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10 alternative wedding guest book ideas to wow your guests

Looking for a unique guest book for your wedding? You’ve come to the right place – find plenty of inspiration and make the right choice for your day.

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Published: June 5, 2024 at 7:00 am

If your big day is just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about the details. One detail you don’t want to miss is having a wedding guest book. 

Your first thought might be simply just a book, but it can be so much more! From board games to jigsaw puzzles and even globes, we’ve found lots of alternative wedding guest book ideas to inspire you!

What is a wedding guest book?

A wedding guest book is a place where your friends and family can write you special messages of love, happiness and well wishes. Usually, it’s left somewhere visible at your wedding reception for your guests to put a message.

What should I write in a wedding guest book?

You generally write wishes of congratulations, but you can also include words of wisdom.

Where should the guest book be at a wedding?

We’d recommend putting it somewhere visible in the reception area. Lots of couples put it at the reception entrance, so guests can add their message before the party starts! 

Can my wedding guest book be something else besides an actual book?

Absolutely! We’re all about the unique, and wedding guest books are no different. There’s lots of ways to make your guest book memorable…


10 unique wedding guest book ideas to impress your guests

1. Wedding guest book fingerprint tree

Wedding guest book ideas

We’re kicking things off with a creative alternative to a wedding guest book!

A fingerprint tree is a quirky way to remember your big day. Instead of writing messages, your guests will stamp their fingerprints onto your tree to add a leaf. It’s a beautiful way to show your friends and family how you’re all connected.

If you would like to have messages too, you can pair this with a traditional guest book.

Buy the fingerprint tree from Etsy.


2. Wooden tree guest book

Wedding guest book ideas

Would you like to combine the prettiness of the fingerprint tree with the thoughtful messages of a traditional guest book? This is the perfect choice.

The set includes a wooden circle frame and small wooden leaves. Your guests write their messages on the leaves and drop them into the frame.

Once the day is done, you’re left with a beautiful keepsake.

Buy the wooden tree guest book from Etsy


3. Polaroid display alternative guest book idea

Wedding guest book ideas

Instead of words, why not let guests share their memories of your day through photos? A Polaroid camera is a great way to allow your guests to capture a special moment during the wedding reception.

Create a Polaroid wall with Luck&Luck on Etsy


4. Jigsaw wedding guest book

Wedding guest book ideas

Do you and your other half have a love of puzzles? Share that with your friends and family and have them sign a piece of your puzzle.

Get the puzzle guestbook on Etsy


5. Message in a bottle wedding guest book idea

Wedding guest book ideas

Add a touch of whimsy to your guest book with this nautical idea. Place a glass bottle out and have your guests write messages onto paper, roll them up and pop inside.

You’ll not only love reading the messages but you’ll also have a gorgeous keepsake to display at home.

Get inspired with Little Big Party Co on Not on The High Street

Sage green and gold invitations surrounded by flowers

DIY wedding invitations

Would you like to make your wedding invitations from scratch? Check out our DIY wedding invitations.


6. Boho guest book idea

Wedding guest book ideas

Keep it simple with this beautiful boho guest book by Primrose Design Goods. It features a soft linen cover, personalised with an elegant typeface.

This would be the perfect choice for relaxed, understated weddings.

Take a closer look on Etsy


7. Jenga guest book

Wedding guest book ideas

Do you and your other half love to sit down and play games on a rainy afternoon? Celebrate the special moments with your guests and have them sign a block and build!

Buy your set from Ginger Ray on Not on The High Street


8. Four-in-a-row wedding guest book

Wedding guest book ideas

Staying on the board games theme with this unique idea which combines four-in-a-row with special messages from your guests!

Buy this set from Ginger Ray on Not on The High Street


9. Floral guest board

Wedding guest book ideas

Instead of having your guests sign a book, have them sign a board. It’s a lovely way to see all of the messages together and can be hung up at home afterwards.

Get the floral guest board from Not on The High Street

DIY wedding seating plan

Seat your guests in style with Gathered’s DIY wedding seating plan.


10. Globe guest book

Wedding guest book ideas

Are you and your other half globetrotters? This globe guest book will incorporate your love of travel into your big day. Have your guests sign the globe, then you can display it for years to come.

Buy it now from Not on The High Street


Choosing a wedding guest book that suits your style

Your wedding guest book should sit perfectly within your wedding theme.

For instance, if you’ve got a wedding with lots of garden games, a game-themed guest book will fit perfectly. If you’re going for a relaxed, candid vibe then opting for a Polaroid photo board will suit you.

Whatever you decide upon, make sure you have fun with it! The more creative you are, the more your guests will be excited to get involved.

Get creative with your wedding seating plan

There’s plenty of ways to keep the creativity flowing in your wedding planning. How about creating your own wedding seating plan? Check out our full tutorial today!