It’s always wise to put a little thought into your wedding guestbook. It seems like a tiny detail when compared to everything else on your wedding planning checklist. Once the wedding is done, you’re going to cherish that little book for the rest of your life.
Brides Often Ask
What kind of pen do you use for a wedding guest book?
Preserving the names and details in your wedding guest book is a top priority. Use a fine-tip pen with smudge-resistant, acid-free ink for the best results.
What do you put in a wedding guest book?
The traditional information to leave in a wedding guest book is your name, gratitude for being invited, and well-wishes or your best advice.
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Types of Wedding Guest Books
There are several styles to consider when sorting out your wedding guest book ideas. Remember, your guest book is meant to be a keepsake of memories. Your choice should reflect your ability to enjoy it in the future.
Traditional wedding Guest book
- Book
This is the traditional wedding guest book choice. You can have fun choosing the particular material, colors, designs, and bindings. Most often, the traditional book option is tucked away to protect it and brought out to be enjoyed periodically. - Photo album
A wedding guest book with photos contains the same elements as a traditional guest book, with the added bonus of capturing how your guests look and feel at that moment. “A picture is worth 1000 words” may be cliché, but it’s very true. - Platter
Many people love decorative commemorative plates. It takes a little extra effort, but it’s worth it. Make sure to seal or bake the plate afterward to preserve all of the signatures and advice. - Signature frame
This unique wedding guest book idea is best for couples who want to keep their memories on display. There are many styles to suit your home décor. - Puzzle
Many couples choose table games to bond over. What better way to relax and bond after your honeymoon than by assembling the pieces that tell your wedding story?
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Alternative Guest book
Creative nontraditional wedding guest books offer a unique and personalized way for guests to leave their well-wishes for the newlywed couple. Unlike traditional guest books, these alternatives add an element of fun and creativity to the wedding day while also serving as a keepsake for the couple to treasure for years to come.
- Polaroid guest book
This guest book allows guests to take a Polaroid picture of themselves and then attach it to a page in the book. They can then write a message to the couple next to their picture. - Vintage phone audio guest book
A vintage phone that guests can use to record a message for the couple. The messages can be played back later and saved as a keepsake. - Jenga guest book
A set of Jenga blocks that guests can write their messages on. The blocks can then be stacked and kept as a fun reminder of the wedding day. - Engraved Wooden Hearts Box
A wooden box with a slot on the top. Guests can write their messages on wooden hearts and then drop them into the box. The hearts can be saved and displayed in the box as a keepsake. - Old vinyl record
An old vinyl record that guests can write their messages on. The couple can then hang it on their wall as a unique piece of art that also serves as a reminder of their special day.
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How to Choose the Right Guest Book
After choosing the type of wedding guest book for you, it’s time to start working on the design.
- Consider your wedding theme
Your wedding theme is what defines the personality of your wedding, which makes for a great place to start designing your wedding guest book. You’ll want to consider your color palette, theme-based imagery, and textures. - Determine the number of guests
The design of your wedding guestbook will have to be practical too. By being aware of how many guests will be signing, you’ll be able to determine how much space you’ll need. A single small platter, for example, wouldn’t be able to accommodate 500 signatures. - Decide on the type of guest book that fits your personality
There are many different surfaces that can capture your guests’ signatures. Even if you are going the traditional wedding guest book route, you still have some style decisions to make. Will it be leatherbound, or maybe a stand hardcover? - Think about how you want to display your guestbook
Do you want to interact with your guest book, put it on display in your home, or stow it away for safekeeping? The ability to keep it forever vs appreciating it every day will have a major influence over your style choices.
Tips for Creating a Memorable Guest Book Experience
Some guests will need a little coaxing. To get the best results from your wedding guest book, follow these best practices.
- Set up a designated area for the guest book
The most important aspect of getting your wedding guest book filled is visibility. A designated station will make the task obvious and provide the convenience your guests need to take action. - Provide writing utensils that work well on the chosen guest book
You won’t need more than one pen if there’s only one surface to write on. However, you will want to make sure it doesn’t run out of ink. Instruct a helper to keep an eye on things and provide fresh pens when needed. - Encourage guests to leave heartfelt messages
Most guests don’t plan ahead. They’re on the spot, will feel a little pressure, and may not even be sure what the standard procedure is. Leave a sign to let them know it’s ok to express themselves. - Use creative prompts or questions to guide guests
Take your encouragement further by providing a few samples or some well-thought-out questions like “what did you wish you knew before you got married?” to prompt their best advice.
Creating your perfect version of a wedding guest book is simple if you follow this guideline. Plan for how you want to appreciate and store your book, let your theme guide your aesthetic decisions and accommodate your guests. It can be as simple as that.
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