Creating A Wedding Guest Book: Tips And Tricks

A wedding guest book is a great way to capture and celebrate the love and support of your guests, giving them a space to leave their best thoughts, memories, and advice for your new life together. While a traditional guest book is a book where guests can sign their names, you can make the experience more creative and memorable by using alternative items such as a globe, a typewriter, a record, a custom map, a jigsaw puzzle, or a photo book. You can also involve your guests in creative ways, such as by asking them to choose a word from a dictionary that makes them think of you or by providing prompts that encourage their creativity.

Choosing a theme and format

The guest book is an important part of your wedding, but it doesn't have to be boring! You can get creative and make it a fun and interactive experience for your guests. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Interactive and Unique Formats

• If you're looking for something interactive, consider setting up a typewriter for guests to type out their messages. It's a unique twist on the traditional guest book and adds a vintage flair to your wedding.
• For a fun DIY project, gather fabric squares in your favourite patterns and provide permanent markers for guests to write their messages. After the wedding, sew the fabric squares together to create a quilt that will be a cherished keepsake.
• A globe guest book is perfect if you're looking for something out of the ordinary. Ask guests to sign the globe and even add their well wishes for your future adventures.
• A puzzle guest book is another unique idea. Each guest can sign a puzzle piece, and you can put it together as a fun activity on your anniversary.
• If you're musically inclined, consider using a guitar as your guest book. Ask your guests to write their messages directly on the guitar for a guest book that doubles as a decorative piece.

Photo-Centric Themes

• Create a photo book where guests can snap a Polaroid picture of themselves and then write a personal message next to it. It's a fun way to capture memories and see who attended your special day.
• Display your favourite photos from throughout your relationship and ask each guest to choose a photo and write a message on the back. It's a wonderful way to showcase your journey as a couple and involve your guests.
• Take the photo booth to the next level by creating a video booth! Guests can record their well wishes and messages, and you'll have a fun video compilation to look back on.

Nature-Inspired Ideas

• For a rustic wedding, consider using a tree slice as your guest book. Guests can sign the slice with permanent markers, and you can even add your wedding date and decorations using a wood-burning kit.
• If you're having a beach wedding, ask your guests to sign a surfboard! It's a fun and unique way to incorporate your theme into your guest book.
• A thumbprint guest book is an interactive way to involve your guests. They can add their thumbprints as "leaves" to a tree and then sign their names next to their fingerprints.

Remember, the key is to choose a theme and format that reflects your personality and interests as a couple. Get creative and think outside the box to make your guest book memorable and fun for your guests!

Gathering photos and materials

Photos

If you want to include photos in your guest book, start by collecting a variety of images that showcase your relationship. These can be engagement photos, milestone moments, or any pictures that evoke emotion and special memories. Ask your friends and family to contribute as well – they might have some hidden gems that you can include. Set a deadline for them to send you their photos via text, email, Dropbox, or Google Photos.

Materials

The materials you need for your guest book will depend on the type of book you want to create. Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Fabric squares: Gather fabric in your chosen colours or patterns, and provide permanent markers for guests to write their messages. After the wedding, sew the squares together to create a quilt.
• Puzzle: A jigsaw puzzle makes a unique guest book that you can take apart and put back together on each anniversary.
• Polaroid pictures: Set up a photo area where guests can take Polaroid pictures of themselves. They can then stick these pictures into your guest book and write a personal message next to it.
• Postcards: If you're having a destination wedding, gather postcards from a local gift shop. Ask your guests to write their well wishes on the back.
• Records: Collect records of your favourite songs and have your guests sign them.
• Corks: Perfect for a vineyard wedding, gather wine corks for your guests to sign and then display them in a shadow box.
• Wooden items: For a rustic wedding, use a tree slice, a wooden oar, or a pair of antique water skis as your guest book. Guests can sign their names and leave messages directly on the wood.
• Paper: If you prefer a more traditional approach, opt for a bound book with blank or themed pages. You can also provide blank cards and coloured pens or pencils for guests to express their creativity.

Selecting paper and pen types

Paper Types:

• When creating a custom wedding guest book, you can choose between two types of paper for the interior pages: Lustre Photo Paper and Superfine Eggshell Paper.
• Lustre Photo Paper has a light sheen, similar to a traditional photo print.
• Superfine Eggshell Paper has a textured, matte finish. This option is generally considered better for both photos and handwritten notes, as it produces sharper results.
• If you want to include photos in your guest book, consider choosing a paper type that will complement the images and ensure they look their best.

Pen Types:

• A fine-point pen is the best choice for a guest book, as it provides enough space for guests to write their messages and ensures the ink dries quickly.
• Slick Writer Pens are a good option as they are quick-drying and do not typically bleed through the paper.
• Felt-tip pens are recommended for matte paper, but ballpoint pens can also be used for either paper type.
• If you want to include photos in your guest book, it is important to choose a pen that will not smudge or damage the images.

Remember to consider the overall look and feel you want to achieve with your guest book, and choose paper and pen types that align with your vision.

Adding interactive elements

Typewriter Notes:

Set up a vintage typewriter at your wedding and invite guests to type out their messages, wishes, or advice. This idea adds a unique, old-school twist to the traditional guest book. You can even provide different coloured ribbons or strings for guests to tie around their typed notes, adding a decorative element.

Polaroid Photo Book:

Turn a plain book into a photo book by providing Polaroid cameras for guests to snap pictures of themselves. They can then paste their photos into the book and write a personal message next to it. This idea captures fun memories and creates a unique keepsake for the happy couple.

Message in a Bottle:

Repurpose empty wine bottles and create a "message in a bottle" guest book. Guests can choose when they want the couple to read their message by placing it in a specific bottle. Seal the bottles at the end of the night, and the couple can open them on future anniversaries.

Thumbprint Tree:

For a rustic wedding, use a tree slice as your guest book and have guests add their "leaves" with ink thumbprints. They can then sign their names next to their fingerprints. This creates a beautiful visual representation of all the guests who attended the wedding.

String Art:

Create a string art design, such as the couple's initials or a heart shape, and ask guests to sign their well wishes around it. This adds a creative and interactive element to your guest book, resulting in a meaningful keepsake.

Bucket List Adventures:

Encourage guests to contribute to the couple's bucket list by leaving a note with an adventure idea or future vacation plan. This interactive element adds a fun twist to the traditional guest book and provides the couple with exciting ideas for their future together.

Binding the guest book

Binding your guest book is a crucial step in ensuring it lasts for years to come. Here are some tips and ideas for binding your wedding guest book:

Postbound Method

The postbound method is a popular choice for binding a wedding guest book. This method involves using posts or screws to bind the pages together. You can find postbound guest books at craft stores or online, or you can make your own by purchasing the necessary supplies. This method allows for easy customisation and provides a secure way to bind your guest book.

Sewing or Stitching

If you're looking for a more rustic or handmade feel, consider binding your guest book by sewing or stitching the pages together. This technique can be time-consuming but adds a unique and personal touch. You can use fabric squares or pieces of material to create a quilt-like effect, with each square containing messages from your guests. This method ensures your guest book lies flat when open and creates a durable keepsake.

Gluing

For a simple and cost-effective binding method, gluing is an option. You can use a strong adhesive to attach the pages of your guest book to a spine, creating a secure and permanent bond. This technique is straightforward and can be done with basic supplies, making it an accessible choice. However, gluing may not be as durable as other methods over time.

Spiral Binding

Spiral binding is another popular choice for wedding guest books. This method involves using plastic or metal coils to bind the pages together. Spiral binding allows the book to lay flat and makes it easy to turn the pages. You can find spiral-bound guest books at stationery stores or online, or you can have it professionally bound. This method offers a modern and sleek look to your guest book.

Hardcover Binding

For a more traditional and elegant approach, consider hardcover binding. This method involves attaching the pages of your guest book to a hard cover, creating a sturdy and durable final product. You can choose from various materials for the cover, such as fabric or leather, and even add personalisation such as your names or wedding date. Hardcover binding is a timeless option that will showcase your guest book as a cherished keepsake.

Remember, when binding your guest book, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding, as well as the number of guests you expect to attend. Choose a binding method that reflects your personality and ensures the longevity of your precious memories.

Frequently asked questions