- Wedding Reception Ideas
By
Mckenzie Eggers
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/HIHeadshotEggers-723655060d83431398a6299c5816c593.jpg "From Classic Handmade Designs to Non-Traditional Ideas, These Wedding Guest Books Are Perfect Big Day Mementos (1)")
Mckenzie Eggers
Mckenzie is a freelance writer with over seven years of experience. She covers gifts and registry for Brides.
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Updated on 10/18/23 06:52PM
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The guests that come to celebrate you and your partner on your wedding day are a huge part of what makes it so special. That’s why it’s important to pick the right wedding guest book.Wedding planner and writer Jason Kahn prefers guest books that give your loved ones the “freedom to be creative with what they want to write rather than ones formatted as a ledger.” He suggests that “when choosing a guest book, the couples should consider how it will look in their home.” There’s also the question of whether or not you're looking for a traditional, ledger-style guest book, or, like Kahn, you prefer a sign-in method that’s a little out-of-the-ordinary. For a more unusual option, he suggests “a piece of art that is significant to the couple’s story—like a globe if they love to travel or a wine barrel or case from their favorite varietal.” To help you find the perfect guest book, we’ve researched the best options that are available on the market right now. In our search, we looked out for traditional bound books, sign-in décor, and out-of-the-box alternatives. Our conclusion? There's something for every style and wedding theme. In This Article Our Picks What To Look For FAQ Why Trust Brides With this guest book, you can give your loved ones something gorgeous to look at while they sign in. Inside, ultra-thick pages full of your best engagement and candid photos together are arranged in signature-friendly layouts. Plus, fabric binding, foil-stamped text, and lay-flat pages ensure that this high-quality guest book will last until death do you part, no matter how many times you take it out. Material: Fabric | Size: 8.5 x 8.5, 8.25 x 11, 10 x 10, 12 x 12, 14 x 11 inches | Number of Pages: 20-90 If you’re renting a photo booth for your wedding day, this guest book is picture-perfect for the big moment. The simple yet stunning dusty blue hardcover features metallic foil printing, and the choice of blank pages offers your guests plenty of space to paste goofy photos of themselves. Material: Hardcover | Size: 9 x 6, 10 x 8, 12 x 12 inches | Number of Pages: 50-100 Reading that your guests are ecstatic for you is wonderful, but so is seeing it. Use a Polaroid photo guest book, like this beautiful option, to have the best of both worlds. The Instax has a dedicated selfie mode, which makes it easy for your guests to take and print photos of themselves. Then, they just attach their photo with this guest book’s built-in adhesive strips and write a little note on the lines provided. Material: Fabric | Size: 10 x 7, 11 x 10 inches | Number of Pages: 20-100 Want a guest book so stunning you’ll want to leave it out on the coffee table for all to see? This book’s front cover features a photograph of the two of you, printed on silver halide photo paper and laminated with a glossy finish. You can add photos to the back cover as well (also laminated) and the book has 122 pages, each of which has two lined columns labeled “Names” and “Message” to keep everything neat and organized. Material: Laminated hard cover | Size: 8.1 x 11 inches | Number of Pages: 122 This book’s shimmering, marbled blush cover makes it a wonderful option for a swoon-worthy romantic wedding. The hardcover product is also highly customizable. Your names and wedding date appear on the front, and the text of your choice appears on the spine: “Happily Ever After,” “Our Guestbook” etc. You can also choose lined or blank pages for your guests to leave messages. Material: Hardcover | Size: 9 x 6, 10.5 x 8.25, 12 x 12 inches | Number of Pages: 50-100 Couples who want a unique guest book that can be customized You’re each other’s world, so celebrate that fact by having your guests sign in on this elegant globe. You can personalize both sides with the text of your choice, and at an 8-inch diameter, there’s plenty of space for messages and signatures. The globe’s lovely gold stand and accents make it an excellent decorative piece for your home too! Material: Plastic globe covered with paper, metal stand | Size: 13 x 9 x 8 inches | Number of Pages: N/A If you’ve ever wanted a custom portrait of the two of you, now’s your chance! This sign-in canvas features a digital illustration of you in your wedding attire along with your names and wedding date. Your guests will sign the blank space around your portrait, and you’ll have a meaningful reminder of your big day to hang on your wall. Material: Canvas | Size: 11 x 14, 16 x 20, 16 x 24, 24 x 36 inches | Number of Pages: N/A Those who prefer a keepsake to display Let everyone say just how hard they ship you by leaving fan mail at the sign-in table. These custom mailbox decals (two are included) are terribly cute, and if you put them on a USPS-approved mailbox, you can keep the decals outside your home later. If you go with plain postcards, your guests will have plenty of space to write and/or paste pictures, but you can also look for some new or vintage postcards that complement the theme of your wedding. Material: Vinyl decals | Size: 12.7 x 6.9 inches | Number of Pages: N/A Casual couples who want to add a bit of fun to the sign-in table This sign-in poster is perfect for the couple whose love was written in the stars. In the center is an image of the night sky as it appeared on a particular day—the day you met or got engaged or, perhaps, your wedding day itself—from a specific location. After your guests sign it, you’ll have a lovely keepsake to display in your home. No star-crossed lovers here! Material: Paper or canvas | Size: 11 x 14, 12 x 18, 16 x 20, 16 x 24, 18 x 24, 20 x 30, 24 x 30, 24 x 36 inches | Number of Pages: 1 If you enjoy nature and minimalistic decor, this lovely guest book is ideal for a spring or summer wedding. The crisp, white hardcover features only your names and wedding date, encircled by an elegant wreath of green foliage. Inside are 96 thick, textured, blank pages, along with a gray ribbon page marker. So sweet and simple! Material: Hardcover with silk finish | Size: 11.25 x 8.5 inches | Number of Pages: 96 If you share a love of Frank Lloyd Wright, geometric designs, or shiny things, this hardcover wedding guest book has your names written all over it. The intricate, gold art deco design on the cover is nothing short of glamorous, and the book contains 128 lined pages and a gold bookmark. Your guests are going to feel like they’ve just walked into The Great Gatsby as they enter your reception. Lovers of architecture and art deco design Is there anyone who doesn’t love tiny envelopes? We think not. There are four small envelopes attached to each page of this book, and each one contains a paper card that your guests will fill out and slip back into the spiral-bound book. Loved ones can get as personal as they want, since no one but you will see what they have to say, and you’ll have so much fun opening each envelope to read their messages. Sentimental couples Looking for something simple and sophisticated? This Italian leather-bound guest book is exactly that. It contains 160 pages of premium, ivory writing paper, and its cover simply reads “Guests” in gold. The book comes in gray, white, and blush, all of which complement practically every wedding color palette. Get your hands on it, pronto! Material: Leather | Size: 8.5 x 6.75 inches | Number of Pages: 169 This tree-shaped puzzle is just the thing for a couple who fits together perfectly. Have each of your guests sign a piece and then have fun reading their well-wishes as you assemble it. Use an adhesive to secure the pieces within the maple border provided and use the attached hangers to display your unique “guest book.” Couples who love puzzles and natural wood materials This heart-shaped display is unbelievably cute–it features a carved wooden frame with an acrylic glass cover. Guests can write short messages on small wooden hearts and drop them through a slot at the top of the frame, where they fall between the wooden back and its glass covering. You can also display the dropbox using the stand included or hang it on the wall so you can glance at your guests’ heartfelt messages whenever you pass by. Sentimental couples who love heart themes and rustic decor These mad-lib-style advice and wishes cards are great for those who need a little help expressing themselves. They come with five prompts, which guests can provide serious or not-so-serious responses to, and there’s a signature line so everyone will remember to add their names. You’re sure to get some good advice and some good laughs out of these. Couples with a sense of humor There’s no better sign-in method for a rustic wedding than this clothesline-style frame. Strings of twine are attached to the interior edges of the frame, and guests use the tiny clothespins and craft paper tags provided to hang notes on them. Friends and family members can also attach photos, flowers, and whatever else they see fit. After the frame is filled, it will make a charming addition to any home. Material: Rustic frame, twine, craft cards, clothespins | Size: 15.75 x 15.75 inches | Number of Pages: 70 cards This full-grain, calf-skin, leather-bound guest book from Marks & Graham exudes style and elegance. There are five colors to choose from (tan, white-gold, white, navy, and black) and 160 lined pages for your guests to put pen to paper. You can add two lines of foil-debossed monogramming to the front of the guest book (up to 48 characters) to commemorate the special day. Material: Leather | Size: 6.75 x 8.5 inches | Number of Pages: 160 The silver gilded edges of this casebound guest book give it an elevated look. There are 120 lined pages in the 7 x 9-inch book for your wedding guests to share their thoughts. The classic style is ideal for couples who like to keep things simple, and the foil stamps on the cover give it a bit of elegance. Couples looking for a simple, budget-friendly guestbook This guest book makes it simple for your guests to add their thoughts to paper with this customizable personalized photo book. In addition to plenty of room for photos of the happy couple, this guest book has space for tips and guided questions for friends and family to answer. You can choose from six sizes and three cover types (soft cover, hardcover, and leather). The cover and each page have gold details. Each standard guest book contains 20 pages, but you can add more by customizing it if needed. Couples who want a customized guest book This sweet guest book from Rifle is sure to win the hearts of couples who love windflowers and nature. The neatly embroidered cloth-covered hardcover guest book is filled with 144 pages for friends and family to leave notes, create drawings, or add photos for the new couple. The book has a lay-flat lining, and each page is half-blank and half-lined. This guest book also includes a grosgrain ribbon bookmark.Couples who love flowers and nature. Material: Cloth covered hardcover with embroidery | Size: 8.25 x 10.25 inches | Number of Pages: 144 Couples who love flowers and nature Giannini Firenze's marbled paper has been a Florence institution since 1856. Bring the brand's legendary artistry —and a touch of la dolce vita —to your guests' fingertips with this hand-finished guest book. With a delicate, marbled pattern on its cover, the tome is filled with lined ivory pages. On each page, guests can leave their name, address, and a special message of amore. Material: Paper | Size: 9.4 x 6.6 x 0.6 inches | Number of Pages: N/A Couples who love Italy and history Traditional with a pop of nautical flair, Smython's leather-bound guest book comes in an oceanic shade. The stately book would meld seamlessly with any event that has a blue-and-white color scheme. With a grosgrain bookmark and 128 gilt-edged pages, the journal is filled with blank paper for guests to fill in as they wish. Couples with a traditional-meets-nautical aesthetic Serena & Lily's dainty guest book is perfect for a beach-bound affair. After all, it has a whimsical design inspired by undulating kelp and ocean waves. Inside, there are 160 gilt-edged pages of acid-free, archival-lined paper. Affixed to the journal is a satin ribbon marker. Material: Linen and blue leather | Size: 8.5 x 6.7 inches | Number of Pages: 160 This Etsy treasure is completely customizable. Couples can emboss the cover with their names or initials in gold, silver, or rose gold. What's more, they can select their own font—and guests can get a little crafty, too, The handmade book has 60 pages of blank paper for guests to draw on, write on, or affix keepsake photos. Material: Fabric, paper, shiny foil | Size: 11.5 x 8.5 inches | Number of Pages: 60 Graphic Image's minimalist guest book has a leather cover with a monochrome look. The word guests appears on the front of the down-to-business book. Inside, 160 pages with gilt edges leave room for guests to jot down their well-wishes. With a versatile feel that makes it suitable for weddings and corporate functions alike, this guest book is perfect for couples who shy away from anything fussy or overtly wedding-y. Material: Leather, acid-free archival lined paper | Size: 8.5 x 6.75 inches | Number of Pages: 160 Couples who favor a minimalist feel This winsome guest book is bound with a pop of patterned color. The front of the book is customizable, leaving room for couples to add their names, wedding date, or whatever they wish. Inside, there are 96 thick, black pages for guests to adorn with messages. The guest book comes with a grey ribbon marker. Material: Hardcover with silk-finish paper, pages inside have an eggshell finish | Size: 11.25 x 8.5 inches | Number of Pages: 96 With a dainty marbled pattern, this guest book has a classic appeal. Couples can opt to personalize the cover with their names, wedding date, and the location of their big event. And on the back cover, there's room for a personalized quotation or even a passage from a favorite book. The guest book comes with a grey ribbon marker, and is stocked with 96 thick pages for well-wishers to scribble down their thoughts. Material: Hardcover with silk-finish paper, pages inside have an eggshell finish | Size: 11.25 x 8.5 inches | Number of Pages: 96 FAQ Is guest book at wedding necessary? A wedding guest book certainly isn't necessary, but it is a nice and meaningful touch to your big day. Not only does it give your guests a chance to share their best wishes and advice, but it will give you and your partner something to cherish forever. You'll be able to flip through the pages and reminisce on this special moment in your lives, including everyone who came to celebrate you, for years to come. What can I use instead of a wedding guest book? If you want to get creative and go with something other than a traditional wedding guest book, there are plenty of other options to choose from. For instance, you might opt for a unique option like a custom globe, advice cards, a custom poster, or a puzzle (to name a few). How many pages should my wedding guest book be? That depends on the number of guests attending the wedding, as well as the style of wedding guest book you decide to go with. Generally, it's a good idea to have about 10 pages per 50 guests. If you include photos in your wedding guest book, you may want to opt for some extra pages so there's plenty of space for everyone to add their pictures and signatures. Mckenzie Eggers is a freelance writer with over seven years of experience. She holds a PhD in English literature from Penn State University and has been writing for Brides since September 2020, covering gifts and registries. Preserving good memories is important to Mckenzie. She knows you want to do everything you can to remember the details of your big day, and she’s carefully selected guest books and guest book alternatives that will help you do just that. Jason Kahn is a wedding planner and author of "Getting Groomed: The Ultimate Wedding Planner For Gay Grooms.":max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/BRI-best-guest-books-4796753-062ad39643804b939f08f08e17d433a1.jpg "From Classic Handmade Designs to Non-Traditional Ideas, These Wedding Guest Books Are Perfect Big Day Mementos (2)")
Who It's For
Couples that want a high-quality photo guest book that can be customized Who It's For
Anyone who wants a personalized guest book with a modern style Who It's For
Couples who love photo booths and instant photos Who It's For
Those looking for an elegant photo and guest book to share with loved ones Who It's For
Selah Grace Designs Custom Calligraphy Wedding Guestbook Globe
Who It's For
Couples who love to travel Who It's For
Who It's For
Who It's For
Couples who love the outdoors or enjoy skywatching Who It's For
Couples who love all things green, including plants
Material: Hardcover | Size: 7.8 x 10.85 inches | Number of Pages: 128 Who It's For
Material: Paper | Size: 8 x 8.27 inches | Number of Pages: 80 cards, 80 envelopes Who It's For
Who It's For
Couples who are looking for a simple, elegant option
Material: Maple plywood | Size: 24 x 20 inches | Number of Pages: N/A Who It's For
Material: Plywood, acrylic | Size: 15 x 12, 16.8 x 13, 20 x 15.5, 21.5 x 16.7, 23.5 x 18.2 inches | Number of Pages: N/A Who It's For
Material: Cardstock paper | Size: 4 x 6 inches | Number of Pages: 50 Who It's For
Who It's For
Casual couples who enjoy keepsake notes Who It's For
Couples with a classic style
Material: Hardcover | Size: 7 x 9 inches | Number of Pages: 120 Who It's For
Material: Soft cover, hardcover, leather cover | Size: 8 x 8, 8 x 11, 10 x 10, 11 x 8, 11 x 14, 12 x 12 inches | Number of Pages: 20 Who It's For
Who It's For
Who It's For
Material: Crossgrain calf leather, white-wove watermarked paper | Size: 10 x 8.5 inches | Number of Pages: 128 Who It's For
Who It's For
Couples who call the beach their "happy place" Who It's For
Couples whose love language is D.I.Y. Who It's For
Who It's For
Couples who prioritize whimsy Who It's For
Literary couples who love the classics What to Look For in a Wedding Guest Book
Why Trust Brides
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