If you’ve attended as many weddings as I have, you've probably gotten into the routine of arriving at the venue and immediately signing the guest book. Guest books are such an important piece of memorabilia for couples to have! It can also provide guests the opportunity to leave a sweet note for the couple that they may not have the chance to share during the wedding itself. 

As you begin planning all the little details that will bring your wedding day to life, I challenge you to think outside of the box for a few of the items on your list! Today I want to give you a few ideas for guest book alternatives aside from the traditional physical photo book. At first glance you may wonder how in the world your guests will know what to do with some of these suggestions. That is why I recommend assigning a family member or close friend the very important job of “Guest Book Attendant.” This should be someone who is outgoing, friendly, and willing to stand out and essentially greet your guests! As guests arrive this designated person will encourage them to sign or participate in your guest book. The #1 reason why I recommend having an attendant is that I’ve seen guest books go almost entirely empty at weddings which is such a shame! 

Capture It

Polaroid Guest Book

Polaroids have been having a moment since 2014 — and I’m not complaining! There is something so fun about the instant-photo and it is a wonderful guest book alternative. You can have this at the entrance of your wedding, during cocktail hour, or even at your reception! Allow your guests the time to take a fun photo selfie and write their name, date, and a fun memory or saying. As you look back on the collection of polaroid’s that were gathered on your wedding day, you not only will enjoy some laughs but it also acts as a time machine! Years from now when you share with your kids photos from your wedding, they’ll also get to see photos of your friends and family as well!

Coffee Table Book

Designing your new home? Have a favorite destination you like to visit as a couple? Or… just love coffee table books!? Go ahead and use one as your guest book! This is a great way to give guests an insight into some of your favorite things and a wonderful addition to your collection. Coffee table books provide tons of space for guests to fill with sweet messages and will act as a wonderful conversation starter in the years to come. 

Write It

Postcards & Sweet Notes

Recently I’ve seen many clients opt to have a “drop box” guest book where they have notecards and pens set out for guests along with a prompt of what they wish for their guests to write to them. This can be anything from recommendations in your first year of marriage to date night ideas, and more! Your guests will have a blast coming up with ideas for you to dive into on your 1-year, 5-year, or 10-year anniversary! Add another personal touch to this by customizing your drop box so it is cohesive with your wedding theme or something that you may end up utilizing in your first home as newlyweds.

Perpetual Calendar 

Do you often forget friends’ and family members' birthdays? Here’s your cheat sheet: your wedding guest book is also a perpetual calendar. Ask your guests to write their name on their birth date and you’ll have the most convenient guest book of all time, haha! 

Wooden Sign

If you want to have a guest book that will also act as some beautiful custom decor, consider another great guest book alternative: a wooden sign! You can have these customized to display your names and wedding date, a favorite quote, your monogram, or something else. Guests can sign the front of the board surrounding the custom wording OR if you don’t want the writing to distract from the sign itself, have guests sign the back! That way it isn’t standing out as it’s hanging in your home but when you feel the need to check in on the sentimental notes you can just pop it off the wall and take a peek!

Listen To It

Favorite Record

One of my absolute favorite guest book alternatives I’ve seen recently was a couple who used the Folklore vinyl! And maybe that’s my inner Swiftie coming out but I thought it was just SO cute. Music is a beautiful thing that can bond two individuals in unimaginable ways, so it makes complete sense why some people would use an album they love as their guest book! Whether it’s the album your first dance song is on, one that reminds you of your relationship, or just the album you two love the most — there are so many options! 

Answering Machine

I mayyyy have saved the best idea for last — answering machines! This is a new trend that is for sure going to BLOW UP this year. Brian and I have decided to get After The Tone for our wedding and we could not be more excited. Essentially the way this works is you receive a vintage telephone that is set up to “accept messages after the tone.” Your guests can then go ahead and leave a message about whatever they want; typically these messages are then transferred onto a hard drive for you to have and listen to. I find this to audio guestbook alternative to be such a fun, and funny way to remember your guests and your wedding day!

Traditional guest books are still 100% in style, and a timeless addition to any wedding. But, if you want to have a memorable experience on your wedding day I hope you consider some of these alternate ideas for your guest book! Consider if you want your guests to capture, write, or provide you with something to listen to, as you decide what your guest book is going to be. 

For more helpful wedding planning resources and fun ideas, check out the blog! If you are looking for a photographer to capture your Oregon wedding — reach out! I can’t wait to get to know your love story.