Traditionally, every wedding had the same type of guest book. They were hardbound (probably ivory-coloured) books filled with crisp white paper that were left on the card table for your guests to write loving messages of congratulations for the happy couple.
But these days there are so many options when it comes to guest books - so here are some of the more alternative choices.
Photo books
Lots of couples opt for
photobooths at their wedding or to have a polaroid camera so they can have snaps of guests pulling funny faces or in fancy dress.
This is a great opportunity to have a different, more relaxed, type of guest book, as friends and family can stick the amusing picture of themselves in a scrapbook then scribble a lovely (or funny) note next to their photo.
Signing mounting boards
If you don't think your guests are the kind to write gushing notes to you and your spouse, why not opt for a mounting board for them to sign? You could put one of your engagement photos in a large mount, leaving enough room for all your loved ones to write their name, and a little message if they want.
This is a great way for you to see all your guests' names in one place. And you can be even more adventurous with the type of object you choose to have signed - with everything from vases to guitars being popular choices!
Postcards
This is a great idea for weddings with a travel theme, as you can get your guests to write a postcard and either leave it in an old-fashioned suitcase on your gift table or slip it in a photo album, so you can see both the front and back of the postcard when you look at it in years to come.
Fingerprint tree
Fingerprint trees are growing in popularity, so maybe it's something you should consider for your Big Day? You buy a pretty sketched picture of a tree, then get your guests to leave their fingerprint on the branches. Again, it's a lovely way to see all your guests' markings in one place.
Or, you could just pass it round relatives to create an authentic family tree, which will be a nice memento to keep.
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Heart-shaped messages
Another great 'guest book' you can find involves a large frame, lots of wooden hearts and a pen. Your friends and family sign their name and short message on one of the hearts and then slip it into the frame.
Once all the guests have written something, the frame will be full of pretty little hearts and you have something to hang in your marital home.
Washing lines
Also popular is the 'washing line guest book', which sees guests leave a congratulatory note or words of advice on to a piece of paper and attaching it to a string hung up at the wedding, providing instant decoration and personality to your venue.
Tree hangings
Very similar is the idea of hanging messages on a tree - either a real one outside your venue, weather permitting, or a wish tree you can hire for your card table. You can decorate these as you like, getting butterfly-shaped pieces of card for the messages if you wish, or hanging them in a birdcage if you'd prefer.
Pebbles
If you're having a seaside-themed wedding, a great idea is to give out pebbles to your friends and family for them to write on. You can then store them in a glass vase and place on your mantle piece.
Coasters
One way to attract your guests' attention to the 'guest book' is to get them to write their messages on special coasters you place around the venue. They can't fail to notice these and hopefully they'll fill them in before their drinks soak through the paper!
These are just a few alternative ways you can have a guest book at your wedding. For more ideas, check out our list of stationers and reception decor suppliers who can help you to bring your ideas to life.
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