The content in this blog post first appeared in my monthly newsletter in August of 2025. Sign up here for first access to more content like this!
Hi Friend!
It’s August already, and I’m trying to just enjoy these last weeks of summer and warmth while I can instead of complaining that it’s so hot (and it is soooo hot!). This month I’m looking forward to resting and relaxing after being pretty busy last month with company and traveling, and hopefully one or two days kayaking at the lake.
Today’s newsletter is all about “guest books”. I use that term loosely because, and I think by this time we all know this, your guest book doesn’t have to be a book at all! I’ve been seeing a lot of really cute options lately and I am here to give you some inspiration because I know what it feels like to be stuck on something that seems like it should be so simple, yet nothing you’re coming up with feels right.
Alternative Guest Book Ideas
Guest BOOK With A Twist
Vintage Typewriter Message
I recently saw a vintage typewriter set up in a stationary store that patrons could use to type out a letter. It is such a cute concept, and I immediately thought what a cute idea it would be for a wedding guest book! Especially when paired with a Polaroid photo (although to be honest I think everything is cute when paired with a Polaroid photo). Very retro. Very cool.
Polaroid + Memory Card
Remember what I said about everything being cute with a Polaroid photo? Yeah. And having all your guests write out their favorite memory of you? Priceless.
I actually did this for my dad’s 70th birthday party guest book, and it turned out really great! I bought a photo album specifically for Polaroids (be sure you know what size Polaroid camera you’ll be using) and cut some card stock to the same size as the Polaroid film, and then I just paired each card with the photo of the guest that wrote it. Some people didn’t take a photo, and some people didn’t fill out a card, but in the end we ended up with a book that represented everyone who was at the party, and I know my dad will treasure that memento forever!
Recipe Card
Okay, I’m obsessed with the idea of collecting all your guests’ deepest darkest secrets in the form of their most sacred family recipes. This one does require you to give them a heads up beforehand so that they’ll have the recipe handy when they get to your wedding, but that can easily be communicated via the invitation or your wedding website. Starting your life together with a book filled with awesome recipes is a pretty good sign that you’ve officially made it in life.
Home Decor
Globe
If you are obsessed with travel (like me), this idea is so cute. Some of the inspo I saw on Pinterest said to have your guests sign over the country they think you should visit next or where they think you’re going on your honeymoon, but I honestly don’t even think you need to prompt them to do that. You could just have them sign wherever they want to on the globe, and you will have a pretty awesome statement piece for your home.
Photo Mat
Find a cool piece of art or print a photo from your engagement session that you want to hang on your wall, buy a frame that’s significantly larger than the picture, and then take it to your local craft or frame store to have it matted. Then at your wedding, have your guests sign the mat, and you’ll have a beautiful memory to hang on your wall forever.
This is what I did at my wedding, and I have zero regrets. I had bought a retro Rocky Mountain National Park poster and had it matted, and then I just took the glass out of the frame and had it on an easel at my wedding reception for guests to sign. It hangs on our wall to this day, and I absolutely love it and I love the memories it brings up when I look at it.
Record
What, you don’t have records hanging on your wall as decor? While I didn’t use a record for my guest book, I do have records on my wall and they’re one of my favorite pieces of decor. And if they were signed by my wedding guests? Even better.
I’m sure you could find some custom ones on Etsy or wherever that had your name and wedding date on the album instead of an artist, but even cooler would be to find a few that the color of the label matches the other decor in your home, or perhaps that has your wedding song on it.
Audio Recording
Vintage Phone
This idea has been blowing up lately, but I still think it is so so cool! Vendors have been using vintage rotary dial phones as recording devices for guests to leave a voice message for you. I’ve seen options where you get to take the phone home with you and that’s how you listen to the messages, or they upload to a digital voicemail box and you can listen to the messages online. It’s a really special way to collect messages from your guests that you’ll be able to enjoy forever.
Final Thoughts
I hope this newsletter has given you at least one idea for your wedding guest book! I love putting these kinds of recommendations together because it forces me to think creatively again and also helps me keep up with all the new wedding trends that are going on right now. As always, be sure to sign up for my email list so that you can get access to my wedding planning freebies that are only available to subscribers of this newsletter, with titles like “Sample Wedding Day Timeline”, “Non-Hiking Elopement Location Inspiration”, “Leave No Trace Wedding Guest Guide”, and so many more!
*All my blog posts contain a selection of images that I’ve taken. If you are interested in booking a wedding or session with me, I am more than happy to send you a full gallery upon request!
I’m a wife, a dog mom, a foodie, a wanderer, a registered nurse, and a portraits/elopements/branding photographer … and this blog will cover it all! If you enjoyed this post, first of all thank you, and second of all please follow me on Instagram + Facebook and sign up for my monthly newsletter to get exclusive wedding planning advice and access to all of my new (and old) freebies! If you have any questions about elopement photography, my journey from nursing to photography, or my time spent as a full-time RVer, drop a comment and I just might write a blog post answering your question (but I definitely will)!
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