Couples start to use unique guest books

Kelby Wingert/Iowa State Daily

While many couples chose to keep the traditional wedding guestbook, others want to branch out to other, more original ideas for their wedding. Some couples choose alternative guest books such as photo frames, rock benches or even a canvas tree. 

Samantha Berrafato

The big day is coming up and only a few more details need worked out. The flowers are ordered and centerpieces designed. Now it is time to work out the guestbook details.

A traditional guest book that is used is a book in which guests can write messages and sign their name with good wishes for the bride and groom. There are a few ways to make your guestbook unique and fun for your guests.

Couples today want their guestbook to be something they can either display or use on a regular basis that will remind them of their special day. One way people have done this is by having their guests sign a painted canvas that they can display in their home or having a canvas with a tree and empty branches so the guests can use ink to put their thumbprint and signature by it.

Sometimes couples want to have something they can use, they will have their guests sign Jenga pieces or the back of a puzzle so when they have game night they can look at all the happy wishes from that those who were at their wedding.

While some couples may like the idea of having a book they can flip through while reminiscing about their wedding, there are still ways of having a unique, yet traditional guest book. Some have put their engagement pictures in a photo matte and put those in a book where the guests can sign around the picture of the couple.

Another idea is to have a photo book of the guests. Finding a Polaroid camera may be difficult but worth it. The guests take pictures in a photo booth setting and then sign the pictures and put them into a book the couple has picked out.

Other couples want something they can put in their yard or garden, so they have their guests sign garden rocks or a bench they have refurnished. This way they can look at how their love is growing, just as the garden grows around them.

Having a unique guest book adds another personal touch of the couple and the guests.