What is a wedding guest book?

A wedding guest book is a wonderful way to capture memories and messages from the people who celebrated your big day with you. It's usually placed at your wedding reception, often accompanied by a sign encouraging guests to leave a message, wish, or funny story. As the evening progresses, this small book fills up with heartfelt notes, jokes, advice, and loving sentiments—creating a treasured keepsake to look back on for years to come.

Whether you're hosting a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, including a wedding guest book can add a thoughtful and personal element to your wedding day.

Traditionally, a wedding guest book is a bound book with blank or lightly lined pages where guests can leave handwritten notes for the newlyweds. Most couples choose to set it up at the entrance to their reception venue, but it can also be placed near the cake table, gift table, or bar—anywhere your guests are sure to notice it.

The beauty of a guest book lies in its spontaneity. Guests can leave heartfelt, funny, or emotional messages at any point in the evening. And, depending on how far into the night it is (and how many glasses of bubbly they’ve had), you might end up with some lighthearted gems too!

Guest books come in a wide variety of designs, colours, and themes to suit your wedding style. From elegant gold foiling to rustic kraft finishes, there’s a book to match every aesthetic. Many options can also be personalised with the couple’s names and wedding date—a lovely touch that adds to the keepsake value.

When selecting your guest book, consider the following:

• Page count vs guest count: Don’t just estimate one entry per family or invitation. Some guests may want to write their own personal messages, so you may receive more entries than you expect.

• Message space per page: Depending on the book’s size and layout, you’ll likely get 1–3 messages per page. If you're expecting a large number of guests, make sure your book has enough pages—or consider purchasing a second copy of the same design.

• Matching stationery themes: Coordinating your guest book with the rest of your stationery—such as invitations, table numbers, or thank-you cards—can help tie everything together beautifully.

After taking the time to choose your guest book, you’ll want to make sure your guests actually sign it. It’s easy to overlook during the busy excitement of the day, so here are some practical tips to ensure it gets used:

• Appoint someone responsible: Assign a trusted usher, bridesmaid, or groomsman to encourage guests to sign the book and help it get passed around.

• Strategic placement: Put the guest book in a spot that’s hard to miss—such as near the entrance, the bar, or the cake table.

• Signage helps: Add a clear sign next to your guest book with a message like, “Please leave us a note!” or “We’d love to hear from you!”

Looking for something less traditional? There are lots of creative alternatives to a classic guest book that still allow your guests to leave personal messages:

A wedding signature frame features a printed message and space for your guests to sign a mount or border that surrounds a central image. After the wedding, you can replace the printed centre with a favourite photo from your big day and hang it in your home. It’s a beautiful and functional way to keep those memories on display.

A wedding message plate comes with a ceramic-safe marker so guests can sign the plate itself. It's a charming keepsake you can later display. However, due to its breakable nature and smaller surface area, it’s best for smaller weddings or as a secondary keepsake alongside a book.

A wedding fingerprint tree is a playful and visually striking option. It’s a printed tree design that guests “leaf” with their fingerprints using coloured ink pads. Each fingerprint can also be signed with their name. Once complete, it becomes a framed piece of art to hang in your home.

Your wedding guest book—or whatever creative alternative you choose—is more than just stationery. It’s a memory bank of love, laughter, and stories from the people who mean the most to you. Whether you prefer something traditional or want a modern twist, there are endless ways to create a keepsake you’ll treasure for years to come.

And if you need help finding the perfect guest book or alternative option, Dotty about Paper has a wide range of personalised wedding stationery to suit every style, budget, and vision. Take a look at our wedding guest book collection or contact us for advice—we’re always happy to help make your day even more special.