Not many couples give much thought to the guest book. They simply buy a traditional guest book, set it out on the wedding day, and forget about it. The couple may browse the pages once or twice after the wedding. Over the years, many couples stick it on a shelf or in a box and forget it ever existed. Why not get your guests to create something that you will truly cherish as a reminder of your special day? These guest book alternatives are much more fun and meaningful than a standard guest book.

With these new ideas, a guest book attendant would be helpful to explain it to the guests. A puzzle can be made from a photo of the couple such as an engagement photo. Instead of signing a guest book, the guests sign the back of a puzzle piece. The puzzle can start as completed on the table with a vase, bowl, or box to put the signed pieces. Guests take a puzzle piece, sign the back, and place it in the container set up to hold the signed pieces. Instead  of a puzzle piece, one couple used Jenga game pieces.

Time capsule ideas involve the guests writing a message to the couple and placed in a container that will be opened at a later date. Some people use bottles with special printed labels that say what year the messages inside the bottle will be read. Another idea is an anniversary piñata to be opened on their 1st anniversary. Guests can be encouraged to write a prediction, wish, joke, memory, or note of encouragement to be added to the time capsule.

Display guest book alternatives involve the guests in creating a keepsake that will be on display at the couple’s home. The display can take several forms. A simple image like a tree or heart can be made by arranging heart cutouts on a plain color background. Heart-shaped wooden cutouts can be purchased at the local craft store. The guests can sign a heart on the display. The guest book may be in the form of a large photo or canvas with the wedding date in the center. The photo can have an oversized matting that is signed by the guests or guests can be invited to sign any part of the canvas. Couples can get very creative with the displays. The Petal Wishes guest book alternative is another great display idea which requires less planning and lower cost than many other display options.

A very practical idea for a guest book alternative is to ask guests to create the couple’s first address book. Index cards of contact information and an attractive file box can serve the purpose for both guest book and address book. Guests can be encouraged to leave a note for the couple on the bottom of the back of the card. Another practical guest book idea is to include a calendar at the guest book station for guests to write down their birthdays so that the couple have a nice calendar to remember the birthdays of their friends and family. The calendar can be combined with any of the guest book ideas.

Browse the Best for Bride blog for more great ideas to make your special day memorable. Our blog includes ways to make the reception more fun and how to make unique wedding decorations.