Get Creative with your Guestbook!
You may think that it’s hard to think of anything original when planning your wedding– after all, they’ve been around for thousands of years– but don’t give up hope! There are so many fun ways to make your wedding unique, starting with your guest book.
A line of guests who just sign their family’s name and continue to the reception doesn’t promise a good time to those just arriving, and let’s be honest: are you really going to read a list of who all attended? Add a little flair to your guest book tradition with these trending favorites!
Serving Plate
Cirino Photography
For a small gathering, consider having your guests sign a large serving dish that has your name in the middle or your wedding flowers along the border. You’ll have a lifelong keepsake to use every Thanksgiving. Just make sure to have your plate glazed or fired in a kiln so the marker doesn’t wash off.
Fingerprint Tree
BCR Studios by Brad
Add a “personal touch” (ha! get it?) to your guestbook by providing colored stamps for your guests to press onto a family tree. You can decide to assign different colors to different groups of people– yellow for family, red for friends, green for bridal party, etc.– or you can let your guests get creative. Make sure they sign their name next to their fingerprint so you know who’s who! This option probably requires an attendant to stand at the station, and you should consider offering wet wipes.
Polaroid Picture Scrapbook [tx_row] [tx_column size=”1/2″]
Genevieve Nisly Photography
David Corey Photography
How can you not have fun shaking out a Polaroid picture? Set up a table with a Polaroid camera, a stick of glue, a scrapbook, and colorful markers. Your guests can take them together or alone, strike a pose or smile big, before signing their names next to their photos. Silly props make this guest book even more fun!
Game Pieces
Orchard Photography
Have each of your guests sign the back of a puzzle piece (even cuter if the pieces fit together to form a picture of the newlyweds) or a Jenga block. This idea makes for a cute newlywed date night.
Quilt
Klodt Photography
A handmade quilt where your loved ones can leave you a message, piece of advice, or a wish for the married couple makes for a wonderful heirloom that gets even better with time.
Postcards [tx_row] [tx_column size=”1/2″]
Malick Photo
Malick Photo
Make a scrapbook from all of the advice and messages your loved ones leave you on a postcard. Ask for their funniest memory of the bride or groom, how they met you, or advice they want to pass on to the newlyweds. You can have the front be destinations you’d like to travel to, pictures from your engagement shoot, or have the guests draw something themselves!
Bench
Brae Howard Photography
This unique souvenir will survive years in your garden or backyard. Whether you use a bench, stool, or Adirondack chair, you’ll be able to read caring wishes from your loved ones as you soak up the sun.
Should I have a Guest Book Attendant? Unless your guest book involves messy substances (such as the fingerprint trend above) or you think your guests will need instructions, you don’t need to have a guest book attendant. Most often, the bride and groom can prepare a sign in advance telling guests what to do (like the postcards and Polaroids signs above) or can spread the knowledge through word of mouth. We advise against asking family members to attend the guest book just so they have a part in the wedding; they would much rather enjoy themselves watching your ceremony and participating at the reception than standing next to a guest book station.
Though the newlyweds are the reason for celebration, your guests are the one’s who will bring life to the party, and it all starts at the door. Your guest book is one of the first impressions of what kind of bash you’re throwing, so make sure you use this opportunity to keep your guests entertained and smiling! Browse through more of our favorite ideas on our Pinterest page! Don’t forget to let us know what you did for your guest book! Send us pictures or comment on our Facebook or Twitter!
