GUESTBOOK ALTERNATIVES
If you’re planning an event, a question you’ve probably asked is “do people even do guestbooks anymore?” The answer is YES! Guestbooks have morphed into something so much more than just a simple white book with lines that everyone signs their names in though. Guestbooks have become a fun way to show the personality of the couple or guest of honor, as well as a great way to tie in the theme of an event. Here are just a few of our favorite guestbook alternatives to add to your next event! If you have a fun idea, let us know, we’d love to add it to the list!
Globes - “You Mean the World to Us” or “Love Makes the World Go Around” - Have guests sign a globe that you’ll be able to display after your wedding or event.
Date Night Idea Cards - Have guests write their favorite date night experience for the couple to try. Couples, be sure to share photos from your date nights when you plan each of those dates for yourselves with the guests that recommended it.
Polaroid Camera Guestbook
Bucket List Ideas - Have guests write an adventure for the guest of honor or couple to complete in their lifetime and ask them to share photos of their experiences as they complete each adventure.
Whiskey Barrel Top for guests to sign
Sitting Bench - Ask guests to sign an unsealed bench that you can then seal after and use or display.
Quilt Squares - Ask guests to sign a quilt square (solid colors are best) and then have a quilter combine all of the pieces, along with additional colored or patterned pieces for a guestbook that will be enjoyed for years to come.
Frame your favorite photo of the guest of honor or couple and have guests sign the mat around the photo. After the event, put the glass back in the frame and display it.
Calendar Guestbook - Ask guests to add their birthdays, anniversaries, and well wishes. Etsy has several creators that make wedding and event-specific options.
“For the record” or “Can we have your autograph” - Ask guests to sign a favorite vinyl record to display after
Sports Jersey - Ask guests to sign a jersey from a favorite sports team
Recipes - Ask guests to share their favorite recipe and include well wishes on the recipe card so they’ll see it each time they pull that card out.
Jenga - Ask guests to sign their names and/or write well wishes on individual Jenga pieces.
Fire Helmet or Racing Helmet - Ask guests to sign a retired fire or racing helmet to display after.
Unsealed Porch Swing - Ask guests to sign an unsealed porch swing and once the event is over, have it stained and hung.
Photo Booth - These are so fun! Most photo booth companies allow for the guests to receive one copy and a second to be printed for your guestbook. Copies can also be sent to guests digitally.
Google Voice - Sign up for a free Google Voice telephone number. Ask guests to call and listen to your welcome greeting, then leave well wishes on a voicemail. Afterward, download each of the messages. These messages could also be shared with your videographer to include in your wedding video.
Puzzle - Ask guests to sign the back of a puzzle piece or purchase a blank puzzle. After the event, enjoy the time putting the puzzle together and reading everyone’s well wishes. Seal/glue, and frame.
Corn Hole Boards - Ask guests to sign unsealed corn hole boards and then after the event, seal and enjoy for years to come.
Animal Skull - If you are an avid hunter or your home is decorated with a western theme, this might be perfect! Ask guests to sign the skull of a steer, cow, or larger animal to be able to display after.
Watercolor - There are a few companies out there that you can send a photo of your venue, you as a couple, and/or your dress, and they will create a watercolor photo for you before your event. Once you receive it back, ask guests to sign in the white space for a beautiful piece of art to display after.
Bible - Ask guests to highlight their favorite bible verses and then write well wishes in the margins.
Fingerprint Tree
Guitar - Ask guests to sign a guitar that you’ll be able to display after.
Telephone recording - Ask guests to record their well wishes on the provided phone. Companies will then merge the well wishes and send them to the guest of honor or couple in 4-6 weeks typically digitally, on USB, or vinyl. A few companies to check out for this are After the Tone & FeteFone.
Faux Tree - Ask guests to write their well wishes on a tag that can then be hung on the branches of the tree to be displayed.
Rustic Heart Drop - Ask guests to write their well wishes on each heart and then slide them into the display box (Available on Amazon).
Post Cards - Collect old antique postcards, or postcards from locations that are special to your guest of honor, couple, or guests. Ask guests to write their well wishes on the back and then place cards in an album.
Memory Rocks - Ask guests to write their well wishes on a memory rock or stone and then place them into a basket, vase, or dish.
Time Capsule - Have a few different jars or wine bottles with the numbers 1, 5, 10, and 20 on them. Ask guests to write their well wishes and drop them into each jar or bottle that will be sealed until that anniversary date.
Custom Portrait Canvas - Have guests sign a custom portrait of the guest of honor or couple. Etsy has several creators that offer this service, search “Wedding Portrait Alternative.”
