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Sign Me Up: From Works of Art to Playful Audio, Modern Guest Book Ideas

Unique Ideas for Guest Books

July 31, 2025

Emily Williams Photography_Puzzle_Guestbook_1.jpg

BRUSH UP

Perfect for creative couples, an interactive painting invites guests to collaborate on a work of art. Each guest can add their personal touch, whether it’s a brushstroke, a small design or a splash of color. “Chloe and Shane opted for an interactive guest book concept that made for a great keepsake for their home—a Paint by Number canvas!” shares LEXI SKOOG OF NOUSOCIAL.

TIP: Provide paints, brushes and a blank canvas that complements your wedding theme. Once complete, the painting becomes a one-of-a-kind piece of art that can be proudly displayed in your home.

WORK OF ART

An art book turned guestbook adds a fresh and imaginative take on tradition. “One of my favorites this year was an art book—guests were invited to pick a favorite art page to sign. These types of books, such as ‘A Year of Art’ or ‘365 Days of Inspiration,’ are perfect for large guest counts and can be deeply personal to the couple,” shares REENA MAHESHWARI OF KAHANI EVENTS & DESIGN.

TIP: Choose a book that resonates with your passions, whether it’s art, photography or poetry.

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

Ideal for vintage enthusiasts, writers or book lovers, a typewriter guest book adds nostalgic charm to your celebration. This creative activity invites guests to type out their wishes, advice, or favorite memories. The tactile experience of the typewriter brings an interactive, retro-inspired touch to your special day.

TIP: Stage a cozy writing station with the typewriter, extra paper, and a sign explaining how to use it. Display the notes in a beautiful box or frame.

MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE

Guests write messages and seal them in decorative bottles, offering a timeless way to preserve memories and well-wishes. This activity invites guests to share heartfelt advice, personal messages or even lighthearted predictions for your future, creating a collection of sentimental notes that you can revisit for years.

PERSONAL TOUCH

Choose an item that reflects your shared passions to add a personal and meaningful touch. “For Kelsey & Brian, custom baseball bats were a fun nod to a shared hobby and Brian’s job!” shares LILY HANSEN OF HAPPILILY EVENTS. “Guests signed the bats, creating a unique keepsake that nods to the couple’s shared hobby and Brian’s profession.”

TIP: Consider displaying the signed bats in a shadow box or stand for a stylish and heartfelt addition to your home décor, keeping your wedding day memories close.

RING, RING!

Capture the voices and emotions of your loved ones with a playful audio guestbook. Instead of signing a page, guests pick up a vintage-style phone to record a message, sharing their warm wishes, marriage advice or even a funny memory. “Audio guest books are a fantastic and innovative way to capture guests’ messages in a unique way,” states MELODY HALL OF EVENTS BY MELODY.“Specifically speaking, “After the Tone” or similar services can add a unique and heartwarming element to your event!”

TIP: After the wedding, compile the recordings into a digital album or audio montage that you can revisit anytime.

Photo: Devyn Lempke Photography

HOLE-IN-ONE

Add a playful and personal twist to your wedding by turning cornhole boards into a creative guest book. “Because my partner and I entertain often, we chose to have our guests sign custom cornhole boards rather than a guest book,” states KRISTINA BRITZ OF BETTY’S LOVE. “It fit perfectly with our backyard wedding and now we get to use them every time we have friends and family over.”

TIP: Customize the boards with your wedding colors, names, or a meaningful design to make them even more special. After the wedding, use them at future gatherings or anniversaries.

Photo | Krista Esterling Photography

PIECE BY PIECE

Elevate the traditional guestbook by offering guests the opportunity to sign pieces of a custom puzzle. “A puzzle offers a fun and customizable alternative for guest signatures,” notes RACHELLE MAZUMDAR OF STYLE-ARCHITECTS WEDDINGS & EVENTS. “Whether you choose a blank design for guests to sign freely or a custom image, like a portrait of the couple, it can be as versatile as you want!”

TIP: Select an image that symbolizes your love story—whether it’s a favorite photo of the two of you, a meaningful place or a design that holds special significance.

Photo | Emily Williams Photography