Let’s be honest, when was the last time you went to a friend’s house and saw them casually reading their wedding guestbook on a Tuesday night? The traditional leather-bound book is classic, but it often ends up tucked away in a drawer, gathering dust along with your high school yearbooks.

But your wedding is a celebration of your unique style! Why shouldn’t the way your guests leave their mark be just as whimsical and memorable as the rest of your day?

We’ve rounded up our favorite creative alternatives to the traditional guestbook. These are ideas that turn signatures into art, games, and time capsules that you will actually want to look at for years to come.

1. The “Building Memories” Jenga Set

For the couple that loves game night, this is a winner. Set out a classic Jenga set (or a giant lawn version!) with permanent markers. Ask guests to sign a block and maybe write a piece of advice. Every time you play the game in the future, you’ll literally be building memories together.

Whimsy Tip: Make sure to test your pens on the wood beforehand to ensure the ink doesn’t bleed!

2. The Audio Guestbook (Retro Phone)

This trend is taking the wedding world by storm. Instead of writing, guests pick up a vintage rotary phone and leave a voicemail. Hearing your grandmother’s laugh or your best friend’s slightly-tipsy speech is worth a thousand written words.

DIY It: You can rent these services, or tech-savvy couples can hack an old phone to record to a digital file.

3. The Adventure Globe

Perfect for the couple with wanderlust. Buy a vintage globe (or paint one to match your wedding colors) and have guests sign directly on the oceans or their favorite travel destinations. It makes for a stunning piece of decor for your living room or home office.

4. The Message in a Bottle (Time Capsule)

Create a station with slips of paper and a few large glass bottles. Label the bottles “1 Year Anniversary,” “5 Year Anniversary,” and “10 Year Anniversary.” Guests slip their notes into the bottles, and you stay disciplined enough not to open them until that date hits! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

5. The Fingerprint Tree

Instead of signatures, guests use an ink pad to leave a thumbprint on a drawing of a tree (their prints become the leaves). They can sign their name over the print or leave it abstract. It’s a collaborative piece of art you can frame immediately.

Pro Tip: Keep a pack of wet wipes nearby so guests don’t stain their fancy clothes!

6. Signed Vinyl Records

If music is your love language, this is a no-brainer. Find a vinyl record of your first dance song (or just cool vintage records with blank centers) and use metallic markers for guests to sign the vinyl itself. Frame it in a square record frame for instant wall art.

7. The Polaroid Station

Combine your photo booth with your guestbook. Set out Instax or Polaroid cameras, plenty of film, and a scrapbook with washi tape. Guests snap a selfie, tape it in, and write a note next to their face. It’s instant, visual, and hilarious.

8. A Coffee Table Book

Do you have a favorite art book, a book about the city where you met, or a beautiful cookbook? Have guests sign the margins of the pages. Whenever you flip through that book to find a recipe or look at photos, you’ll find sweet notes from your favorite people.

9. The “Bucket List” Jar

Instead of just names, ask guests for ideas. Set out a jar and cards with the prompt: “A bucket list adventure we should take is…” You’ll get everything from travel recommendations to local date night ideas you never thought of.

10. Quilt Squares

For the crafty or cozy couple, set out pre-cut fabric squares and fabric markers. Guests sign the squares, which can later be sewn into a keepsake quilt that you can snuggle up under.

11. Signed Wine Corks

Wine lovers, start collecting! Have guests sign a cork (synthetic or real) with a sharpie. You can display them in a shadow box or a tall glass vase in your kitchen.

12. Puzzle Pieces

“Without you, our puzzle isn’t complete.” Use a custom puzzle made from one of your engagement photos, or a blank wooden puzzle. Guests sign the back of the pieces. Putting it together on your first anniversary becomes a sweet tradition.

Finally, Don’t Forget the Signage!

No matter which alternative you choose, the key to success is clear instructions. Guests are used to looking for a book, so if you’re asking them to sign a Jenga block or leave a voicemail, you need a sign that tells them exactly what to do!

At Whimsy Invites, we love helping you keep the aesthetic cohesive. When you’re designing your invitations, think about how you can carry those fonts and colors through to your “Guestbook” station signage.