10 Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas
A guestbook is a wedding tradition that offers couples a special way to capture memories from the people who matter most. But why settle for a standard guestbook when there are so many creative ways to make this moment truly unforgettable? Each note, signature, or recording gives you something to look back on—not just to see who attended but to relive the love, laughter, and support shared on your big day. Whether you want something visual, interactive, or truly personal, these 10 unique guestbook ideas are sure to stand out.
1. Wine Bottle Guestbook
Imagine celebrating your first, fifth, or even tenth anniversary by opening a bottle of wine covered with messages from your wedding day. Use wine bottles as table numbers for each table at your wedding, and have guests sign them. Each bottle represents an anniversary year—open bottle 1 on your first anniversary, bottle 2 on your second, and so on.
How to do it: Leave metallic pens at each table and ask your guests to sign the bottles. You can even ask your wedding planner to remind guests to leave a message
2. Audio Guestbook
Take your guestbook to the next level with an audio guestbook. Imagine being able to hear your loved ones’ voices again as they share their best wishes, advice, or even a funny story. Rent a vintage-style phone that records messages, allowing guests to leave voice memos throughout the night.
How to do it: Have instructions next to the phone so guests know what to do, and consider having someone in charge of encouraging guests to leave a message. After the wedding, you'll have a mix of heartfelt and fun recordings to treasure forever.
3. Polaroid Photo Guestbook
A Polaroid guestbook is a creative and interactive way to capture memories of your guests. They can take a quick photo of themselves, write a personal note on the back, and then either hang the photo or tape it into a custom album. It adds a playful and personal touch to your wedding memories.
How to do it: Set up a station with some Polaroid cameras and extra film. Encourage guests to attach their photos to an album, or collect them in a jar or have them hang it up to arrange later.
4. Typewriter Guestbook
For a charming, vintage guestbook experience, set up a typewriter station where a professional typist transcribes your guests' handwritten messages. There’s something timeless about the sound of a typewriter and the aesthetic of typewritten notes, creating a nostalgic touch to your wedding day.
How to do it: Guests can write their notes on provided paper and drop them into a designated jar. A typist will then transform these handwritten messages into beautifully typed keepsakes, which can later be bound into a custom guestbook or framed.
5. Custom Table Runner
A custom table runner is a beautiful and unique guestbook option. Have your guests sign a table runner with fabric markers, and after the wedding, embroider the signatures to make them permanent. You can use the table runner for special occasions, letting the memories live on at every future celebration.
How to do it: Place fabric markers on a designated table and encourage guests to leave their signature or a small note. After the wedding, embroider them yourself or take it to a professional.
6. Confessional Video Booth
Take inspiration from reality TV and set up a confessional video booth. Guests can pop in and record messages, giving you fun and candid moments on video. Whether they share heartfelt advice or a funny memory, these video clips will capture the spirit of your wedding in a way words can’t.
How to do it: Rent or create a video booth where guests can record their messages throughout the night. Later, you can compile the clips into a short film that’s sure to become one of your favorite keepsakes.
7. Coffee Table Book
Choose a coffee table book that reflects something meaningful to you and your partner. This could be a book with beautiful photographs of your wedding destination, a cookbook, or a themed book that highlights a shared hobby or passion. Guests can write notes in the margins or in designated spaces, making it a practical and visually appealing guestbook option.
How to do it: Pick a coffee table book that has plenty of space for writing. This will become a beautiful piece of décor in your home, filled with notes from the people you love.
8. Postcard Guestbook
A postcard guestbook is perfect for couples who love to travel. Provide postcards from places you’ve visited (or places you dream of visiting) and have your guests write notes or travel tips on the back. After the wedding, you can collect them in an album or box and read through them on anniversaries or whenever you’re feeling nostalgic.
How to do it: Set up a vintage mailbox for guests to "mail" their postcards, or create a display that shows off the different postcards as they come in.
9. Frisbee or Hobby-Based Guestbook
If you and your partner share a hobby or sport, incorporate it into your guestbook. For example, if you’re into ultimate frisbee, have guests sign the back of a frisbee. This can apply to other hobbies, too—golf balls, surfboards, or even a guitar. It’s a fun way to make your guestbook personal and meaningful.
How to do it: Set up your hobby item at the entrance of the reception with pens and markers. After the wedding, you can display it in your home or keep it as a memory.
10. Bucket List Guestbook
Turn your guestbook into a bucket list where guests can suggest experiences or adventures for you and your partner. Whether it’s travel destinations, fun date ideas, or quirky challenges, guests can help inspire your future together.
Pro Tip: Set up a station with wooden sticks or cards where guests can write their ideas, then place them in a decorative jar. Whenever you’re feeling adventurous, pull out a suggestion and start checking off your bucket list.
How to Choose the Right Guestbook for Your Wedding
When choosing your guestbook, think about what resonates most with you as a couple. Are you into travel, music, or the outdoors? Find a guestbook that reflects your shared interests and hobbies. Additionally, consider where you’ll display or store the guestbook afterward. Whether it’s a practical item like a bench or a keepsake you pull out on anniversaries, it should be something meaningful that you’ll enjoy for years to come.
