivities, getting people talking and laughing while creating new memories to treasure.
Expert take: If guests want to leave a private message, this is more difficult to do with this public display of notes and signatures.
19. Wooden Guest Book Plaques – Etsy
This creative idea lets your guests build a tower of good thoughts for you on your big day. Loved ones can leave messages and their names on the plaques crafted from wood, stacking them one after the other. The result is a decorative addition to your wedding as well, which makes this idea work double-time.
Expert take: Finding a place to display this later might be tricky if it doesn't fit with your home interior design.
Funny Guest Book Alternatives
Get your guests laughing with these funny guest book alternatives that swap heartfelt messages for hilarious audio messages, ridiculous self-portraits and a fun set of personalised playing cards.
20. Wedding Guest Draw Your Face Sign – Etsy
What we love about this guest book is that it lets your guests have some fun! Leave some markers near by and this will provide the perfect opportunity for guests to draw a funny self-portrait. The print comes in different sizes and can accommodate up to 145 guests.
Expert take: If you're hoping for sentimental notes or pearls of wisdom from your guests, this may not be the guest book alternative for you.
21. Custom Playing Cards With Wooden Holders – Etsy
Guests will adore this alternative to a traditional guest book. The playing cards can be personalised with your photo, names, and your wedding date, and the cards are actually a functioning playable deck.
Not only does it add a decorative element to your wedding, but it can be used to play at home later as well, providing a bespoke touch.
Expert take: If you plan on having more than 52 guests, this playable deck might prove a problem.
22. Modern Arch Wedding Audio Phone Retro Telephone Guest Book - Etsy
LoveLumiLtd has branched out, giving you the chance to hear your messages from guests! Not only does this vintage phone make for an amazing wedding prop, it also allows guests to leave personalised messages that you can keep and listen to whenever you like!
Expert take: Technology can break over time, whereas a book or object can be more easily maintained and passed along. It does beautifully marry vintage vibes with the latest tech, though!
DIY Guest Book Alternatives
For a personal touch, these do-it-yourself ideas let you create your own guest book alternative using materials and decorations that match your wedding theme.
23. Kraft Scrapbook Photo Album – Etsy
This DIY guest book alternative, which comes as a blank wire binded scrapbook, is a charming way to keep your wedding memories preserved. Guests can sign the different pages, and even leave a little polaroid expressing their joy at your marriage.
You can buy personalised self adhesive labels, and also have the option of different coloured inserts. This makes blending the book in with the rest of your wedding palette simple!
Expert take: The DIY design works well with an array of wedding themes, but might not be suited for some, especially if you are going for a classic and black-tie-style celebration.
24. Polaroid Guestbook Wedding Photo Album – Etsy
Sure to be a sweet touch at your wedding event, this DIY photo book is an ideal guest book alternative. Your loved ones can sign with their names and a touching sentiment next to a self-taken polaroid. The front can be personalised with your photo, names and wedding date. Choose between two sizes and if you need a different colour of theme, just ask the Etsy seller!
Expert take: Set the photo book out with an instant camera for guests to take a quick snap before writing their message.
25. Linen Hardcover Photo Album Scrapbook Kit – Etsy
This alternative guest book idea has our hearts all a-flutter! Guests can sign their names and leave notes as well as any polaroid photos (if you've popped the instant camera nearby!) Then, after your wedding, you can admire the memories and have a few laughs together.
Expert take: You may want to think about setting up a jar of pens for guests to leave their notes, or these could quickly become lost in the festivities. But that also leaves you with more room to be creative with your wedding decorations!
Everything You Need To Know About Guest Book Alternatives
We’re answering your biggest questions about guest book alternatives, from what guests can sign instead of a traditional book to unique ideas, affordable DIY options and ways to make your keepsake more sentimental.
What Can I Use Instead Of A Wedding Guest Book?
You don’t have to stick to a traditional book. Guests could sign a photo book, leave messages on postcards, write their marriage advice on little wooden hearts or record a message on an audio guest book. You could also get them to sign a vinyl record, a bottle of wine to save for your first anniversary or a puzzle you can put together after the wedding.
What Are Some Unique Guest Book Ideas?
Some more unusual ideas include asking guests to record voice messages on a vintage-style telephone, sign a globe if you love travelling or leave a Polaroid photo with a handwritten note. You could also get everyone to decorate a Jenga block with a message, sign individual pieces of a puzzle or write predictions about your married life for you to read after the wedding.
What Can Guests Sign At A Wedding?
Guests can sign all sorts of things at a wedding, from a framed photo or a coffee table book to a vinyl record, wooden heart or personalised piece of artwork. Crockery, a serving platter or a bottle of wine are good options, too, while postcards and puzzle pieces give guests a smaller space to write a message.
Just make sure you choose a suitable pen for the material so the signatures don’t smudge or rub off.
What Is A Good DIY Guest Book Alternative?
A Polaroid guest book is a lovely DIY option and really easy to put together yourself. Just leave an instant camera, a scrapbook, photo corners and a few pens on a table for guests to snap a picture and stick it alongside a message. You could also pick up a plain wooden frame for everyone to sign or put out a jar of blank cards for guests to share their favourite memories or marriage advice.
How Can I Make My Guest Book More Personal?
Add details that mean something to you as a couple, whether that’s choosing a guest book that reflects a shared interest, using photos from your time togetehr or asking guests to share a favourite memory of you both rather than simply writing their names.
You could also include prompts about your first impressions of each other, your best date or advice for your future together, so you end up with messages you’ll actually want to read back.
Are you looking for even more ways to make your wedding unique? Then don’t miss our edit of 65 unusual wedding favour ideas
