Wedding guest book alternatives that guests will enjoy

By Wedding Offshore Team

A traditional guest book works well for many couples, but it is not the only way to collect messages. If you want something you will actually look at again, or something that suits a larger guest list, there are plenty of alternatives. This guide covers the main ideas, how to pick one and what to organise so guests can take part without a queue.

Decide what you want from it

Before you choose, be clear about what the keepsake is for. Some couples want to read every message in one sitting. Others want something they can display at home. Some simply want a record of who came.

Ask yourself:

Do you want to read the messages together, or keep them tucked away?
Do you want to display it, or store it?
How many guests will write something?
Will guests have time and space to write, or only a moment?

Your answers will point you towards a format. A display piece needs to look good, while a box of cards just needs to hold up well.

Alternatives to a traditional guest book

Message cards in a box. Guests write on a card and post it into a box or jar. You can read them later, one by one. Plain cards from our stationery range work well for this.
Messages on a keepsake item. Guests sign a wooden heart, a frame mat or a large print that you can hang afterwards.
A signing board or canvas. One large surface that guests sign with a pen. It doubles as decoration once it is up at home.
Advice cards. Cards with a short prompt, such as a tip for the first year of marriage, a memory of the two of you or a recipe.
Time capsule letters. Guests write a note to be opened on an anniversary. Seal them in a box, and decide the date before you start.
Photo and message pages. If you have a photo area, guests can stick their picture to a page and write underneath it.
A scrapbook or album. A blank album where each guest gets a page to add a note, a ticket or a small drawing.
Voice or video messages. Guests record a message on a device. This needs equipment and someone to look after it, so plan it carefully.

For something traditional with a finish you can choose, you can look at our guest books to compare sizes and styles.

Choose a format that suits your guests

Think about who will be there. A box of cards is easy for everyone, including children and guests who do not like to write much. A large board suits a short message or a signature. A scrapbook invites longer notes, but a queue can build if each guest takes their time.

If your guest list is large, a format where many people can write at once, such as cards at each table, may be better than a single book on one table. If it is small, a single keepsake that everyone adds to can feel more personal.

Make it easy for guests to take part

A keepsake only works if guests use it. Make the sign-in point obvious and simple:

Put it where guests will pass it, such as near the entrance or the drinks area, rather than in a corner.
Add a small sign that says what to do. Our guide to welcome sign wording ideas has examples for short instructions, and our signs come in a range of sizes and finishes.
Provide pens that work, and a few spares. Check them on a scrap of the same paper.
Offer a prompt if you want longer messages, such as a question printed on each card.
Leave enough space for guests to write without having to lean awkwardly over a table.

If you use cards, put a few at each table as well as at the main point. Guests who are busy during the drinks can write while they wait for food.

What to check before you buy

Some details vary by venue and supplier, so check them early:

Space. Ask your venue how much table space you will have and whether they provide a table.
Who looks after it. Decide who will set it out, tidy it and carry it home at the end of the night.
Rules about fixing things. If you plan to display a board or sign, ask your venue what they allow on walls and doors.
Delivery and production time. If you order something personalised, ask the supplier how long it takes before you commit to a date.
Writing surface. If you choose a finish such as wood, check that your pens will write on it, and test one first.

Keep it safe on the day

Cards, books and boxes can go missing in a busy room. Give one person the job of collecting everything at the end of the evening. A bag or box that closes is helpful. If your reception continues after you leave, tell your venue who is collecting the keepsake.

If guests write on a board or print, keep a sample pen and a tissue nearby for mistakes. If you use time capsule letters, label the box clearly with the date to open it and keep the pens with it, so nothing is mixed up.

Next steps

Pick the format that suits your guest list and your home, then set out one sample on your own table and write a test message. That will show you whether the pens, space and layout work before you order the rest.

Asked and answered

Do we need a guest book at all?

No. It is a keepsake, not a requirement. If you would rather have photos, cards or nothing at all, that is a perfectly good choice. Choose what you will enjoy looking at afterwards.

How do I get guests to use it?

Put it where everyone passes, add a short sign saying what to do and have someone mention it at the start of the evening. A clear prompt helps guests who are unsure what to write.

What should guests write in a message card?

Anything you like. If you want some direction, print a short prompt on each card, such as a memory, a wish for the future or some advice. Keep it open, so guests who prefer a simple note can write one.

How many cards or pages do I need?

Count your guests and allow a few spare for mistakes. If you want more than one message per guest, or if children will join in, allow more. Ask your supplier how many extras they recommend, and check delivery times if you need more later.