Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Wedding Ceremony & Reception
  4. Wedding Décor & Details
  5. Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas That Aren't Actually Books
Martha Stewart Weddings

Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas That Aren't Actually Books

Skip gallery slides
Pin
susan-cartter-wedding-guestbook-008446016-s111503-0914.jpg
Credit: Odalys Mendez

Surprise attendees with one of these creative and personalized guest book alternatives.

Start Slideshow

1 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
susan-cartter-wedding-guestbook-008446016-s111503-0914.jpg
Credit: Odalys Mendez
Get More Ideas for Your Wedding Details

When it comes to your wedding reception, you don't have to do everything by the book—especially when it comes to the guest book. Let's say you want to collect something from each guest, but a standard album doesn't suit your vision. Instead of settling for bound pages that you fear will collect dust, take a cue from the many couples who've put a creative spin on tradition. You can still gather messages in a way that feels true to you and your event, as the following examples of guest book alternatives go to show.

A unique wedding guest book—or should we say "book"—can take many forms. We've seen everything from trees to globes used in lieu of the typical item. As you'll see ahead, there are tons of options, which means you can find something that suits your celebration's theme. Aside from the medium you use, you can also have fun with what you ask revelers to share. While some opt for just signatures or well-wishes and others think of something even more unique, like questions for everybody to answer, requesting ideas for future vacations, or even advice to help them through the toughest moments in a marriage. The following ideas highlight all these possibilities and so many more. 

Puzzles, postcards, picture frames—you name it, we've spotlighted it ahead. No matter what you choose for your own celebration, make it feel personalized to your relationship and nuptials. A custom wedding guest "book" is bound to be remembered and will make a fun addition to your home after the big day.

1 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Globe

guest book globe gold black signatures
Credit: Brandon Kidd Photography

A Good Affair grabbed this globe from Anthropologie for guests to sign at this wedding.

2 of 38

3 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Bucket List

guest book bucket list table sign
Credit: Flora + Fauna

These two asked guests to "leave a note, an idea, a plan, but most importantly, an adventure," for their bucket list-themed setup.

3 of 38

Advertisement

4 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Typewriter

wedding guest book
Credit: Bonnie Sen Photography

"We wanted something our guests could interact with that was old and vintage," this bride shared of her "book"—a typewriter attendees could jot notes down with.

4 of 38

5 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Postcards

guest book post cards mailbox table
Credit: Birds of a Feather

Lady Liberty Events executed this travel-themed station, which featured Prim & Pixie postcards of different locations the couple wanted to visit. Guests chose their top recommendation, wrote a note, and stuck the cards in the mailbox.

5 of 38

6 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Silhouettes

guest book welcome mirror wooden silhouettes
Credit: onelove photography

This couple loved silhouettes—so much so that they incorporated their own into various aspects of their wedding. That included their guest "book:" two wooden heads for revelers to write on.

6 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Record

guest book record player signature
Credit: Anastasiia Photography
See More Wedding Ideas That Honor Hobbies and Interests

Love music? Have guests sign a record, like planner Kelly McWilliams did here.

7 of 38

8 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Activity

balloon paint wedding guest book
Credit: Studio Ohlala
Get More Balloon Wedding Ideas

For this celebration, Call Me Madame had the genius idea to set up a guest "book" artwork station. Attendees threw darts at these balloons and the paint inside them decorated the canvas.

8 of 38

9 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Book Cards

guest book library book cards table
Credit: Caroline Lima Photography
Get More Reading-Inspired Wedding Ideas

This librarian bride opted for library book-themed cards in lieu of a standard guest book. Kast Events & Company coordinated the display.

9 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Corks

guest book wine cork signatures vase glass
Credit: Amy Arrington Photography

Celebrate your passion for vino by asking revelers to sign wine corks.

10 of 38

11 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Hearts

guest book hearts glass box
Credit: Ether and Smith
Get More Heart-Shaped Wedding Ideas

At this celebration, guest signed hearts laser-cut by Letters to You.

11 of 38

12 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Buoy

guest book buoy lifegard signatures red
Credit: Jodi & Kurt Photography
See More Beach Wedding Ideas

This bride and groom met while the groom was lifeguarding. To honor their relationship's origin, he had attendees sign his rescue device.

12 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fabric

wedding guestbook
Credit: Lucky Malone Photography

Consider having celebrants sign pieces of fabric, which you can later stitch together for a quilt, or in this couple's case, a Christmas tree skirt!

13 of 38

14 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Furniture

guest book signature wooden chair furnature
Credit: Michael + Anna Costa

A signed piece of furniture can be a welcome addition to your newlywed home.

14 of 38

15 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Locks

guest book locks keys display
Credit: Paul Francis Photography

In honor of her husband's heritage (he's from France), this bride thought to use love locks instead of a traditional guest book. Celebrants sealed their notes to this display.

15 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Map

guest book watercolor map
Credit: Sally Pinera

Another travel-themed idea? Have everyone leave well-wishes on a custom map.

16 of 38

17 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blocks

guest book jenga blocks candlesticks
Credit: Stacy Hart
See More Games at Weddings

This bride decided to use Jenga blocks for a fun wedding guest "book."

17 of 38

18 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Christmas Ornaments

guest book christmas ornaments balls
Credit: Weddings by Nicola and Glen
Get More Christmas Wedding Ideas

For a holiday-inspired celebration, try Christmas ornaments. You can hang your loved ones' messages up for years and years to come.

18 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Puzzle

guest book heart lock wooden puzzle pieces
Credit: Yvonne Lishman

Each attendee can sign a piece, which can then become the perfect game for your coffee table. This one was by Create Gift Love.

19 of 38

20 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Paddle

jamie-ryan-wedding-oar-102-s111523-0914.jpg
Credit: Max Wanger

Woodworker Chris Kitchens handcrafted an oar for guests to sign at this wedding. Instructions were set out encouraging people to leave their mark for the couple as they navigate the waters of life together.

20 of 38

21 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Dictionary

lindsay-andy-wedding-guestbook-4448-s111659-1114.jpg
Credit: Alison Conklin

At this celebration, friends and family signed a century-old dictionary with colored pencils and flagged encouraging words with rainbow-hued tags, creating a meaningful, long-lasting memento for the couple.

21 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Life Ring

molly-greg-wedding-guestbook-00073-s111481-0814.jpg
Credit: Echard Wheeler Photography

This couple set out a life ring instead of a traditional guest book for attendees to sign as a keepsake of their beach wedding.

22 of 38

23 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Water Skiis

wedding-guest-book-alternatives-skis-0416.jpg
Credit: Leo Patrone Photography

Since they love to water ski, this couple used a pair they found antiquing to serve as their guest book.

23 of 38

24 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Mail

leila-tony-mwds107914-009.jpg
Credit: Jose Villa

Pre-stamped envelopes were set up on this antique writing desk so guests could mail their well-wishes to the couple.

24 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Illustrations

alex-steve-rw0213-434.jpg
Credit: Kirsten Ellis

These newlyweds invited guests to express their creativity using blank cards and colored pens and pencils. 

25 of 38

26 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Message Board

sarah-kelly-big-sur-guestbook-3873-mwd110684.jpg
Credit: Erin Kunkel

The bride's sister created a message board with 30 mini envelopes to hold messages from guests. The brides chose 30 because they plan to read one message a year for the next 30 years of their marriage. On the other side is photo, which is currently displayed in the couple's bedroom.

26 of 38

27 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Anniversary Gift

anna-ania-wedding-books-0504-s112510-0216.jpg
Credit: 3 deseos y medio

This couple planned on opening their "guest book" on on their fifth anniversary. Each card was placed in a tin box and asked the question: "Do you think we will manage to wait five years to read this? Mark yes or no."

27 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Scroll

julie-chris-wedding-certificate-1785-s12649-0216.jpg
Credit: Josh Gruetzmacher

Instead of a guest book, the couple's vows, wedding date, and signatures of all the guests were put on a scroll, which is now matted and framed in the couple's home.

28 of 38

29 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Activity

lucy-robie-wd-1111-0063.jpg
Credit: Ashley Garmon

The graphic artist behind WeCan, Ok!, created an "I remember when ... " template for guests to fill in fun stories and memories about the bride and groom. The papers were attached to hanging ribbons and displayed at the reception. 

29 of 38

30 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Booklets

lisa-rory-rw-374.jpg

At this event, small booklets filled with questions about the couple were set at each table for guests to pass around and fill out during the reception. 

30 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

31 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Canvas

lisa-david-rw0513-0836.jpg
Credit: Katie Stoops

This bride's brother painted a canvas black and guests used gold pens to write out their sentiments. The couple kept the board and hung it in the lounge of their home. 

31 of 38

32 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Poster

katie-thomas-rw1013-050.jpg
Credit: Charlie Juliet Photography

A poster designed by the bride incorporated this wedding's colors and took the place of a traditional guest book. It was printed on archival paper with UV-resistant inks to ensure it lasts well beyond the wedding date. 

32 of 38

33 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Questionnaire

real-wedding-summer-bryanjenhuangsummerreshoot-51-ds111116.jpg
Credit: Jen Huang

Guests at this wedding filled out Mad Libs-style cards printed with such prompts as "In 15 years, the couple will likely be ..." instead of a guest book.

33 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

34 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Picture Frame

kristen-jonathan-wedding-frame-1549-s112193-1015.jpg
Credit: Millie Holloman

This groom's father made a frame out of recycled wood for guests to sign at the beginning of the reception. It framed a typography print of all the places the couples' families have lived, starting with their grandparents' generation.

34 of 38

35 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Wine Bottle

jessica-andrew-rw0712-0556.jpg
Credit: Lisa Lefkowitz

For their Napa Valley wedding, this couple had their guests write special notes on large bottles of locally-produced Duckhorn wine.

35 of 38

36 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ballot Box

guestbook-on-white-table-3-mwd110629.jpg
Credit: Abby Jiu Photography

In honor of their DC wedding, this couple created a ballot box for guests to drop notes into. The box was printed with the couple's motto, "everything always works out."

36 of 38

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

37 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Artwork

aiasha-charles-wedding-guestbook-0514.jpg
Credit: Olivia Leigh Photographie

The couple used the same painted artwork of the church that was used in their programs in a framed and matted display at the reception. Guests signed the frame, and it now hangs in the couple's home.

37 of 38

38 of 38

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Tree

wedding-guest-book-alternative-olive-tree-messages-0416.jpg
Credit: Gia Canali

This wedding encouraged guests to hang tags with well-wishes and marriage advice from an olive tree. Create something similar, collect the notes, and then plant the tree in your yard.

38 of 38

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    • Dinner and a Show: This 3-Day Wedding in France Ended With an Epic String Concert
    • 15 City Hall Wedding Dresses and Jumpsuits for Your Courthouse Ceremony
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 38
    2 of 38 Globe
    3 of 38 Bucket List
    4 of 38 Typewriter
    5 of 38 Postcards
    6 of 38 Silhouettes
    7 of 38 Record
    8 of 38 Activity
    9 of 38 Book Cards
    10 of 38 Corks
    11 of 38 Hearts
    12 of 38 Buoy
    13 of 38 Fabric
    14 of 38 Furniture
    15 of 38 Locks
    16 of 38 Map
    17 of 38 Blocks
    18 of 38 Christmas Ornaments
    19 of 38 Puzzle
    20 of 38 Paddle
    21 of 38 Dictionary
    22 of 38 Life Ring
    23 of 38 Water Skiis
    24 of 38 Mail
    25 of 38 Illustrations
    26 of 38 Message Board
    27 of 38 Anniversary Gift
    28 of 38 Scroll
    29 of 38 Activity
    30 of 38 Booklets
    31 of 38 Canvas
    32 of 38 Poster
    33 of 38 Questionnaire
    34 of 38 Picture Frame
    35 of 38 Wine Bottle
    36 of 38 Ballot Box
    37 of 38 Artwork
    38 of 38 Tree

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    Unique Wedding Guest Book Ideas That Aren't Actually Books
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.