Weddingbee Boards

A guest book records the name of guests who have attended a wedding.

Historically more of a ledger, similar to what a hotel might use to record its guests, guest books have grown from a simple list of names to a way to let guests participate in the wedding. Some still record predominantly signatures (as in the photo mat, ceramic plate, or quilt), others ask guests for wishes or advice (as in a wish bowl or wish tree), and others include photos (of the guests or the couple).

Guest books should be placed in such a way that everyone can get to them, but they aren't in the way. For wish-based books, ensure guests have the time, space, and pens to comfortably contribute without feeling pressured. For books requiring guests to take photos, as in a Polaroid book, either have clear instructions available (particularly for reloading film) or assign a guestbook attendant to help out.

The most common ways to alert guests to the location and style of the guestbook, as well as encourage them to contribute to them, are to have a guestbook attendant (a great job for an early-teen family member), use spoken explanations at some point, or to have explicit signage. You may be most successful using a combination, for example using small signs or explanations on the table itself, as well as mentioning it during table visits; or making an announcement directing guests to your attendant. There's a fine line between inviting guests to participate and demanding that they participate, so do try not to pressure people.

Guest Book Ideas

• Polaroid
• Photo mat board
• Photobook
• Photobooth
• Wish bowl or tree
• Guestbook Store
• Scrapbook
• Coffee table book
• Vintage typewriter
• Quilt
• Ceramic plate
• Stones or any type of everyday object that can be displayed
• Wedding Advice Jars
• Postcard Guest Book
• Blurb Guest Book

Wishbowl Poems

Please leave us a note,

please drop us a line,

add advice on marriage,

to stand the test of time

Instead of a guestbook stuck in a drawer,

Jen and Bill thought they would do more.

Please write them a note, a wish, or greeting.

On the plane to Spain, it will make for good reading!

Or if you prefer, some advice would be nice,

on how to stay married and keep the spice.

Weddings are more than just dresses and rice,

So pick up a pen and write us some advice!

From each of your experiences comes a very special gift,

A piece of hidden knowledge that we didn’t know exists.

Please share with us your wisdom about marriage, love and life;

How to be a loving husband, or to be the perfect wife.

Please write your thoughts and wishes to share with us for life

For the greatest gift of all is the gift of your advice.

Weddingbee Posts

Posts On Guest Book Tips

• Guestbook Sillies by Miss Kiwi
• Guestbook Table Mock Up by Miss Emerald

Posts On Guest Book Ideas

• I Need Your Autograph Please... by Miss Apple
• Guest Tablecloth by Miss Broccoli

Posts On Weddingbees' Guest Books

• More Details! Miss Peppermint's Guest Book
• Take A Seat Mrs. Licorice' Wish Cards
• Wish Me Well Miss Strawberry's Wish Cards
• The Polaroid Guest Book by Mrs. Lime
• I Need Help Mrs. Corn's Wish Tree
• My Publisher Gets An A! Miss Emerald's Photo Album Guest Book
• DIY Guest Book - CHECK by Miss Raspberry
• Be Our Guest Photo Album Guest Book by Miss Bell Pepper
• A Jar Filled With Wishes Mrs. Violet's Wish Cards
• Be Our Guest(Book)! by Miss Eggplant
• Easy, Breezy DIY Miss Plumeria's Mat Board Guest Book
• Say Cheese: Our Polaroid Guest Book by Mrs. Beetle
• Brewing Wishes Miss Green Tea's Teapot Wishes
• Wish Bowl Guestbook Miss Tiramisu's Wish Bowl Guest Book
• Glamnuptials: The Guestbook Mrs. Flamingo's Guestbook Cards
• A Guest Book to Cuddle With Miss Pinot Noir's Quilt Guestbook

Board Posts

• Blurb as a Guestbook and Blurb Guests Books Started by beesknees

External Links

• Guestbook Store
• Adesso Albums