I know Wedding Skulls readers love anything a little different from the “normal” wedding stuff, so I’ve been thinking about alternatives to the boring guestbook. At our wedding, we have a notebook my mum found in a hippy shop, with a resin cover moulded like a demonic Necronomicon, and a skull pen magnetically attached to the cover. It’s awesome.
A guest book is meant to be a memento for you, so you can look back and remember who came, and read the lovely wishes they wrote for you on your wedding day. I’m a big fan of guestbooks that let guests be as creative as possible, because I think that makes for a fun book to look back on. Perhaps you’ll enjoy one of these ideas:
Wedding Platter
You can buy plain white platters from many sources (check your local Ikea) and draw on them with ceramic pens, which you should be able to find at a craft shop. If you have a lot of guests they won’t be able to do much more than sign their name, unless you want an entire wedding crockery set (which sounds like fun, especailly if you have some artistic friends). In order to set the markers, you normally need to bake the platter in the oven, so make sure you buy one that’s oven safe!
Wedding Pillowcases
Buy two unpatterned pullowcases and have your guests sign these with fabric markers. This idea works with other functional items, like aprons, photo frames and matt boards, canvases, cushions, vases and tapestries.
Playing Cards
I always think playing cards are the oft-overlooked classy, simple decorating tool. For the retro couple, why not buy a packet of playing cards and have your guests scrawl on them? That way, whenever you play strip poker, you can be reminded that grams thought you were a beautiful bride.
Wedding Collage
If you’re a bit of an artist, design a wedding collage, (just design it, don’t make it yet) which will include some of your wedding photos and mementos, and some means of guests signing it (little bits of paper cut out as skulls, or leaves, etc). leave the cut outs on the guest table with lots of multi-colored pens and
Sweet Tooth
Have a cupcake or cookie-decorating station, and have each guest make up an edible with their name on it, or a short message. Arrange the yummys on a table and take several good photos. Now eat your wedding guestbook for dessert!
Garden Feature
Have your guests write their names on a rock with a pen that won’t wash off. Seal the rocks with varnish and arrange in your garden. Plant a flower that reminds you of your relationship, and watch it grow together.
The Steampunk Book
Have a friend sit at a table with an old typewriter. Your guests dictate messages which she can then type out. Use these typed messages to create a steampunk-themed scrapbook or other art item. For extra fun, have your guests dictate messages as telegrams.
Another great steampunk idea is to have guests sign an old vintage travelling trunk. Filled with your worldly possessions, you’ll be ready for airship adventures!
Pumpkin Patch
At your halloween wedding, have your guests carve their names into a pumpkin, and take a photo of them all lit up. How wicked would that be? Give out a prize to the most artistic pumpkin.
Horrible Guests
Buy a calico zombie doll, and have your guests sign that. Awesome!
Recipe Guest Book
On your wedding invitation, ask each guest to bring a favorite family recipe. Compile these recipes into your own family cookbook. You could even have the book printed through Lulu, and give copies back to your relatives for birthdays and Christmas.
I hope I’ve inspired you with a few alternative wedding guestbook ideas. Remember, a guest book is meant to be a memento for your wedding reception, so choose one you’ll be able to hold onto forever.