My Favorite Things: Unique Guest Books

If you know me, or are getting to know me through this blog, you should know that I'm all for taking the normal/more traditional elements of a wedding and spicing them up a bit by trying something new, different, or just plain unique. Today I'm highlighting a few images that should inspire you to do something new with your guestbook.

This image below is a poster, custom designed by the couple to match their stationery suite. Guests were able to sign the poster as they picked up their escort cards, and once the wedding was over, the couple was able to frame it and keep it as a reminder of that special day.


I had a similar idea when I was planning my wedding. For our engagement photos (seen here) we incorporated the use of umbrellas from Bella Umbrella in most of our shots. I was planning on putting them all into a framed collage with a statement in the middle like, "Life may bring you rain, but always remember that afterward it brings the Rainbow" and then having guests sign around the frame border. This was a great way to use our engagement shots, while also tying into our wedding.

Below is a great idea for the musically inclined. I've seen a few weddings where they've used a guitar as the guest book. What a great way to note something of personal interest to the bride and/or groom while also creating a great focal point for the wedding. Why not frame it on the wall later in your office? Or should you choose to continue using it, you'll continuously be reminded of that great day while you play.

I always suggest people personalize their wedding in every way possible with things that mean something to them. So for me, I've sometimes pictured a ballet-inspired wedding (more in palatte than actual theme) because I grew up as a dancer, but a great way to incorporate my passion for dance if I were to have "that wedding" would be to take an old pair of pointe shoes and have guests sign them. So think of things you could use which would create the same idea.


For the foodie or interior designer I love the next idea. I would suggest picking out all of the plates for the collage first, but then making sure you have a few with plenty of open white space for writing. Then after the wedding, simply reassemble the collage on a wall in your kitchen. It then becomes a great piece of art which also reminds you of the marriage that began your home and your family.

Now for the more adventurous couples out there, you can go to the extreme. This couple took an old truck and used it as the guest book. I mean it's certainly a focal piece and it will certainly set the tone for a backyard country wedding, not to mention probably garner you some praise in a local magazine...but it isn't necessarily practical. Unless you're planning to store the truck in an old barn and come out to view it on occasion, I don't know that it's worth the cost (unless well you picked it up for next to nothing). You could continue to drive it, but don't be surprised if you get a few weird looks the next time you're in the parking lot. So overall this isn't for the faint of heart but for those looking for over-the-top, take a hint from this couple and GO BIG.

If you've done something unique for your own guest book, feel free to email it to me at triedandtrueweddings@gmail.com and I might highlight it in my next guest book post.

Happy Planning!

~A