Picture this: you've just tied the knot, and now it's time to celebrate with your friends and family. But instead of signing a traditional wedding guest book, they can leave you a message on an iPad or some other device. This is just one of the many alternative wedding guest book ideas that are gaining popularity these days.
People are getting more and more creative with their wedding guest books, and there are plenty of alternatives to choose from. If you're looking for something different, here are a few ideas
But first, why an alternative wedding guest book anyway?
A wedding guest book is a tradition that has been around for many years. It is a book where guests sign their name and write a short message to the bride and groom on their wedding day.
With it being the 21st century and all, many couples are opting for a more modern approach to capture the memories of their guests — approaches that are simple, cost-friendly, and low lift.
What are some popular options?
- Photo Book This is a book where guests take photos with a props or sign their name next to a printed photo. Have a photo booth set up at your reception and have guests take photos with props. Then, print out the photos and put them in a photo album or scrapbook.
- Message Board or Chalkboard This allows guests to write a short message to the bride and groom.
- Guestbook Tree: Have a tree planted at your venue and ask guests to write a message on a leaf or tag. Hang the leaves and tags on the tree after the wedding.
- Memory Book: I Have guests write their favorite memory of you on a___ for you and hubby to reminisce on later.
- DIY Shadow Box Wedding Guest Book: A shadow box wedding guest book is a unique and fun way to capture your wedding guests' signatures and well-wishes! Not only is it a memorable keepsake, but it's also a fun DIY project that you and your wedding guests can enjoy. Check out my YouTube Video on how to make one HERE.
- Patchwork Quilt: Have guests sign a square fabric. Stick to light colors or patterns so their message displays easily. Collect at the end of the evening and bring home to sew!
- Wedding Guest Playlist List: Ask guests add their favorite love songs to an Apple Playlist. You and hubby can listen while traveling to your honeymoon!
- Video Guest Book: Collect selfie videos of your guests via #hashtag or in a shared album with iPhones. All you'll need is a cute backdrop and some basic instructions. Just talk to your videographer before hand to make sure they will be able to use the footage and go!
- Clothesline Display : Guests write well wishes and messages on pieces of fabric, which are then hung on a clothesline. This display would look great anywhere in the reception venue!
- Guest Book Photo Puzzle: Take tradition wo a new level and have guests place their names on the back of a puzzle piece. Once you and hubby the puzzle, the mystery picture can be framed or hung on a wall.
Choose the right one for you
As we talked about earlier: When it comes to picking an alternative wedding guest book, there are so many options to choose from! Here are a few tips on how to pick the right one for you:
1. What is your wedding theme?
If you have a specific theme for your wedding, make sure to pick an alternative guest book that will reflect that. For example, if you’re having a beach wedding, “Marriage messages” in a bottle would be perfect!
2. What is your budget?
Alternative wedding guest books can range in price from very affordable to quite expensive. Make sure to pick one that is within your price range or that you can DIY for less.
3. How do you plan to display this in your home?
If you're planning to hang it on up for wall décor, perhaps something where the guest's info is displayed on a flat surface would be best. If you want to put your guest book on a table of shelf, you might opt for one of the options that contains pages
What do you need to do before the wedding?
- Create a list of all needed materials (sharpie, tech equipment, clothespins, etc.)
- Place all materials for guest book in labeled bag or box
- Determine who you want to be in charge of reminding you to bring the guestbook to the wedding (this will be the same person who will grab it at the end of the night)
After the Wedding…
Don't forget to bring your "guest book" home! Best practice would be to delegate the task of "guest book collection" to your Mom or MOH. There will be so much on your mind, you won't be thinking about your guest book. Display your guest book just like you planned and be sure to post pics for social media and tag guests to say thank you!
There are so many creative ideas for wedding guest books out there! Thank you for reading! We hope you enjoyed this round up of alternative wedding guest book ideas. Comment below and let us know which one you think is the most unique!
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