In short
Guest books aren't just for parties. As Wikipedia explains, they have long been a fixture at churches, weddings, funerals, B&Bs and museums, with special forms such as a book of condolence after a death. At weddings and birthdays, the guest book is mainly a keepsake: handwritten messages you'll leaf through again years later.
Photo: Christina Victoria Craft / Unsplash
Example
At the entrance to the wedding venue there's a guest book with pens and instant photos. Each guest sticks in a picture and writes a wish for the couple next to it.
What to watch out for
- Put it where people are: A guest book tucked away in a corner stays empty. Place it where guests naturally wait and ask someone to point it out.
- Give prompts: Short questions like "Your best marriage advice?" make the first line easier to write.
- Pair it with photos: Many couples combine the guest book with an instant camera or also collect digital guest photos.
- Keep a digital copy: Photograph or scan the pages after the event so the messages are preserved – for instance for a photo book later on.
For more ideas around wedding traditions, see our wedding games.
